McIntosh MX124 - Black

Description

The Nerve Center of the Private Cinema

The McIntosh MX124 is the direct successor to the MX123, doubling the subwoofer outputs — from one to four — and adding the Dirac Live Bass Control module that goes with them. Engineered to process the most data-dense multichannel formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D, it decodes the signal with strict linearity before passing it to your power amplifiers. The inclusion of MPEG-H Audio and Sony 360 Reality Audio decoding ensures the processor is prepared for the next generation of immersive spatial music content. Hand-assembled at the historic McIntosh factory in Binghamton, where the company has built every product since 1949.

Acoustic Alignment with Dirac Live

The calibration suite is the single most defining feature of the MX124. Dirac Live Room Correction analyzes your room's frequency response and reflections to apply time-domain correction across all loudspeakers. Crucially, the included license unlocks Dirac Live Bass Control. This software treats up to four subwoofers as a unified low-frequency system, individually adjusting their phase and delay to eliminate acoustic nulls and deliver a seamless bass response to every seat in the room.

Video Bandwidth Sized for the Newest Displays

The MX124's video stage is specified for the newest TVs and projectors. Its seven HDMI inputs and three HDMI outputs meet the 40 Gbps specification, offering native support for 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz resolutions. The processor passes dynamic metadata from Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG directly to your display without alteration. For gaming consoles, it leverages Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) to ensure picture synchronization tracks the action perfectly.

Stereo Flexibility and Network Streaming

Beyond cinematic duties, the MX124 operates as a highly articulate stereo preamplifier for dedicated listening sessions. It integrates a Moving Magnet (MM) phono input to connect a turntable directly, flanked by balanced XLR inputs for high-level analog sources. Network streaming is natively handled through Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect (with TIDAL Max), Qobuz Connect, and certified Roon Ready endpoint status. When silent listening is required, the processor transmits the signal directly to your wireless headphones via Bluetooth 5.4.

Its Place in the McIntosh Lineup

The MX124 sits alongside the MX180 at the top of the McIntosh processor lineup, with distinct orientations. The MX180 uses Lyngdorf's RoomPerfect calibration and pushes main channel count (16 XLR for 9.1.6 or 15.1, a single subwoofer). The MX124 is the logical choice for cinemas prioritizing 40 Gbps video management, IMAX Enhanced certification, and multi-subwoofer integration via Dirac Live. Facing either one, the McIntosh MHT300 is the all-in-one alternative that combines processor and amplification. Like all McIntosh electronics, it is hand-assembled in Binghamton, New York, behind a black glass front panel bearing the illuminated McIntosh logo.

Common Questions

How does the MX124 compare to the MX180?

Both processors sit at the top of the McIntosh lineup but target different architectural priorities. The MX180 prioritizes raw channel count (16 balanced outputs for 9.1.6 or 15.1 layouts) and uses Lyngdorf's RoomPerfect calibration. The MX124 provides 13 main channels alongside advanced management for four distinct subwoofers via Dirac Live, while also featuring 40 Gbps HDMI bandwidth. The choice depends on whether your priority is an ultra-dense effects channel count or cutting-edge video paired with multi-subwoofer integration.

What does Dirac Live Bass Control bring compared to standard correction?

Standard correction systems process each channel individually but leave multiple subwoofers to interact unpredictably in the room. Dirac Live Bass Control analyzes the acoustic contribution of each of the four subwoofers at every listening position. The software then independently adjusts the level, delay, and phase so their combined output remains uniform across the seating area. The result is an even bass response from the main seat to the back row, free of the frequency nulls typical of unoptimized systems.

Which power amplifiers are recommended to pair with this processor?

The MX124 outputs signal via a bank of 11.4 balanced XLR outputs (11 main channels + 4 subwoofers) and a bank of 15.4 unbalanced RCA outputs, requiring external amplification. The McIntosh MC255 (5-channel), MC257 (7-channel), and MC8207 (7-channel with Autoformer™) multichannel amplifiers form the ideal foundation for the main and surround arrays. To reach a full 13.4 layout, it is standard practice to combine an MC257 with additional blocks like the MC152 for height or width channels, all linked by Power Control cables for synchronized power-on.

What's in the Box

McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor

McIntosh remote control (with batteries)

Dirac Live calibration microphone with stand

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas

AC power cord

User manual