- McIntosh MX124 AV processor launches for a cool $15,000 (approx £11,079 / AU$21,423)
- 13.4 audio channels for 7.4.6 or 9.4.4 speaker configurations in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro
- 7x 8K HDMI inputs and extensive additional connectivity options plus Dirac Live
If you’re looking for an AV processor that’s so future-proof that your grandchildren will want to inherit it, McIntosh Labs might have just the thing. The new MX124 A/V processor is designed for “today’s “most advanced home theater systems,” according to the company, and comes with the extensive connectivity options you’d expect.
As you’d expect from McIntosh, it’s a cool thing, and to my eye it looks like something out of a 1960s recording studio or NASA control center. But while it may look a bit retro on the outside, what’s inside is bang up to date.
Its 13 surround channels with four individual subwoofer outputs support speaker configurations of up to 7.4.6 or 9.4.4, and it has excellent wired and wireless connectivity options for your AV components.
McIntosh MX124 AV Processor: Key Features and Prices
The McIntosh MX124 A/V processor is designed to sit at the heart of a reference-spec home theater system, handling the audio and video sources and routing the audio to the appropriate amplifiers via its balanced or unbalanced outputs.
It has seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, including one with eARC for your TV, and all HDMI inputs support 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and IMAX Enhanced, they also support HDCP 2.3, Rec.2020, 4:4:4 Color Spacing, Dynamic Lip-sync, 3D Video Passthrough, ALLM, VRR and Quick Frame Transport.
There are four dedicated digital audio inputs, one balanced and eight unbalanced analogue stereo inputs, component and composite video inputs and dual analogue stereo outputs to accommodate two additional listening zones.
For streaming, the MX124 supports AirPlay, Bluetooth, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready, which supports high-resolution audio streaming at up to 32-bit/192kHz.
The MX124 also features Dirac Live Room Correction and Bass Control, with licenses included for both. It can also provide Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration if that’s your preferred option.
Being a premium AV product, it has been designed with professional installation in mind and is Connects With Control4 certified for simple and efficient setup and pre-configuration. It has RS232 for automation control and is suitable for rack mounting.
McIntosh did not include pricing information in its official announcement, but dealers list the new MX124 with a price tag of $15,000 (approx. £11,079 / AU$21,423). And as I mentioned above, that’s exclusive reinforcement.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, you might prefer to take a look at Denon’s two new affordable entry and mid-range AVRs or Yamaha’s two new budget AVR options.
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