McIntosh MX124 Adds Dirac and Four-Subwoofer Support

Building on the long-running MX123, the MX124 adds four independent subwoofer outputs, broader room-correction support and updated HDMI connectivity. It can accommodate speaker layouts including 7.4.6 and 9.4.4, giving installers more flexibility when designing larger Dolby Atmos systems.

The move from two to four subwoofer outputs is among the most important changes. Multiple subwoofers are increasingly used to create more consistent bass across several seats, rather than simply generating greater low-frequency output. McIntosh has paired that expanded hardware with licences for Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control, both included with the processor.

Dirac Live Bass Control measures how the system’s speakers and subwoofers interact within the room, then adjusts their timing, phase and frequency response to improve low-frequency integration. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is also retained, allowing owners and installers to choose between the two calibration platforms.

That makes the MX124 considerably more flexible than its predecessor, particularly for installations using several subwoofers. It also reflects how sophisticated bass management has become one of the main battlegrounds in premium home cinema, where channel count alone no longer tells the complete story.

The processor supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H Audio and IMAX Enhanced. Nine 32-bit digital-to-analogue converters handle audio conversion, while individually adjustable crossover frequencies allow the system to be configured around different loudspeaker types and placements.

The MX124 provides seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, including an eARC-enabled connection. All seven inputs and both main-zone outputs can handle 8K video at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, while the third output can send an independent 4K feed to a second zone.

This is a substantial improvement over the MX123, where only one HDMI input and two outputs supported 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz. The remaining connections on that model were limited to 4K/60Hz, making the MX124 better suited to systems using several current-generation games consoles and high-bandwidth video sources.

Supported video features include Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, HDCP 2.3, Rec. 2020 colour, 4:4:4 chroma, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode and Quick Frame Transport. The MX124 can also upscale lower-resolution video signals to 8K.

McIntosh has not ignored two-channel listening. The MX124 supports network playback at up to 32-bit/192kHz through Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, while Roon Ready certification allows it to operate as an endpoint within a Roon system. Bluetooth playback and a separate Bluetooth transmitter for wireless headphones are also provided.

Physical audio connectivity includes two coaxial and two optical digital inputs, one balanced stereo input and eight unbalanced analogue inputs, including a moving-magnet phono stage. There are also analogue outputs for two additional audio zones, along with component and composite video inputs for legacy equipment.

Custom installers receive a web-based configuration interface, pre-configuration and file-upload tools, system backup and restore, RS232 and IP control, and Control4 SDDP certification. McIntosh also supplies a full-size metal microphone stand for more repeatable room measurements, which is a small but welcome improvement over balancing a calibration microphone on a sofa cushion.

The MX124 measures 444.5mm wide, 197mm high and 432mm deep, with a weight of 13.2kg. Its familiar black-glass front panel ensures it remains visually consistent with McIntosh power amplifiers and other components. The McIntosh MX124 A/V Processor is priced at US$15,000 and is available through authorised McIntosh dealers. Additional pricing and availability for the regions will be confirmed shortly.

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