McIntosh MX200 - Black

Description

Streamlined Cinema Integration

McIntosh designed the MX200 to solve a specific challenge: delivering the brand's acoustic engineering in a processor that does not visually dominate the room. Housed in a compact 2U chassis, this control center natively handles 11.2 channels of processing to drive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X setups up to a 7.2.4 format. Its front panel features the iconic black glass and illuminated logo, but its modest dimensions (17-1/2 × 4-3/8 × 18-11/32 in. / 44.5 × 11.1 × 46.6 cm) and included mounting brackets make it well-suited for elegant living room cabinetry or dedicated theater equipment racks. 

Video Section Sized for the Newest Displays and Projectors

The video processing is scaled for the fluidity required by modern gaming consoles and lossless movie servers. All four HDMI inputs and the single output natively support 8K/60 Hz and 4K/120 Hz resolutions with HDCP 2.3, 4:4:4 color, Rec. 2020 color space, and 3D video pass-through. The signal path faithfully passes dynamic contrast metadata via support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG. The output handles Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) to bring high-resolution audio — DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos — directly back from the television display.

Digital and Analog Connectivity

Digital-to-analog conversion relies on seven audiophile-grade 32-bit DACs that feed 11 balanced XLR outputs. This fully balanced topology allows for long cable runs to external power amplifiers without introducing parasitic noise. Two unbalanced RCA outputs drive discrete subwoofers. Digital side: two coaxial inputs, two optical inputs, a USB Type-A port, and a network Ethernet port. Analog side: one balanced XLR auxiliary input (AUX 2), one unbalanced RCA auxiliary input (AUX 1), and a Moving Magnet (MM) phono preamplifier stage with a dedicated ground terminal — housed under a metal shield that protects the low-level phono signal from interference generated by video switching. Total harmonic distortion 0.05% in DSP Bypass mode; bass and treble tone controls available.

Positioning and Integration

Within the lineup of McIntosh A/V processors, the MX200 is the choice for an 11.2-channel system that doesn't require the four discrete subwoofers and Dirac Live Bass Control module of the MX124 (13.4 channels), nor the 9.1.6 / 15.1 layout of the MX180 (16 balanced channels). It carries Connects with Control4® certification (via SDDP) and Works with Crestron Home® certification, so professional integrators can link it smoothly to home automation systems via RS232 or the network port. Configuration files can be backed up and reloaded to clone a setup between similar installations. Assembled by hand at the Binghamton, NY factory, it carries the physical longevity that defines the brand.

Common Questions

How does the MX200 compare to the MX124 in the lineup?

The MX200 serves as the streamlined entry point in the lineup, focusing on 11.2 channel processing with outputs for two subwoofers, serving the needs of most home theaters. The MX124, positioned above it, steps up to 13.4 channel processing, four discrete subwoofer outputs, and adds the Dirac Live Bass Control module to align multiple subs. The choice depends on room scale: the MX200 excels in a sleek 2U format, while the MX124 handles more complex private theaters.

Which power amplifiers are recommended with this processor?

McIntosh recommends in the MX200 brochure the multichannel amplifiers MC255 (5-channel), MC257 (7-channel), or the MI347 (7-channel, rack mountable) for the main stage and surrounds. For additional surround or ceiling channels, add the MI254 (4-channel) or MI128 (8-channel) — both rack mountable. A classic combination pairs an MC257 or MI347 for the main and surround channels with an MI254 for the Dolby Atmos height channels, all linked by Power Control cables for synchronized power-on.

Can the MX200 integrate a turntable?

Yes, despite its home theater orientation and compact footprint, the MX200 retains a dedicated analog section. The rear panel includes a Moving Magnet (MM) phono input with a ground terminal, housed under a metal shield that protects the low-level phono signal from interference generated by video switching. An MM-cartridge turntable plugs in directly without an external preamplifier. Two additional auxiliary inputs — one balanced XLR (AUX 2) and one unbalanced RCA (AUX 1) — are also available for traditional stereo sources.

What does the included Dirac Live® license provide?

Standard calibration systems only adjust frequency response, often leaving the sound muddied by the room's resonances and acoustic delays. Dirac Live® Room Correction Full Bandwidth analyzes each loudspeaker and applies a patented mixed-phase filter that acts in the time domain. It aligns not just the tonal balance, but the exact timing of every sound arriving at the listening position. The result is a tighter soundstage and a much more defined low-frequency impact.

What's in the Box

McIntosh MX200 A/V Processor

McIntosh HR085 remote control (with batteries)

Dirac Live calibration microphone with stand

USB cable for the calibration microphone

19-inch rack mounting brackets

AC power cord

Owner's manual