McIntosh Raises The Curtain On Two New Home Cinema Components

McIntosh is another company that hasn’t been resting during the pandemic. One of America’s most iconic audio brands, McIntosh was founded way back in 1949 and is still headquartered in Binghamton, NY, and still manufactures in the USA.

The two latest home theater launches from McIntosh are the all-digital MX100 A/V Processor and the MI347 7-Channel Amplifier offering the latest processing and decoding technologies in a streamlined package which can either be proudly displayed or rack-mounted in a hidden installation.

MX100 A/V Processor

The MX100 A/V Processor is a digital-only device designed for the movie buffs and is equipped for HD and 4K video. It has four HDMI inputs and one output, all of which are HDCP 2.2 compliant. Each HDMI port has 18 Gbps of bandwidth to support High Dynamic Range (HDR) formats: Dolby Vision; HDR10 and HLG; 4K Ultra HD at 50/60 Hz; 4:4:4 color spacing; Rec. 2020 and 3D video pass-through. 

The HDMI output has Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality, offering increased bandwidth for handling higher resolution audio from TVs, for the best possible sound quality. Additionally, the MX100 has two coaxial and two optical digital audio inputs for handling any other digital sources.

The MX100 has 11.2 (or 7.2.4) discrete audio channels via 13 balanced (XLR) connectors. Seven premium 32-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) provide audiophile-grade processing for top-flight audio performance.

When it comes to compatibility with leading home cinema surround sound and object-based 3D audio formats, the MX100 can handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus 4K Ultra HD video sources. Built-in Audyssey compatibility enables the user to adjust the sound to suit the acoustics of a room. The MultEQ XT32 calibration software has more than 10,000 individual control points enabling a room’s finer acoustic idiosyncrasies to be corrected. Operation is via the supplied remote control, or a home automation system using RS232.

MI347 7-Channel Amplifier

The Mcintosh MI347 7-Channel Amplifier is a dedicated amplifier for home cinema use and features closed-loop digital switching amplifiers (Class D), paired with robust power supplies that McIntosh claims can produce an audio performance “rarely heard in home cinema set-ups”.

The designers of the MI347 have paid special attention to the crucial front, left and center channels: the MI347 delivers 250W(8Ω) and 300W into 4Ω, to each of these three channels. The remaining four channels provide 125W (8Ω) and 200W into 4Ω. Multi-colored LED indicators display the status of each channel on the front panel of the unit.

The MI347 is designed to pair with the McIntosh MX100 A/V Processor, but it can also be used with McIntosh’s MX123 and MX170 processors, or with virtually any home cinema processor. If a home theater setup has more than seven audio channels, such as with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, McIntosh’s MI254 4-Channel Digital Amplifier or MI128 8-Channel Digital Amplifier (both rack-mountable) can be added to deliver power to all the speakers.

Other features supplied with the MI347 include Power Guard signal overload technology which prevents overdriving and damage to speakers. Sentry Monitor is another feature that provides a short-circuit protection circuit which disengages the output stage should current ever approach unsafe operating levels; Meanwhile, Power Control is a protocol that can automatically turn other connected McIntosh components on and off. Eco-friendly on/off signal sensing can turn the unit off if no input signal has been detected within a set amount of time. The MI347 can automatically turn itself on as soon as it senses a signal from the A/V processor.

Pricing and availability

The MX100 and MI347 can be ordered immediately from McIntosh dealers. Shipping is slated from November for the USA and Canada and will be slightly later for export markets.

MX100 and MI347: $5,000 / £6,495 (each)

More info: www.mcintoshlabs.com