For those seeking ultimate control over their home theater setup, an AV receiver simply won’t suffice. These individuals desire dedicated amplifiers, potentially one for each speaker, making an AV receiver with integrated amplification an unnecessary expense. An AV processor becomes the ideal solution, and McIntosh’s new MX200 AV processor might be the perfect fit for DIY home theater enthusiasts or professional installers. This high-end piece of equipment, available in August at authorized McIntosh dealers for $6,000, can handle up to 11.2 channels of uncompressed audio while seamlessly passing 8K/60 frames per second (fps), 4K/120 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG (with 3D and rec.2020) to your television. Some of these features, particularly the 8K/HDR10+ support, represent an upgrade from the company’s $5,500 MX100 AV Processor. However, it’s the inclusion of Dirac Live Full Bandwidth room correction, with a software license, that’s likely to captivate enthusiasts. While the MX100 featured Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dirac Live has gained considerable traction recently, making the MX200 a tempting upgrade even for existing AV processor owners. Aesthetically, the MX200 closely resembles the MX100, boasting a sleek, rack-mountable black chassis adorned with silver wings, a glass display showcasing multiline LED readouts, and two simple, elegant control knobs (one for volume, the other for input selection). The rear panel also bears a striking resemblance. Unfortunately, McIntosh has maintained only four HDMI inputs, which may feel somewhat limited in today’s world where users are likely to own multiple game consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. As with its predecessor, the main audio channel outputs are handled through balanced XLR connections. However, this time, McIntosh opted for unbalanced RCA jacks for the two subwoofer outputs. Four digital inputs (two optical, two coaxial) remain available, but the MX200 also offers a generous selection of analog inputs. These include an analog line-in, a dedicated phono line-in with grounding for moving-magnet cartridge turntables, and a set of stereo balanced XLR inputs. The processor supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and audiophiles will appreciate the MX200’s utilization of seven discrete 32-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs).
McIntosh’s New MX200 AV Processor: A Powerhouse for Home Theater Enthusiasts
