A next generation home cinema processor and power amp have been revealed from McIntosh, specifically designed for movie fanatics to enjoy films in their home cinemas.
The all-digital MX100 AV Processor and MI347 7-Channel Amplifier offers the latest processing and decoding technologies in a streamlined package which can either be displayed in a home cinema or rack-mounted for more discreet installations.
MX100 AV Processor
The digital-only device is fully equipped to play HD and 4K material and benefits from four HDMI inputs and one output, all of which are HDCP 2.2 compliant.
With 18Gbps of bandwidth dedicated to each HDMI port, the processor can support HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, 4K Ultra HD at 50/60 Hz, 4:4:4 colour spacing, Rec. 2020 and 3D video pass-through.
The MX100 with remote control
The HDMI output offers Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality to give improved bandwidth to receive higher resolution audio from TVs for the best sound quality. It also includes two coaxial and two optical digital audio inputs.
The Mx100 AV Processor has 11.2 (or 7.2.4) discrete audio channels via 13 balanced (XLR) connectors as well as seven premium 32-bit DACs to give audiophile-grade processing for high performance audio.
It is compatible with home cinema surround sound and object-based 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and 4K UHD video sources. The built-in Audyssey compatibility allows convenient room-tuning. For correction of finer details within the room, the MultEQ XT32 calibration software has more than 10,000 individual control points.
The processor can be controlled via a remote control or a home automation system via RS232.
MI347 7-Channel Amplifier
The MI347 7-Channel Amplifier is a dedicated home cinema amp, using highly sophisticated closed-loop digital switching amplifiers (Class D), which are paired with robust power supplies to produce a unique audio performance for home cinemas.
The amp pays special attention to the front, left and centre channels, delivering 250 watts (8 Ohms) and 300 watts into 4, to each of these three channels. The other four channel on the MI347 deliver 125 watts (8 Ohms) and 200 watts into 4. There are multi-coloured LED indicators on the front panel to show the status of each channel.
The MI347 7-Channel Amplifier
Ideally suited to the new McIntosh MX100 AV Processor, it can also be paired with McIntosh’s MX123 and MX170 processors, or with most other home cinema processors.
For set ups with more than seven audio channels, such as Dolby Atmos of DTS:X, McIntosh’s MI254 4-Channel Digital Amplifier or MI128 8-Channel Digital Amplifier, both of which are rack mountable, can be added to deliver McIntosh power to all speakers.
The MI347 includes a Power Guard signal overload technology to prevent overdriving and damaging the speakers. It also features a Sentry Monitor short-circuit protection circuit, which disengages the output stage should current ever approach unsafe operating levels.
Power Control features automatically turn other McIntosh components on and off, while its eco-friendly on/off signal sensing turns the unit off if no input signal has been detected for a set amount of time. It also turns the MI347 on when it senses a signal from the processor.
Both the MX100 AV Processor and MI347 7-Channel Amplifier have a black glass front panel, an illuminated McIntosh logo, rotary control knobs (MX100) and a familiar form factor, highlighted by a silver trim.
Both devices are priced at £6,495 each with UK shipping expected to start in December 2020/January 2021.