The new McIntosh MX180 is the new AV processor star of the well-known manufacturer. It is a team prepared for the future, since it is compatible with 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz video signals. It has processing of up to 16 channels, which will allow us to mount a system up to 9.1.6 (if we are interested in Dolby Atmos of course).
Of course, the new McIntosh A/V processor includes support for all HDR formats (including Dolby Vision and HDR10+), plus Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D and DTS:X Pro in the sound section. A system designed for home theater lovers with deep pockets, since the McIntosh MX180 is not exactly cheap. In addition, it is an A/V processor, which means that we will need an amplification system, such as the McIntosh MC303 or MC255.
McIntosh MX180: up to 16 channels of processing and compatibility with all formats
The McIntosh MX180 is designed to be used as the control center for a high-end home theater system. In its back we find seven HDMI 2.1 ports offering Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). It also has an HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) functionality.
Of course, the connectivity of the McIntosh MX180 goes beyond the HDMI ports. The manufacturer ensures that its new device has “an extensive set of digital and analog inputs and outputs”, in addition to a moving magnet phono input.
On the other hand, the MX180 features some of the latest analog to digital conversion technology to maximize the audio quality of analog sources. Bass and treble controls offer further adjustment of the audio. The MX180 also has a two-channel Zone B output for routing audio to a second zone in the house.
Like its predecessor, the 2020 MX170, the McIntosh MX180 comes with RoomPerfect. This is McIntosh calibration technology, which the manufacturer claims is capable of ensuring optimal frequency response, level alignment, and bass management, regardless of the components or room acoustics.
From McIntosh they assure that the MX180 uses the latest technological advances in processing power to run cooler than the manufacturer’s previous home theater processors. It also has a robust and simplified configuration program that allows customization and optimization based on the specific needs of the room and the speakers.
McIntosh MX180: price and availability
As for the design, the McIntosh MX180 sports the manufacturer’s usual green illuminated black glass front panel. It is clear that McIntosh prefers to maintain a design that we could call almost industrial, with multiple buttons and control dials on the front of the device, thus moving away from the more minimalist design that other brands are adopting. The illuminated logo and personalized aluminum caps are not missing.
It is clear that McIntosh is renewing a large amount of equipment, since we recently learned about the new MA8950 and MA9500 integrated amplifiers. The manufacturer has already opened the reservation period for the new MX180, so advance orders can now be placed at authorized dealers. Shipments are expected to begin this month, at least in the United States and Canada, with the rest of the world arriving a little later.
As for the price, you can already imagine that we are not facing a team for all audiences. The McIntosh MX180 It has been put up for sale with an official price of $17,000.
