McIntosh today announced an 8K compatibility upgrade for its high-end MX123 A/V Processor. Although there’s no model number change, all new units shipping this month (September 2021) will be updated to support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video resolutions and refresh rates (HDMI 2.1). The new MX123 will also be able to upscale lower resolutions to 8K.
First launched in October 2019, the 13.2-channel MX123 home theater preamplifier/processor appears visually unchanged except for rear inputs. Of its 10 HDMI inputs and outputs, one of the inputs and two of the outputs will have 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support (all 10 will continue to support 4K/60Hz). The three HDMI ports that are 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz compatible will also offer many other advanced features including Quick Media Switching (QMS); Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM); Quick Frame Transport (QFT); and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
All 10 of the HDMI ports support HDCP 2.3; Rec. 2020; 4:4:4 color spacing; Dynamic Lip-sync; and 3D Video pass-through. And all 10 will also now support a myriad of high dynamic range formats such as HDR (static HDR); Dynamic HDR; HDR10+; HLG; and Dolby Vision (including low latency).
In addition to these exciting video upgrades, the MX123 will continue to offer an impressive list of audio capabilities: 13.2 audio channels; Dolby Atmos (including Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer); DTS:X Pro; Auro-3D; Sony’s 360 Reality Audio; MPEG-H Audio; IMAX Enhanced; eARC/ARC; Apple AirPlay 2; Bluetooth; Spotify Connect; and Audyssey MultEQ XT32. To facilitate integration into home automation systems, it also has Connects with Control4 Certification from Control4 and Works with Crestron Home certification from Crestron.
Pricing and Availability
McIntosh MX123 8K A/V Processors will start shipping from the McIntosh factory to their global dealer network beginning in September 2021. Orders can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers. The 4K version of the MX123 is no longer available from McIntosh.
Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $8,500 USD.
