Although the McIntosh MX100 AV Processor was released in 2020, it looks like the engineering department in Binghamton has decided to release a replacement, the MX200.
MX200 Overview
Highly versatile, the MX200 A/V Processor offers up to 11.2 channels of signal processing and can be configured to support several speaker configurations from 5.1 to 7.2.4 to accommodate immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos.
The MX200 has a streamlined design that complements any home entertainment space. For video, the MX200 accepts 8K, 4K, or HD content from streaming services and Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs.
Four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. Support is also provided for High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG as well as 4:4:4 color spacing, Rec. 2020 color gamut, and 3D video pass-through. Audio support includes immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
In addition, compatibility with a variety of McIntosh home theater amplifiers and surround sound speakers provides users the ability to customize their home theater/home entertainment setup.
Tech Note: The MX200 takes care of the input sources and signal processing, but power amplifiers are required unless speakers are self-powered with XLR inputs. In addition, up to two powered subwoofers can connect to the MX200 via two subwoofer output (unbalanced RCA) connections.
Dirac Room Correction
The MX200 comes with Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth and its corresponding license, delivering advanced room adjustment and correction. An advanced room acoustic solution, Dirac Live enables users to optimize their sound systems and reduce unwanted effects introduced by the room. Utilizing purpose-built audio algorithms, Dirac Live provides:
- Room correction with time domain correction using mixed-phase filter technology.
- An easy-to-use, intuitive user interface and step-by-step guidance that allows for quick setup and personalization
Comparison
| MX200 | MX100 | |
| Price (USD) | $6,000 | $5,500 |
| Device Type | AV Preamp/Processor | AV Preamp/Processor |
| Channel Output Support | 11.2 | 11.2 |
| Surround Sound Decoding | Dolby Atmos DTS:X | Dolby Atmos DTS:X |
| Surround Sound Processing | Dolby Surround Upmixer Neural:X Surround Upmixer | Dolby Surround Upmixer Neural:X Surround Upmixer |
| Color Support | 4:4:4 color spacing Rec. 2020 | 4:4:4 color spacing Rec. 2020 |
| 3D Support | 3D video pass-through | 3D video pass-through |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision HDR10 HDR10+ HLG | Dolby Vision HDR10 HLG |
| HDMI Support | 8K/60Hz 4K/120Hz HDCP 2.3 | 4K/60Hz HDCP 2.2 |
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Transfer Speed | Up to 40 Gbps | Up to 18 Gbps |
| Wired Connectivity (Inputs) | 4 x HDMI 2 x Digital Optical 2 x Digital Coaxial 2 x RCA (Unbalanced) 2 x XLR (Balanced) | 4 x HDMI 2 x Digital Optical 2 x Digital Coaxial |
| Phono Input | 1 x Moving Magnet (MM) | No |
| Wired Connectivity (Outputs) | 1 x HDMI 11 x XLR (Balanced) 2 x Subwoofer (RCA – Unbalanced) | 1 x HDMI 11 x XLR (Balanced) 2 x Subwoofer (XLR-Balanced) |
| Room Correction | Dirac Live Full Bandwidth | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 |
| Tone Control | Bass, Treble | Bass, Treble |
| DAC Support | 7 x 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) | 7 x 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) |
| Frequency Response (+/- 0.5dB) | 20Hz – 20kHz | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) | 0.005% maximum from 20Hz – 20kHz | 0.005% maximum from 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Third-Party Control | RS232 Web IP IR Input Control4 Crestron Home | RS232 Web IP IR Input Control4 Crestron Home |
| Network Connection (for control) | 1 x Ethernet | 1 x Ethernet |
| Rack Unit Size | 2U | 2U |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 17-1/2″ (44.45cm) (19″ (48.3cm with mounting ears)) x 4-5/16″ (11cm) (including feet) x 18-1/2″ (47cm) (including front panel and cables) | 17-1/2″ (44.45cm) (19″ (48.3cm with mounting ears)) x 4-5/16″ (11cm) (including feet) x 18-1/2″ (47cm) (including front panel and cables) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
Initial Impressions
McIntosh isn’t one of those A/V brands that brings out replacement models every year as they are designed from the ground up to last. However, in the A/V processor category, things have changed somewhat since 2020 to warrant a replacement model.
The MX200 provides all the connections, switching, and processing you might need to access your sources on your TV or video projector displays, but, as mentioned earlier in this article, the MX200 does not connect directly to speakers so external amplifiers are needed.
To take advantage of its 11-channel output, owners can connect 11 monoblock, 6 two-channel, two 5-channel + 1 monoblock, or other combinations of power amps that in turn power the speakers. The only caveat is the amplifier must allow for XLR connections, since the MX200 only provides XLR outputs.
Alternatively, customers can consider the McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver for $8,000 which provides processing and power in one box.
Price & Availability
The McIntosh MX200 is available for $6,000 USD through authorized McIntosh dealers with international pricing set at $8,400 CAD, €8,290 (including VAT), and £7,995 (including VAT).
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