With an increasing number of movies being released direct to home streaming, a state-of-the-art – and future ready – home theater processor is needed so viewers can be fully immersed in the movie experience. McIntosh knows that it already delivers nearly all the ultimate solutions required for the ultimate home theater experiences and that it was time to offer a more advanced design, with advanced customization and processing capabilities, ready for 8K video, offering enhanced HDMI features and up to 16 audio channels.
The new MX180 allows for the full enjoyment of today's 4K video plus tomorrow's 8K content, supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz on all 7 Ultra-High-Speed HDMI ports (5 inputs and 2 outputs). Each HDMI port in the MX180 supports HDCP 2.3, 4:4:4 Color, Rec. 2020, Dynamic Lip-sync, and 3D Video pass-through as well as enhanced features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). And McIntosh did not forget support for the numerous high dynamic range formats including HDR (static HDR), Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision (including low latency).
The two HDMI outputs can simultaneously output one source material to two separate screens, or can output different content from two different sources to two separate screens. One HDMI output also features both Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality.
Expanding on the audio front, the MX180 includes 16 balanced audio outputs for popular 15.1 or 9.1.6 surround sound speaker configurations, and the processor is compatible with all the leading immersive multichannel sound formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D. And as the ultimate home theater processor the MX180 comes with sophisticated RoomPerfect room correction technology to measure and adjust the audio output to compensate for the specific acoustic properties for the space.
The system also includes a variety of digital and analog inputs and outputs including a Moving Magnet phono input. All analog inputs in the MX180 offers the latest and best A/D conversion technology to maximize the audio quality of those sources. Bass and treble controls in the front panel offer further - and convenient - audio fine-tuning. Particularly because the MX180 also has a two-channel Zone B output to send audio to a second zone in the house.
According to McIntosh, the MX180 combines the latest technological advancements in processing power to run cooler than previous McIntosh home theater processors and has a robust and simplified setup program that allows for customization and optimization based on specific home theater and speaker needs.
Design-wise, it comes with the iconic McIntosh design of a black glass front panel, control knobs, illuminated logo and custom aluminum end caps. The MX180 can be paired with a variety of amplifiers and speakers to make up a complete home theater system.
Orders for the MX180 can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers. Shipping is expected to begin in February 2022 to the United States and Canada, and to the rest of the world shortly thereafter. Suggested retail price (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $17,000 USD.
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