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High Performance Control Center Gives Enthusiasts Total Flexibility and Maximum Performance from All Advanced Sources
McIntosh Laboratory, a global leader in home entertainment systems that has defined the highest quality in sound reproduction for 60 years, today announced the introduction of its new ultra-luxury MX150 A/V Control Center (SRP: $12,000). The MX150 is designed to give home entertainment enthusiasts an elegant solution for controlling and enjoying the maximum benefits of all today’s advanced video and audio source components, the MX150 features a robust up-converting video processing engine with advanced HDMI 1.3 capability, as well as DolbyHD and DTSMaster decoding, on-board RoomPerfect auto-equalization, multiple subwoofer capability, and software management via USB, Ethernet and Compact Flash.
Seamless Compatibility with Blu-ray and More…
The MX150 features five HDMI 1.3 audio/video inputs and is engineered to function with all the latest audio processing technologies to insure seamless compatibility with Blu-ray disc players. In addition to its ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, it also affords decoding of Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital 5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS 5.1/7.1, DTS ES, Discrete 6.1, DTS ES Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24. The unit’s five Component, two S-Video and two Composite video inputs ensure the ultimate in home entertainment expandability, with user preferences assignable per source.
The new MX150 carries on in the McIntosh tradition of sonic excellence with exceedingly low noise and distortion performance. Two balanced inputs combine with balanced outputs and a differential balanced audio topology to offer superb low-level linearity. Coaxial and optical digital audio inputs are provided along with an AES/EBU balanced digital input for use with fine-quality outboard DACs such as the McIntosh MDA1000. An on-screen user interface is menu-driven and intuitive for ease of system set up. An RS232 input offers compatibility with third party remote control systems while McIntosh Power Control and Data Ports enable the MX150 to control an entire McIntosh system from a single hand-held remote.
For maximum flexibility in virtually any integrated home entertainment system, multiple modes of video are supported by the MX150, including analog-to-digital HDMI video conversion/scaling of legacy video sources. For the ultimate in image quality with HDTV V1.3 sources, pure HD HDMI sources are switched and supported at the highest 1080p line rate. And when used with an HDTV video display, all analog inputs may be further scaled to digital 1080p HDMI output.
Two-Zone Processing, State-of-the-Art Audio Capabilities
For added flexibility in multi-zone system building, the MX150 is a 2-zone controller with both zones controllable from the front panel or with remote sensors/keypads and comes complete with an event based learning remote control.
The MX150’s audio capabilities are state-of-the-art as well, providing users with maximum flexibility and performance when used with today’s most sophisticated high-definition audio formats. Multiple surround and music modes utilizing the latest 24-bit converters provide thrilling surround effects and breathe new life into stereo recordings. Pure analog and two-channel bypass modes are provided, as is low noise MM phono preamp. In addition, balanced and unbalanced connections are included.
Notably, the MX150’s audio processor and room correction technologies work in concert to automatically optimize loudspeaker delay, bass management, crossover settings and room equalization. This process is exceedingly accurate, with loudspeaker distances set to within a fraction of an inch tolerance.
The MX150 is scheduled to be available in January 2010.
About McIntosh Laboratory
McIntosh Laboratory celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2009, and the company’s unswerving commitment to excellence, innovation and quality continues to define the state-of-the-art in high fidelity and bring discriminating consumers around the world an elevated home entertainment experience. McIntosh luxury audio and video products are designed and manufactured at the company’s Binghamton, New York headquarters. Its products reflect unmatched levels of performance, superlative engineering and hand craftsmanship. Built to last for decades, McIntosh components demand nothing less than an equal level of commitment to customer support and service. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. is a D&M Holdings company.