McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor

McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor

The McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor is engineered to serve as the command center of a reference-grade home theater, media room, or premium two-channel system. Its 13.4-channel processing architecture supports up to four independent subwoofers and immersive configurations such as 7.4.6 and 9.4.4. McIntosh-designed audio circuitry, nine 32-bit audiophile-grade DACs, balanced outputs, precision analog signal routing, and a linear analog power supply help deliver exceptional clarity, low noise, realistic dynamics, and signature McIntosh musicality. Dirac Live Room Correction with Bass Control analyzes the room and optimizes speakers and subwoofers for tighter bass, clearer dialogue, and more precise imaging, with all core licenses included. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 provides an additional calibration option. Every one of the seven HDMI inputs supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, along with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, Dynamic HDR, VRR, ALLM, QFT, eARC, and HDCP 2.3. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H Audio, and IMAX Enhanced create an immersive entertainment experience, while Roon Ready certification, Apple AirPlay, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Bluetooth make the MX124 a powerful high-resolution music hub. Multi-zone outputs, web-based setup, Control4 certification, RS-232, IP control, triggers, and universal API connectivity support sophisticated professional installations. Its backlit black-glass front panel, illuminated logo, aluminum end caps, and precision controls complete a processor designed to look as exceptional as it performs.

What It's Good At:

• Creating immersive private cinemas: Supports 13.4-channel processing, four independent subwoofers, and formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Pro.
• Delivering consistent sound throughout the room: Dirac Live Room Correction with Bass Control improves imaging, dialogue clarity, speaker integration, and bass uniformity across multiple seats.
• Handling next-generation video and gaming: Every HDMI input supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, along with VRR, ALLM, and QFT.
• Serving as a reference-quality music hub: McIntosh-designed audio circuitry, premium DAC conversion, Roon Ready certification, and high-resolution streaming support both critical and casual listening.
• Powering flexible multi-zone systems: Independent Zone 2 audio/video and Zone 3 stereo outputs extend entertainment beyond the primary room.
• Simplifying professional integration: Web GUI configuration, backup and restore, RS-232, IP control, Control4 SDDP, triggers, and universal API support streamline installation and automation.

McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor Full Specifications:

• Model: McIntosh MX124
• Product type: A/V processor and multichannel preamplifier
• Maximum audio channels in primary zone: 17 channels, configured as 13.4
• Supported channel formats: 13.4, 7.1, 5.1, and stereo
• Supported immersive examples: 7.4.6 and 9.4.4
• Independent subwoofer channels: Up to 4
• Balanced multichannel outputs: 11.4 channels via XLR
• Unbalanced multichannel outputs: 15.4 channels via RCA
• Digital-to-analog conversion: Nine 32-bit audiophile-grade DACs with 17-channel dedicated conversion
• Audio circuitry: McIntosh-designed DAC, audio, XLR, power-supply, control, and display boards
• Power-supply design: Linear analog power supply
• Pure Stereo DSP Bypass Mode: Yes
• Total harmonic distortion in DSP Bypass: 0.005%
• Individual speaker crossover settings: Yes
• Tone controls: Nine-band equalizer, bass, and treble
• Origin marking: Handcrafted in the USA with U.S. and imported parts
• Dolby processing: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Surround Upmixer
• DTS processing: DTS:X Pro, Neural:X Surround Upmixer, and DTS Virtual:X
• Additional immersive formats: MPEG-H Audio and Sony 360 Reality Audio
• IMAX Enhanced: Yes
• Room correction: Dirac Live Room Correction with Bass Control; all core licenses included
• Additional room correction: Audyssey MultEQ XT32
• Audyssey features: Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, and LFC
• Dirac capabilities: Frequency and impulse-response correction, custom target curves, professional microphone support, speaker/subwoofer integration, and advanced multi-subwoofer optimization
• Calibration microphone and full-size metal stand: Included
• Balanced stereo inputs: 1 pair
• Unbalanced stereo inputs: 8 pairs, including 1 Moving Magnet phono input
• Unbalanced stereo outputs: 2 pairs
• Digital coaxial inputs: 2
• Digital optical inputs: 2
• HDMI inputs: 7
• HDMI outputs: 3
• Main-zone HDMI outputs: 2
• Zone 2 HDMI output: 1, supporting up to 4K
• USB: 1 Type-A port
• Component video inputs: 1
• Composite video inputs: 2
• Subwoofer outputs: 4
• Wired network connection: 1 Ethernet port
• Bluetooth headphone support: Yes
• Maximum supported resolution and refresh rate: 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz
• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz support: Available on all seven HDMI inputs
• HDCP: Version 2.3
• 4:4:4 color sampling: Yes
• Rec. 2020/BT.2020: Yes
• 3D video pass-through: Yes
• Dynamic Lip-sync: Yes
• ARC: Yes, on one HDMI output
• eARC: Yes, on one HDMI output
• Video scaling: Up to 8K
• Static HDR: Yes
• Dynamic HDR: Yes
• HDR10+: Yes
• HLG: Yes
• Dolby Vision: Yes, including low-latency Dolby Vision
• Auto Low Latency Mode: Yes
• Quick Frame Transport: Yes
• Variable Refresh Rate: Yes
• Ultra High Speed HDMI cables: Required to access the full HDMI capabilities
• ARC/eARC requirement: Connected television must support the applicable ARC or eARC format
• Maximum streaming resolution: Up to 32-bit/192kHz
• Roon status: Roon Ready certified with bit-perfect playback support
• Apple streaming: Apple AirPlay
• Qobuz: Qobuz Connect
• Spotify: Spotify Connect, including Spotify Lossless where available
• TIDAL: TIDAL Connect, including TIDAL Max where available
• Bluetooth: Version 5.4
• Bluetooth profile: A2DP
• Bluetooth codec: SBC
• Bluetooth operating frequency: 2.4GHz
• Wi-Fi standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Wi-Fi bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Wi-Fi security: WPA3-SAE with AES
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controls: Can be enabled or disabled through the MX124 menu
• Service availability: Streaming services, features, and subscriptions may vary by region and platform
• Primary zone: Up to 13.4-channel processing
• Zone 2: Independent HDMI audio/video and analog stereo audio
• Zone 3: Independent analog stereo audio
• Additional analog zone outputs: 2 stereo outputs
• Multiroom streaming: Supported through compatible services and Roon
• Third-party control: RS-232, Web IP, and IR input
• Control4: Connects with Control4 certification using SDDP
• Web-based configuration: Yes
• Pre-configuration and installation-file upload: Yes
• Configuration backup and restore: Yes
• Standard RS-232 commands through IP control: Supported
• On-screen display overlay through HDMI: Yes
• Input-format indicators: 9
• Output-format indicators: 9
• McIntosh source control: Supported through the included handheld remote
• Data outputs: 1
• Power Control/12V trigger outputs: 2
• Ethernet functions: IP control, firmware updates, and streaming
• External IR receiver support: Yes
• Included remote control: Yes
• Rack height: 5U
• Rack height measurement: 8.75 inches / 22.2cm
• Rack-mount ears: Not supported
• Rack installation: Requires a properly sized, weight-rated rack shelf
• Minimum top clearance: 6 inches / 15.2cm
• Minimum rear clearance: 2 inches / 5.1cm
• Front-knob clearance beyond mounting panel: 1 7/16 inches / 3.7cm
• Dimensions, W × H × D: 17-1/2 × 7-3/4 × 17 inches
• Net weight: 29 pounds / 13.2kg
• Shipping weight: 53 pounds / 24kg
• Power consumption: 75 watts

McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor Q&A:

Does the McIntosh MX124 require separate power amplifiers?

Yes. The MX124 is an A/V processor and multichannel preamplifier, so it supplies processed line-level signals through its balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. Separate power amplifiers are required to drive the connected speakers.

How many speakers and subwoofers can the MX124 support?

The primary zone supports up to 17 processed audio channels in a 13.4 configuration, including 13 main speaker channels and four independent subwoofer channels. It can accommodate immersive layouts such as 7.4.6 and 9.4.4, with 11.4 balanced or 15.4 unbalanced multichannel output connectivity.

Which room-correction systems are included?

The MX124 includes Dirac Live Room Correction with Bass Control and the associated core licenses, allowing advanced optimization of speakers and as many as four subwoofers. Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, and LFC are also included for an alternative guided calibration process.

Do all HDMI inputs support 8K and high-frame-rate gaming?

Yes. All seven HDMI inputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, so premium movie players and gaming systems are not limited to specific ports. VRR, ALLM, and QFT help support smooth, responsive high-frame-rate gaming.

Which surround-sound and HDR formats are supported?

The MX124 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H Audio, and IMAX Enhanced. Its HDR compatibility includes static HDR, Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision, including low-latency Dolby Vision.

Which music-streaming platforms work with the MX124?

Supported platforms include Apple AirPlay, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Bluetooth, and Roon. The processor supports high-resolution streaming at up to 32-bit/192kHz, while Roon Ready certification enables bit-perfect playback and compatible multiroom operation.

Can the MX124 distribute entertainment to other rooms?

Yes. Zone 2 provides independent HDMI audio/video and analog stereo audio, while Zone 3 provides independent analog stereo audio. This allows the MX124 to serve the main theater while supplying separate content to additional listening areas.

Can the MX124 be installed in an equipment rack?

Yes, but it does not use rack-mount ears. It occupies 5U and should be placed on a properly sized, weight-rated rack shelf with at least 6 inches of clearance above and 2 inches behind the rear panel for ventilation and cable access.