McIntosh MX134 Home Theater Processor and Preamplifier - THX

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General:
While the video section of this unit is outdated, the audio section is still relevant and makes for a great full function audio processor.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. Just connect your HDMI sources directly to the TV and route digital audio to the MX134, reducing the signal path and improving the video quality. It's a win/win.

This MX134 is in great working condition and has been fully tested. The audio quality is very good, and the controls are responsive and fully operational throughout.

The display is still super bright and readable. Using the dimming control turns it on after the unit has been off for a long time.

Comes with a brand new remote and a power cord.

More from McIntosh:
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MX134 A/V Control Center as the heart of your Home Theater System. The MX134 provides superior seven channel reproduction, Dolby Digital, THX Surround EX and DTS ES decoding combined with complete audio and video switching. The McIntosh MX134 sets new standards for accuracy in a Home Theater System.

Some Performance Features Include:
• Automatic Mode Switching with Auto Memory
The MX134 Automatically Switches Operating Modes according to the input signal. Zone A will memorize the Preferred Mode settings last used for each input. When switching from one input to another, the selected mode for each will be active.

• Separate Listen and Record Input Selection
The 11 Analog A/V and 6 Digital Audio Inputs can be reassigned for any desired signal sources. Any unused input can be “turned off” so the input selector will skip over it. All six digital inputs can be assigned to any A/V signal source for Zone A. Separate Record and Listen Circuits al- low recording of one program source while listening to an- other.

• Pure Stereo Outputs
When Stereo Operation is selected for an analog source, pure, unprocessed stereo signals appear at the left and right front outputs.
Please see the linked manual below or our photos for full technical specifications.

Cosmetic Notes:
- Light blemishes on end caps
- Minor wear to top cover on rear corner
- New lamps!

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description here.

Included:
Unit, remote, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Reviews:
Click Here

Specs:
● 24-Bit Signal Processing handles Dolby Digital/Pro Logic, DTS, THX and Bass Management
● THX Surround EX and DTS ES
● Pro Logic II Decoding for movies and music
● Home THX Cinema for optimizing sound in rooms lacking proper speaker locations
● Pure Stereo Mode
● Two Independent Zones
● RS232 Port for connecting McIntosh keypads and other external IR sensors

Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.005%
Gain: 14dB (line)
Input sensitivity: 100mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 90dB (line)
Output: 2V (Pre out), 8V (Pre out Max)
Digital inputs: coaxial, optical
Video Connections: component, composite, SVHS

Dimensions:
7.125 in. H x 17.5 in. W x 21 in. D

(18.1 cm. H x 44.5 cm. W x 53.2 cm. D)

Weight:
35 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2002

Link to Manual:
Click Here

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

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline. 

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching. 

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.