McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., has introduced its latest product, the MX200 AV Processor. Scheduled for release this month, this advanced processor is designed to meet the demands of both DIY home theater enthusiasts and professional integrators alike. Priced at $6,000, the McIntosh MX200 offers a range of features that make it a significant addition to the high-end home theater market.
At the core of the MX200's appeal is its ability to handle up to 11.2 channels of uncompressed audio. This capability allows users to configure immersive audio setups, ranging from a basic 5.1 system to more complex 7.2.4 configurations. The processor supports popular surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, ensuring that it can deliver a full, three-dimensional audio experience.
In terms of video capabilities, the McIntosh MX200 supports the latest standards, including 8K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 120 fps. This makes it compatible with a wide range of modern displays, from 4K TVs to cutting-edge 8K models.
The processor also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, as well as advanced color spaces like Rec. 2020 and 4:4:4 chroma subsampling. These features should ensure that the MX200 can deliver high-quality video signals with vibrant colors and deep contrasts, and thus enrich the overall viewing experience.
One of the main features of the McIntosh MX200 is its inclusion of Dirac Live Full Bandwidth room correction software. This advanced audio processing tool helps to optimize the sound in any room by analyzing the acoustics and adjusting the audio output accordingly.
Dirac Live uses a combination of time-domain correction and mixed-phase filter technology to remove unwanted acoustic effects caused by the room’s layout and materials. This results in clearer, more accurate sound reproduction, regardless of the room's characteristics.
The McIntosh MX200 also includes seven 32-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs), which are responsible for processing audio signals with high precision. These DACs ensure that both stereo and surround sound audio are delivered with the highest possible fidelity, making the MX200 suitable for audiophiles who demand the best from their sound systems.
Connectivity is a key consideration for any AV processor, and the MX200 is well-equipped in this regard. It features four HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) support, and a variety of analog and digital audio inputs. The HDMI connections support the latest HDCP 2.3 standard, ensuring compatibility with current and future devices.
On the audio side, the MX200 offers both balanced and unbalanced connections. It includes 11 balanced outputs for connecting to external amplifiers, as well as two unbalanced outputs for subwoofers. Additionally, there is a Moving Magnet (MM) phono input for those who wish to connect a turntable, along with auxiliary inputs for other audio devices.
The processor is designed with integrators in mind, offering RS-232 connections and certifications from Control4 and Crestron, two leading home automation systems. This makes it easy to integrate the MX200 into a smart home setup, where it can be controlled alongside other devices through a single interface.
Aesthetically, the MX200 maintains McIntosh’s signature design language, featuring an aluminum and glass front panel with two silver-ringed control knobs. The minimalist design is both elegant and functional, making it a suitable addition to any home theater setup. Despite its compact form factor, which fits into a standard 2U rack space, the MX200 packs a significant amount of technology under the hood.
For users who may be daunted by the complexity of setting up a high-end AV processor, McIntosh has included an intuitive user interface that guides users through the setup process step by step. This makes it easier for both novices and experts to get the most out of the processor’s advanced features.
Priced at $6,000, the McIntosh MX200 represents a significant investment, but for those who are serious about their home theater systems, it offers a range of features that justify its cost. The MX200 will be available through authorized McIntosh dealers starting in August 2024. You can explore their other products at Crutchfield.
