McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor – Quick Look

All Image Credit: McIntosh
McIntosh has introduced the MX124 A/V Processor, a new 13.4-channel model that builds on the MX123 adding Dirac, 4 subwoofer outputs and updated HDMI connectivity. The MX124 supports speaker layouts to include; 7.4.6 and 9.4.4. Weighing in at 13.2Kg, the MX124 measures 444.5mm wide, 197mm high and 432mm deep, with its familiar black-glass front panel providing visual consistency with other McIntosh power amplifiers and components.

The MX124 A/V Processor supports speaker configurations up to 7.4.6 or 9.4.4 through 13 audio channels and now four independent subwoofer outputs. Compared to the previous model, MX124 doubles the number of subwoofer outputs, enabling greater bass management flexibility. Besides including the licence for Audyssey MultEQ XT32, the MX124 now includes expanded hardware to support the included licenses for Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control. Dirac Live Bass Control measures how the system’s speakers and subwoofers interact within the room, then adjusts their timing, phase and frequency response to improve low-frequency integration.
Audio processing includes; Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H Audio and IMAX Enhanced. Nine 32-bit digital-to-analogue converters (DAC’s) handle audio conversion, while individually adjustable crossover frequencies allow the system to be configured around different loudspeaker types and placements. Bass and treble controls provide additional system tuning to accommodate personal preferences and installation requirements.

The MX124 features seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs, including one with eARC. Two HDMI outputs support the primary video zone, while a third provides independent video playback in a second zone. All HDMI inputs and the primary outputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video and are compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and IMAX Enhanced. Additional HDMI technologies include HDCP 2.3, Rec. 2020, 4:4:4 Color Spacing, Dynamic Lip-sync, 3D Video Passthrough, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

Two channel listening includes network playback at up to 32-bit/192KHz through Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, while Roon Ready certification allows it to operate as an endpoint within a Roon system. Bluetooth playback and a separate Bluetooth transmitter for wireless headphones are also provided.
The MX124 A/V Processor includes web-based configuration, pre-configuration and file upload capabilities, backup and restore support, RS232 and IP control, and certification for Control4 Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP) integration.

Rear panel signal connectivity includes; 15 x XLR and 17 x RCA line outputs, 2 x coaxial and 2 x optical digital inputs, 1 x XLR stereo input and 8 x RCA analogue inputs, including a moving-magnet phono stage. Other connectivity includes; 2 x additional audio zones, 1 x RCA component and 2 x composite video inputs for legacy equipment and Bluetooth headphone support. HDMI connections include; 7 x HDMI in and 3 x HDMI out (one with eARC). Remaining connections include; 1 x RJ45 Ethernet, 2 x 12VDC trigger I/O, 1 x RS232, 1 x IR in, 1 x setup mic and 1 x data out.
Features At A Glance:
- 13.4 Audio Channels
- 7 HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs
- 8K/60Hz; 4K/120Hz; eARC/ARC
- Dolby Atmos; DTS:X Pro; Sony 360 Reality Audio; MPEG-H Audio
- Dirac Live Room Correction with Bass Control
- Dolby Vision; HDR10+; HLG
- Apple AirPlay; Bluetooth: Qobuz Connect; Spotify Connect; TIDAL Connect; Roon Ready
- Connects with Control4 Certification
- Installer friendly features
Specifications (In brief):
- Multi-channel outputs:
- Balanced: 11.4
- Unbalanced: 15.4
- Frequency Response:
- ±0.5 dB from 20 Hz – 20 KHz
- Subwoofer: ±0.5 dB from 20 Hz – 8 KHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% (DSP Bypass)
- Signal To Noise Ratio:
- Phono: 86 dB below 10 mV Input
- High Level: 96 dB below rated Output
- Audio Formats:
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround Upmixer
- 360 Reality Audio
- DTS-X Pro, Neural:X Surround Upmixer, DTS Virtual:X
- IMAX Enhanced
- MPEG-H Audio
- HDMI Features:
- 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz
- 1 x eARC
- Rec. 2020 (BT.2020)
- ALLM/QFT/VRR
- HDCP2.3
- HDR (static HDR); Dynamic HDR; Dolby Vision (including low latency); HDR10+; HLG
- Room Correction: Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control (all licenses included) and Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ / Dynamic Volume, LFC
- Channel Formats: 13.4, 9.2.4, 7.1, 5.1, Stereo
- Streaming Services: Apple AirPlay; Bluetooth; Qobuz Connect; Spotify Connect; TIDAL Connect; Roon Ready
- Bluetooth 5.4 – A2DP, SBC, 2.4GHz
- Wi-Fi dual band 2.4/5GHz
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-1/2″ (44.45cm) x 7-3/4″ (19.7cm) (including feet) x 17″ (43.2cm) (including front panel, knobs, rear panel connections, and Wi-Fi antennas)
- Weight: 29 lbs (13.2 kg)
Pricing:
- UK: £16,900
- US: $15,000
- EU: €19,500
For more information visit the McIntosh web site.
Related posts: