MX180

The McIntosh MX180 is an audio video processor for 4K and 8K home theatre systems, with extensive video processing, audio decoding and system customisation.

Its 7 Ultra High Speed HDMI ports comprise 5 inputs and 2 outputs, with support for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. All ports support HDCP 2.3, 4:4:4 Colour, Rec. 2020, Dynamic Lip-sync, Quick Media Switching (QMS) and 3D video pass-through. QMS removes the delay that can produce a blank screen before content appears. The 2 HDMI outputs can show the same source on 2 screens, or different sources on 2 screens at the same time.

Video format support includes HDR, Dynamic HDR, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision, including low latency Dolby Vision. These formats allow depth, detail, brightness, contrast and colour to be set on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis.

For gaming, the MX180 includes Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). ALLM automatically selects the appropriate latency setting. QFT reduces latency for gaming and real-time interactive virtual reality, while VRR reduces or removes lag, stutter and frame tearing.

• Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
• Quick Frame Transport (QFT)
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

The processor supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro and Auro-3D surround formats. One HDMI output provides both Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). ARC sends audio from a compatible television to the processor through the HDMI cable, without a separate audio connection. eARC provides greater bandwidth for higher-resolution formats including DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos.

Digital connectivity includes 4 optical inputs, 3 coaxial inputs and 1 USB input, each accepting signals up to 24-bit/192kHz, together with 1 digital balanced AES/EBU input. Analogue connections comprise 2 balanced inputs, 4 unbalanced inputs, a Moving Magnet phono input for a turntable and a 7.1-channel unbalanced input.

Up to 16 channels of discrete decoding are available. Balanced analogue outputs connect the MX180 to home theatre amplifiers for configurations including 15.1 and 9.1.6 surround sound. Depending on the speaker arrangement, 4 outputs can be used for bi-amping or for additional subwoofers. A 2-channel Zone B output provides stereo audio in a second zone.

RoomPerfect room correction measures the acoustic properties of the room and adjusts the audio output accordingly. The calibration microphone and stand are included. The system provides optimised frequency response, calibrated speaker volumes and bass control that integrates the speakers with the subwoofer or subwoofers, while allowing greater flexibility in speaker selection and placement.

Analogue to digital conversion is used to process analogue sources. The MX180 allows analogue and digital devices to be custom named, matches volume levels between sources and provides bass and treble controls for further adjustment.

Its processing platform is designed to run cooler than previous McIntosh home theatre processors. The setup programme provides customisation and optimisation for the home theatre and speaker system. The front panel has black glass, control knobs, an illuminated logo and aluminium end caps. The MX180 can be paired with McIntosh amplifiers and speakers to form a complete home theatre system.