McIntosh MX120 Home Theater Processor w/Dolby Digital, DTS-HD, and Phono Input

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While the video section of this unit is outdated, the audio section is still relevant and makes for a great full function audio processor. Especially if you like to use your system for music as well as video.

This MX120 is in great working condition and was tested against manufacturer specs. The audio quality is very good, and the controls are responsive and fully operational.

Included with your purchase is a new official modern McIntosh remote control (pictured). 

This this will also ship in its official McIntosh double shipping carton which is the only way to ensure safe transport. Never ship one of these in anything other than that as it will result in disappointment. 

Input Notes:

• We have factory reset the unit and assigned the AUX/PH Input to Phono and the analog input for CD to balanced for optimal 2-channel listening.

Setting Notes:

• In our testing we could pass a video signal from an Apple TV to a Display with HDMI, but we could not get the On Screen Display to output over HDMI. This means that you will need a display with composite or component inputs in order to make any input adjustments, rename inputs, etc.

Remote Notes:

• Remote is a brand new McIntosh HR093. It has been tested for input selection, volume, mute, and OSD navigation.

Standout McIntosh Features Include:

• Balanced Inputs and Outputs

A pair of Balanced high level Inputs (assignable) and Front, Left, Center and Right Channel Balanced Outputs are provided.

• Moving Magnet Phono Input

There is a Precision Phono Preamplifier for Moving Magnet Cartridges.

• Pure Stereo Mode

When the Stereo Mode of Operation is selected for an analog source the signal is amplified with no digital processing placed in the signal path.

• HDMI Video Switching with Digital Video Processing 

There are four HDMI Inputs and any Composite Video, S-Video, Component Video Input can be Up-Converted to a Component Video Signal and Digital Video Signal with the built-in Digital Video Processing Circuitry.

• External Eight Channel Input

An external eight channel signal processor can be connected to these inputs as well as a DVD-Audio Player or Super Audio Disc Player with a built-in processor.

Input Notes:

• We have factory reset the unit and assigned the AUX/PH Input to Phono and the analog input for CD to balanced for optimal 2 channel listening.

Setting Notes:

• In our testing we could pass a video signal from an Apple TV to a Display with HDMI but we could not get the On Screen Display to output over HDMI. This means that you will need a display with composite or component inputs in order to make any input adjustments, rename inputs, etc.

Remote Notes:

• Remote is a brand new McIntosh HR093. It has been tested for input selection, volume, mute, and OSD navigation.

Manual and Specifications:

Click Here (Or see last photos)

Recommended Cables: 

Kimber Ascent Series Hero Analog Interconnects (PAIR) - RCA Ultraplate or WBT Connectors

Kimber Ascent Series Hero Analog Interconnects (PAIR) - BALANCED XLR Connectors

Kimber Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

Kimber D60 Digital Coaxial Interconnect (RCA/BNC Connectors)

Kimber OPT-1 Digital Optical Interconnect (TOSLINK Connectors)

Kimber - Base Series PK14 Power Cord - Brand New

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers & Processors:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCB’s for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.