McIntosh's MX200 Processor Delivers 11.2 Immersive Sound, Dirac Live, and More

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(August 8, 2024) Home theater fans, McIntosh Labs has cooked up an interesting treat for you. The esteemed premium manufacturer and keeper of the green glow has launched its new MX200 processor. Tagged at $6,000 and offering up to 11.2 channels of processing, the MX200 slides into the market at a rather competitive high-end price point.

With onboard DTS:X and Dolby Atmos processing, the MX200 lets owners deploy systems ranging from 5.1 to 7.2.4 speaker counts. On the video front, 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz are in play with four HDMI 2.1 capable inputs and one output. That connectivity includes support of HDCP 2.3, various HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, Rec. 2020 color, and 3D passthrough. You'll also enjoy HDMI enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for sourcing audio – including Atmos – directly from a television.

The audio presentation is honed through Dirac Live Full Correction Bandwidth, which corrects time domain issues through a patented mixed-phase filter technology and seven onboard digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Users can also tweak output using front-mounted bass and treble controls.

A wide variety of analog and digital inputs and outputs are included, providing flexibility to create a custom home entertainment system. Beyond the aforementioned HDMI inputs, other digital options include two coax and two digital optical for connecting devices such as a CD player, tuner, or music streamer. On the analog side, a Moving Magnet phono input allows owners to connect a turntable, while a pair of balanced and unbalanced auxiliary inputs offer access to other audio devices. Of course, being a preamp, you'll need to dump your analog output to amplification, which is achieved via 11 discrete balanced outputs and two discrete unbalanced subwoofer outputs.

Unlike traditional-sized processors, the MX200 is compact enough to slot in a 2U rack size (mounting brackets included). Though, being a McIntosh, it's certainly a piece that's worth showing off as its design features an aluminum and glass front panel, illuminated McIntosh logo, and rotary control knobs.

Integrators will appreciate its Control4 Certification and Works with Crestron Home Certification, as well as its pre-configuration capabilities and backup options via computer or USB stick.

The McIntosh MX200 is scheduled to begin shipping in August.


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