McIntosh just announced the availability of its high-performance MX150 A/V Control Center (SRP: $12,000). With features and functionality far beyond those of typical A/V preamplifiers, the MX150 sets a new standard for high performance home theater, providing users with an elegant solution for controlling and enjoying the maximum benefits of all today's advanced video and audio source components.Additional Resources
• Read the McIntosh MX-120 AV preamp Review.
• Read a review of the McIntosh MC275 tube power amp by Ken Kessler.
• View other high end AV preamp reviews from the likes of Mark Levinson, Krell, McIntosh, Adcom, Anthem, Arcam and many others.
The MX150 features a robust up-converting video processing engine with advanced HDMI 1.3 capability, as well as Dolby TrueHD and DTSMaster decoding, on-board RoomPerfect™* auto-equalization, multiple subwoofer capability, and software management via USB, Ethernet and Compact Flash. The MX150 is scheduled to be available later this month.
Related Articles and Content
Be sure to check out our other related articles, including McIntosh Introduces First "Executive System", McIntosh's First Ever Integrated Audio System Shipping in Time for Holidays, and the McIntosh MX-120 AV preamp review. You can also find more information in our AV Preamp section and on our McIntosh brand page.
The MX150 features five HDMI 1.3 audio/video inputs and is engineered to function with all the latest audio processing technologies to ensure seamless compatibility and maximum performance with Blu-ray disc players. In addition to its ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, it also affords decoding of Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital 5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS 5.1/7.1, DTS ES, Discrete 6.1, DTS ES Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo 6, DTS 96/24. The unit's five Component, two S-Video and two Composite video inputs ensure the ultimate in home entertainment expandability, with user preferences assignable per source.
Video signals are minimally processed in order to preserve their integrity and maximize hardware compatibility. Analog video is transcoded to digital HDMI with the original scan type, line resolution and frame rate preserved. HDMI video is passed through unaltered.
For added flexibility in multi-zone system building, the MX150 is a 2-zone controller with both zones controllable from the front panel or with remote sensors/keypads and comes complete with an event based learning remote control.
The MX150 carries on in the McIntosh tradition of sonic excellence with exceedingly low noise and distortion performance. Two balanced inputs combine with balanced outputs and a differential balanced audio topology to offer superb low-level linearity. Coaxial and optical digital audio inputs are provided along with an AES/EBU balanced digital input for use with fine-quality outboard DACs such as the McIntosh MDA1000. An on-screen user interface is menu-driven and intuitive for ease of system set up. An RS232 input offers compatibility with third party remote control systems while McIntosh Power Control and Data Ports enable the MX150 to control an entire McIntosh system from a single hand-held remote.
The MX150's audio processing capabilities provide users with maximum flexibility and performance when used with today's most sophisticated high-definition audio formats. Multiple surround and music modes utilizing the latest 24-bit converters provide thrilling surround effects and breathe new life into stereo recordings. Pure analog and two-channel bypass modes are provided, as is low noise MM phono preamp. In addition, balanced and unbalanced connections are included.
Notably, the MX150's audio processor and room correction technologies work in concert to automatically optimize loudspeaker delay, bass management, crossover settings and room equalization. This process is exceedingly accurate, with loudspeaker distances set to within a fraction of an inch tolerance.
Featured Audio-Video News
Are AV Retailers To Blame For Lofty High End AV Prices? -
The audio video has been in a state of flux or some time, splitting sales up between specialty dealers, big box stores, and online sellers. However, the dealers may have had more to do with this than they think.
Latest AV Preamplifier News
Meridian Offers Performance Trade Up Program -
Meridian Audio has decided to once help out their customers with a trade up program. This time, the offer deals with the company's newest model in the 800 series: the 818 Reference Audio Core.
Audio Design Associates Releasing $40,000 Mach IV Preamp -
Audio Design Associates went to the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show with a big product: the Mach IV preamplifier/processor, which claims to be the most advanced unit available in the market today.
Cary Audio Design Begins Shipping Cinema 12 processor -
The Cinema 12 has begun shipping and it will provide increased performance and flexibility while still maintaining the features of its predecessors. Home Theater Review has the details on the latest offering from Cary Audio.
Krell Adds 3D to Evolution 707, S-1200, and S-1200U Surround Processors -
Krell has just added 3D upgrades to its Evolution line of surround processors, including the 707, S-1200, and S-1200U. The company remains committed to providing the latest in home theater technology.
Lexicon Lowers Price of MC-12HDB AV Preamp -
Consumers will be pleased to know that Lexicon has lowered the price on its top of the line preamplifier/processor for home theater systems. The MC-12HDB's price has been reduced by $3,000 to..
Theta Digital Ships Updated Casablanca III HD Preamp -
The latest from item from Theta Digital is an update to its flagship preamp processor, the Casablanca III HD. The company is also making updates available for those who already have past versions of the Casablanca platform.
Onkyo Releases Classic Style Components -
Onkyo has combined the best of both worlds with three new products that combine the very latest audio technology with a classic 1980s look in an attempt to appeal to audiophiles that crave both nostalgia and performance.
Sherbourn Technologies Announces New Relationship With Control4 -
Sherbourn Technologies is showing the first results of its recent acquisition by Jade Designs, Inc. The two new models unveiled at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show both feature an integrated Control4 controller.
Onkyo Introduces THX-Certified AV Component Separates -
For the first time, Onkyo is offering separate components which will allow for different levels of performance, quality and capabilities. This will include an A/V preamplifier/processor that is 3D-Ready and THX-Certified.
Parasound Upgrades Halo JC 2 Preamp With Home Theater Bypass -
The latest Halo JC 2 stereo preamplifier is now available from Parasound. The new preamp features a home theater bypass function which allows them it to be connected as the front left and right channels of a surround home theater system.


Comment on this article
Post a Comment
You are encouraged to post your comments using Facebook on HomeTheaterReview.com. Simply sign in to your Facebook account below and post away.