One of the key lessons learned during my reviews of the Theory Audio Design 5.2.2 system and Acurus Muse A/V Processor was the importance of the latter. The impact of the Muse on the overall performance of the $18,000 loudspeaker system was significant and I’m not sure I would have come to the same conclusions had I connected the system to the outputs of my NAD AVR which does a good job but is not exactly state-of-the-art.
The McIntosh MX180 A/V Processor is designed for those assembling a home theater system in the $100,000 range and is likely to be paired with something like the McIntosh MC303 or MC255 multi-channel power amplifiers.
The $17,000 McIntosh MX180 is designed to be used in multiple home theater or 2.0 setups including video; I can envision it being the hub in a dedicated home theater space while someone else is watching sports on a 4K HDTV in the next room.
When you are spending that kind of money, flexibility and connectivity options are key. One can obviously achieve a similar result with a less expensive A/V Processor or AVR when it comes to switching, but the type of customer purchasing the MX180 is going to be using far more expensive amplification and will want a similar quality processor to match.
Features
- Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz on all 7 Ultra-High-Speed HDMI ports (5 inputs and 2 outputs)
- Each HDMI port supports HDCP 2.3, 4:4:4 Color, Rec. 2020, Dynamic Lip-sync, and 3D Video pass-through as well as enhanced features Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Supports a numerous high dynamic range formats including HDR (static HDR), Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision (including low latency)
- Includes 16 balanced audio outputs for popular 15.1 or 9.1.6 surround sound speaker configurations among others
- Compatible with leading 3D surround sound formats including Dolby® Atmos, DTS:X® Pro, and Auro-3D®
- The 2 HDMI outputs can simultaneously output one source material to two separate screens, or can output different content from two different sources to two separate screens
- One HDMI output that features both Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality
- Comes with sophisticated RoomPerfect™ room correction technology to measure and adjust the audio output to compensate for the specific acoustic properties for the space
The McIntosh MX180 Includes a variety of digital and analog inputs and outputs including a Moving Magnet phono input.
The MX180 features some of the latest analog to digital convertor technology to maximize the audio quality of analog sources. Bass and treble controls offer further audio fine-tuning. The MX180 also has a two-channel Zone B output to send audio to a second zone in the house.
The MX180 utilizes the latest technological advancements in processing power to run cooler than previous McIntosh home theater processors and has a robust and simplified setup program that allows for customization and optimization based on specific home theater and speaker needs.
It comes with the iconic McIntosh design of a black glass front panel, control knobs, illuminated logo and custom aluminum end caps. The MX180 can be paired with a variety of amplifiers and speakers to make up a complete home theater system.
Pricing and Availability
Orders for the MX180 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers. Shipping is expected to begin in February 2022 to the United States and Canada, and to the rest of the world shortly thereafter. Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $17,000 USD.
For more information: mcintoshlabs.com
