Skip to main content

Meet McIntosh McAire: the Rolls Royce of Lifestyle Audio Systems

meet mcaire mcintosh rolls royce wireless speakers console
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Some people just have to have the best of everything. Whether it’s the car, the racket, or the liquor in their glass, luxurious style and brilliant performance are paramount, above all other consideration – including the price. For this demanding subset of the public, we present the McIntosh McAire wireless speaker system, the premium choice for compact wireless sound.

While the McAire is suitably fitted to speak to all of your Apple paraphernalia, it was crafted by a different McIntosh than those tech gurus down in Silicon Valley (note the missing ‘a’). Instead, it was created on the other coast by McIntosh Laboratory, a trusted name in all things hi-fi since the early ‘50’s. And it’s from that era (or even before it) that the McAire draws inspiration, weaving modern technology, and premium sound into a gorgeous cabinet of retro brilliance.

Surrounding the gleaming blue VU meters and sparkling silver dials are an understated collection of high performance drivers, including two four-inch woofers with dual acoustic ports, a pair of two-inch inverted dome midrange drivers, and dual ¾-inch tweeters. While the amplification specs are McIntosh’s little secret, the McAire should have no problem filling the room with fluid lines of first-class sound. The system’s promised frequency response of 60Hz-45kHz assures superior handling of the most delicate details across the spectrum.

Connection options include Wi-Fi with Airplay support for high quality streaming, hardwired USB connection to charge your device while you play, and stereo RCA connection for Auxiliary components. The system also offers the AP1 iOS app, which recreates those gorgeous VU meters on your phone for a symbiotic retro experience.

And now for the tough pill to swallow: the price. At $3,000, the McAire dares you to find a more expensive means of succinct wireless audio playback. Still, if you want the best, you have to pay for it. And with a reputation for knock-out performance in everything it creates, McIntosh products are an investment in sonic supremacy. You can a list of authorized McIntosh dealers which carry the McAire from the company’s website.

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…
The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024
Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Read more
This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts
The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer

Read more
Reacher season 3: Everything we know so far
Get up to date on Reacher season 3!
Alan Ritchson in Reacher.

The era of Jack Ryan may be over, but Reacher is carrying on as one of the best shows on Amazon Prime Video. This action thriller is based upon Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels, which previously featured Tom Cruise in the leading role of two different movies. But for Prime Video, Alan Ritchson has stepped into the role of Jack Reacher, a former member of the United States Army Military Police Corps who drifts from town to town and takes justice into his own hands when the local law enforcement isn't enough.

Prime Video didn't waste any time before renewing Reacher for a third season last year. And while new episodes are still several months away, we're sharing everything we know about Reacher season 3.
Which Reacher novel will season 3 be based on?

Read more