- The McIntosh MX124 AV processor launches for a whopping $15,000 (around £11,079 / AU$21,423)
- 13.4 channel audio speaker configurations at 7.4.6 or 9.4.4 in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro
- 7 8K HDMI inputs and extensive additional connectivity, plus Dirac Live
If you’re looking for an AV processor so future-proof that your grandchildren will want to inherit it, McIntosh Labs may have what you need. The new MX124 A/V processor is designed for “today’s most advanced home theater systems,” according to the company, and comes with extensive connectivity options, as you’d expect.
As you’d expect from McIntosh, it’s rugged looking and, to my eyes, looks like something out of a 1960s recording studio or a NASA control center. But while it may look a little retro on the outside, what’s on the inside is very up to date.
Its 13 surround channels with four individual subwoofer outputs support speaker configurations up to 7.4.6 or 9.4.4 and it has excellent wired and wireless connectivity for your AV components.
McIntosh MX124 AV Processor: Key Features and Pricing
The McIntosh MX124 A/V processor is designed to sit at the center of a reference-spec home theater system, driving audio and video sources and routing 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 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz. They support Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and IMAX Enhanced, and also support HDCP 2.3, Rec.2020, 4:4:4 color spacing, dynamic lip sync, 3D video pass-through, ALLM, VRR, and fast video transport. frames.
There are four dedicated digital audio inputs, one balanced and eight unbalanced analog stereo inputs, composite and component video inputs, and dual analog stereo outputs to accommodate two additional listening zones.
For streaming, the MX124 supports AirPlay, Bluetooth, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready, and supports high-resolution audio streaming up to 32-bit/192kHz.
The MX124 also features Dirac Live Room Correction and Bass Control, with licenses included for both. It can also offer Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room calibration if that is your preferred option.
As a premium AV product, it has been designed with professional installation in mind and is Connects With Control4 certified for easy and efficient installation and pre-configuration. It features RS232 for automation control and is suitable for rack mounting.
McIntosh didn’t include pricing details in its official announcement, but retailers are listing the new MX124 with a price tag of $15,000 (around £11,079 / AU$21,423). And as I mentioned earlier, that excludes amplification.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, you might prefer to take a look at Denon’s two new affordable mid-range and entry-level AVRs, or Yamaha’s two new budget AVR options.
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