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.
