Hey audiophiles! Today, we’re diving deep into the McIntosh MX123 AV Processor. If you're serious about home theater, you know McIntosh is synonymous with high-end audio. The MX123 aims to bring that legendary McIntosh quality to your surround sound setup. Let's find out if it lives up to the hype.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the MX123 screams premium. The classic McIntosh design is unmistakable: the black glass front panel, the illuminated logo, and those iconic blue meters. It's a hefty piece of equipment, which speaks to the quality of the components inside. Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to a well-organized menu system and a comprehensive manual. The connections on the back are plentiful, including HDMI 2.1, which is crucial for future-proofing your system with 8K capabilities. Initial impressions? This is a serious piece of kit designed for serious audio enthusiasts.

Key Features and Specifications

The McIntosh MX123 is packed with features that make it a top-tier AV processor. Let's break down some of the most important ones:

• 13.2 Channel Processing: This allows for a highly immersive surround sound experience, supporting a wide range of speaker configurations.
• HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Support: Essential for the latest gaming consoles and streaming devices, ensuring you get the best possible video quality.
• Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D Support: Covers all the major immersive audio formats, providing a versatile listening experience.
• IMAX Enhanced Certification: Guarantees that you're getting the IMAX experience at home, with optimized audio and video performance.
• Audyssey MultEQ XT32 Calibration: An advanced room correction system that optimizes the sound for your specific listening environment.
• Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs: Offers flexibility in connecting to a wide range of amplifiers.
• High-Resolution Audio Support: Supports DSD and PCM audio formats, ensuring you can enjoy your high-resolution music collection.

Sound Quality: Does It Live Up to the McIntosh Name?

Okay, let's get to the most important part: how does the McIntosh MX123 sound? In short, it's exceptional. The soundstage is incredibly wide and deep, creating a truly immersive experience. The clarity and detail are stunning, allowing you to hear every nuance in your favorite movies and music. Dialogue is crisp and clear, and the bass is tight and powerful. Whether you're watching an action-packed blockbuster or listening to a delicate classical piece, the MX123 delivers a level of performance that is truly breathtaking.

Movie Performance

For movies, the MX123 truly shines. The immersive audio processing creates a convincing 3D soundscape, placing you right in the middle of the action. During intense action scenes, the processor handles complex sound effects with ease, maintaining clarity and separation even at high volumes. The dynamics are incredible, with sudden bursts of sound that will make you jump out of your seat. But it's not just about the big moments; the MX123 also excels at reproducing subtle details, like the rustling of leaves or the creaking of a door, adding to the realism of the experience.

Music Performance

When it comes to music, the MX123 is equally impressive. The processor delivers a smooth and natural sound, with a level of detail that will satisfy even the most critical audiophiles. The soundstage is wide and open, allowing you to clearly hear each instrument in the mix. The bass is tight and well-defined, providing a solid foundation for the music. Whether you're listening to rock, jazz, or classical, the MX123 will bring your music to life.

Setup and Calibration

Setting up the McIntosh MX123 might seem daunting, but McIntosh has made the process as user-friendly as possible. The on-screen menu is well-organized and easy to navigate. The included Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration system is a powerful tool for optimizing the sound for your specific room. Simply plug in the included microphone, follow the on-screen instructions, and the system will automatically adjust the EQ settings to compensate for your room's acoustics. While Audyssey does a great job, some users may prefer to fine-tune the settings manually for even greater control.

Audyssey MultEQ XT32

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is one of the most advanced room correction systems available. It analyzes the sound in your room at multiple points and then creates a custom EQ curve to compensate for any acoustic problems. This can make a huge difference in the sound quality, especially in rooms that are not acoustically treated. The system is easy to use, but it also offers a lot of advanced features for those who want to tweak the settings manually. You can adjust the target curve, set frequency limits, and even create custom speaker profiles.

Connectivity and Control

The McIntosh MX123 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, balanced and unbalanced audio outputs, and a variety of digital and analog inputs. The processor also supports network streaming, allowing you to access your favorite music services. Control options include the included remote control, the McIntosh Connect app, and integration with popular home automation systems like Control4 and Crestron. This level of flexibility ensures that the MX123 can be easily integrated into any home theater setup.

HDMI 2.1

The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 is a major selling point for the MX123. This latest HDMI standard supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, which is essential for the latest gaming consoles and streaming devices. It also supports advanced features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which can improve the gaming experience. With HDMI 2.1, you can be sure that the MX123 is future-proofed for the latest video technologies.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the McIntosh MX123:

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality: The MX123 delivers a level of performance that is truly breathtaking, with stunning clarity, detail, and dynamics.
• Comprehensive feature set: The processor is packed with features, including 13.2 channel processing, HDMI 2.1, and support for all the major immersive audio formats.
• Advanced room correction: The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 system does a great job of optimizing the sound for your specific room.
• Wide range of connectivity options: The MX123 offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to integrate into any home theater setup.
• Classic McIntosh design: The MX123 boasts the iconic McIntosh design, with a black glass front panel, illuminated logo, and blue meters.

Cons:

• High price: The MX123 is a premium product with a premium price tag, putting it out of reach for many consumers.
• Complex setup: While the menu system is well-organized, setting up the MX123 can be a bit daunting for novice users.
• Large size: The MX123 is a large and heavy piece of equipment, requiring a dedicated space in your equipment rack.

Alternatives to Consider

If the McIntosh MX123 is out of your budget, or if you're looking for something with a slightly different feature set, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Anthem AVM 90: Another high-end AV processor with excellent sound quality and a comprehensive feature set.
• Trinnov Altitude16: A top-of-the-line processor with advanced room correction and object-based audio processing.
• Denon AVC-X8500H: A more affordable option with a good balance of features and performance.

Final Verdict

The McIntosh MX123 AV Processor is undoubtedly a top-tier product that delivers exceptional sound quality and a comprehensive feature set. While it comes with a premium price tag, it's worth the investment for serious home theater enthusiasts who demand the best possible performance. If you're looking to build a no-compromise home theater system, the MX123 should definitely be on your shortlist. Its ability to handle complex audio processing, combined with its future-proof HDMI 2.1 capabilities, makes it a standout choice in the high-end AV processor market. Guys, if you're serious about your home theater experience, this might just be the upgrade you've been waiting for!