McIntosh MX-120 AV Preamp Reviewed

  • By: HomeTheaterReview.com,

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HTR Product Rating

Performance
3.5 Stars
Value
4 Stars
Overall
4 Stars

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While most of us run full 7.1 home theater systems, I know few who forget the fact that all good home theater systems are built on the basics of two-channel audio. McIntosh is a company who began in the two-channel world and is well known and respected in both arenas. For those who want the utility of a home theater but will accept no sacrifice in two-channel performance, McIntosh has released their MX-120 AV preamplifier. Designed to be the hub of a home theater and two-channel rig, the MX-120 is the lesser-priced unit from McIntosh. It offers two zone control, HDMI video switching and balanced stereo operation all for $8,000. The MX-120 offers the legendary look of McIntosh with the green lights and the simple, retro styling their fans know and love.

The MX-120 is an unusual piece in that, at first glance, it's designed as a two-channel preamp with home theater added in as a bonus. I say this as the MX-120 has single ended 7.1 channel preamp outputs while offering balanced outputs for the front three speakers. One balanced stereo input is there as well as six analog inputs, including a MM phono input. There are three coaxial and optical inputs and one each for output. Six composite and S-Video inputs, three component and four HDMI (video only) inputs are there with three S-Video and composite, one component and HDMI output, and all signals are transcoded up to HDMI. A tape recorder loop completes the inputs. RS-232 and IR control ports as well as McIntosh's proprietary amplifier connection finish off the connectivity. The MX-120 is capable of handling eight inputs, and all inputs are assignable and re-nameable. The user can preset surround formats and bass and treble levels for each input and for Zone A these will be remembered until they are changed.
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Sonically the MX-120 will keep die-hard McIntosh fans happy with a smooth and comfortable sound they will love. The unusual inclusion of balanced outputs for the front three channels allows for use of high quality amplifiers for the front two or three speakers, or for longer runs of interconnects to these speakers without signal interference, and allows the MX-120 to maximize two-channel performance while offering home theater as well.

Read more about the MX-120 on Page 2.

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  • Comment on this article

  • By Jim Wardlaw

As a Mcintosh dealer, I can tell you this is a great product.
If you want it all, then you need to step up to the MX 136.

  • By Chuck Hinton

BTW folks, the MX120 is discontinued and out of stock, the new MX150 w/ all the bells and wistles is due to ship this month.

  • By Jerry Del Colliano

McIntosh's PR firm has already contacted us about a feature review of the MX-150 which Ken Taraszka and Andrew Robinson will consider while at CES.

There is very little chance that we will not review it. I would expect a feature review (this was a quick review) in late spring or early summer.

Jerry

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