MCINTOSH MX123 AV PROCESSOR 8K UPGRADE

McIntosh has announced an 8K-compatibility upgrade for the McIntosh MX123 AV Processor.

Launched in October 2019 with 4K/60 Hz compatibility, all new McIntosh MX123 AV Processors shipping from the McIntosh factory starting in September 2021 will support 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz video resolutions and refresh rates.

The McIntosh MX123 AV Processor 8K Upgrade

8K UPSCALING

The MX123 will also be able to upscale lower resolutions to 8K. The upgrade is in line with McIntosh’s philosophy of continuous product improvement; the 4K version is no longer available.

The MX123 benefits from 10 HDMI inputs and outputs; one of the inputs and two of the outputs will have 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120Hz support (all 10 will continue to support 4K/60 Hz). The three HDMI ports that are 8K/60 Hz- and 4K/120 Hz-compatible, will also offer many other advanced features including Quick Media Switching (QMS); Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM); Quick Frame Transport (QFT) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

Rear panel detail of the McIntosh MX123 AV Processor 8K Upgrade

All 10 HDMI ports support HDCP 2.3; Rec. 2020; 4:4:4 colour spacing; Dynamic Lip-sync; and 3D Video pass-through, and all 10 will also now support a myriad of high-dynamic-range formats such as HDR (static HDR); Dynamic HDR; HDR10+; HLG; and Dolby Vision (including low latency).

DOLBY ATMOS

In addition to the video upgrades, the MX123 will continue to offer a long list of audio capabilities: 13.2 audio channels; Dolby Atmos (including Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer); DTS:X Pro; Auro-3D; Sony’s 360 Reality Audio; MPEG-H Audio; IMAX Enhanced; eARC/ARC; Apple AirPlay 2; Bluetooth; Spotify Connect and Audyssey MultEQ XT32.

Rear panel of the McIntosh MX123 AV Processor 8K

To facilitate integration into home automation systems, it also has ‘Connects with Control4’ certification from Control4 and ‘Works with Crestron Home’ certification from Crestron.

MCINTOSH MX123 AV PROCESSOR  PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The MX123 8K units will start shipping from the McIntosh factory to their global dealer network beginning in September 2021.

The 4K version of the MX123 is no longer available from McIntosh.

Distributed in the UK by Fine Sounds UK, price £10,495

USA price $8,500

McIntosh MX123 AV Processor 8K

HiFi Pig Says: With the technology available now for Home Cinema installations becoming closer and closer to the professional offering, brands like McIntosh are offering a true cinematic experience without leaving the house.

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