MHT300

The McIntosh MHT300 is a 7-channel AV receiver for home cinema systems, supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video alongside Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound. It delivers 150 Watts to 4 Ohm speakers and 120 Watts to 8 Ohm speakers, with these ratings applying when all 7 channels are driven.

Power for all 7 channels

Many AV receiver power ratings apply only when 2 channels are driven. The MHT300 is specified to provide its rated output across all 7 channels, so each connected speaker can receive the stated McIntosh power during multichannel playback.

Its 120 to 150 Watts per channel can reproduce the sound of films, television and other video content across every speaker in the system, including effects such as explosions, car chases, high-speed flybys and crowd noise.

Expandable system design

The MHT300 uses individual amplifier modules that can be configured for different speaker arrangements. If a home cinema later expands beyond 7 channels, external amplifiers can be connected through the Height 1 and Height 2 audio outputs. A McIntosh MI254 4-Channel Amplifier, for example, can drive the additional speakers, turning the MHT300 into a 7.2.4 channel AV receiver.

External amplification can also be used without adding more speakers. A stereo amplifier, such as the McIntosh MI502, can provide additional power for the front left and right speakers. This is done by removing the jumper from the selected channel or channels, then connecting the MHT300 output to the stereo amplifier input. A higher-power mono amplifier can be connected in the same way to drive the centre channel speaker. The selected channel or channels are then powered by the external amplifier.

Dirac Live room correction

Dirac Live Room Correction provides room adjustment and correction for the audio system. Its audio algorithms are designed to optimise system response and reduce unwanted effects introduced by the room, using time-domain correction through patented mixed-phase filter technology. The software includes an intuitive user interface and step-by-step guidance for setup and system personalisation.

Dirac Live is used by hi-fi and home theatre manufacturers in listening environments that include bedroom stereo systems, professional mixing studios and home cinemas.

Connectivity

The McIntosh MHT300 has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output. All HDMI ports are HDCP 2.3 compliant and support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, with 40Gbps bandwidth. They are compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG High Dynamic Range formats, 4:4:4 colour spacing, Rec. 2020 and 3D video pass-through.

The HDMI output includes enhanced Audio Return Channel, or eARC. A compatible television can send audio data to the AV processor through the HDMI cable, without a separate audio connection. eARC provides the bandwidth required for higher-resolution formats including DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos, allowing these signals to pass through the HDMI cable to the MHT300.2

Additional sources can be connected through 2 coaxial and 2 optical digital audio inputs. There are also 2 subwoofer outputs for connecting multiple subwoofers.

Seven 32-bit Digital-to-Analogue Converters provide audiophile-grade processing. Bass and treble controls allow the sound to be adjusted to suit personal preferences, while 5-way speaker binding posts provide secure connections for speaker cables.

Setup and control

Setup and configuration are carried out through a computer interface. An installer can configure the unit in advance and load the configuration file during installation. Configuration files can also be backed up to a computer or USB stick, allowing different system configurations to be tested while retaining the original setup for later reinstallation.

The MHT300 can be operated with the included remote control or integrated into a home automation system using the RS232 control protocol.

The receiver can be positioned at the front of a home theatre or installed in an A/V equipment rack. Rack mounting brackets are included, and the MHT300 occupies 3U of rack space.

Other features included with the MHT300

• Power Guard signal overload technology to prevent overdriving and damage to connected speakers
• Sentry Monitor short-circuit protection, which disengages the output stage if current approaches unsafe operating levels and resets automatically when normal operating conditions return
• Power Control for automatically switching other connected McIntosh components on and off
• Eco-friendly on/off signal sensing, which switches the unit off after no input signal has been detected for a set period and turns the MHT300 on when it detects a signal from the home theatre system
• FM tuner for receiving free over-the-air radio broadcasts