McIntosh MX124 AV Processor: Dirac Support and Four Subwoofer Outputs for Epic Home Theaters
Valeriy Bagrintsev
Music Tech
5 minute read
McIntosh MX124 AV Processor: Dirac Support and Four Subwoofer Outputs for Epic Home Theaters
Experience superior sound with McIntosh MX124’s Dirac correction and quad subwoofer outputs for flawless home cinema bass performance.
A New Era for High-End Home Cinema with McIntosh MX124
If you’re a home theater enthusiast, the McIntosh MX124 AV processor is about to become your new obsession. This 13.4-channel beast replaces the MX123 and ramps up the game with advanced room correction tech, refreshed HDMI inputs, and—most notably—a whopping four independent subwoofer outputs. Yes, you read that right: four subs! This upgrade is a game changer for those craving immersive Dolby Atmos setups, supporting configurations like 7.4.6 and 9.4.4 for truly expansive soundscapes.

Four Subs, More Bass Power, and Better Room Balance
The jump from two to four subwoofer channels is a bold step by McIntosh, and it’s all about enhancing the low-end experience. Imagine the difference: instead of just bumping up the volume, you get a more even bass distribution across your room. This means no more dead spots or boomy bass zones—just rich, smooth lows that fill every corner of your cinema space.
Bundled with the MX124 are licenses for Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control, alongside the trusty Audyssey MultEQ XT32 support. Dirac’s bass control analyzes how your speakers and subs interact with the room, then tweaks delay, phase, and frequency to make the bass tight and balanced.
Nine 32-bit DACs handle the audio decoding, and the processor supports a stack of advanced formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS Pro, Sony 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H Audio, and IMAX Enhanced. Plus, you can customize crossover frequencies for different speaker groups to tailor the sound just right.
Next-Level HDMI and Video Features for Future-Proofing
Transitioning from audio to visuals, the MX124 holds its ground with seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, one of which supports eARC for high-quality audio return. These HDMI ports are no slouches—they handle 8K video at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, ensuring crisp, buttery-smooth playback for the latest content.
The third HDMI output doubles as an independent 4K signal for a second zone, perfect for multitasking households. Video enthusiasts will appreciate support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, HDCP 2.3, Rec. 2020 color space, VRR, ALLM, Quick Frame Transport, and even upscaling video to 8K resolution.
High-Resolution Audio Streaming and Comprehensive Connectivity
Music lovers, rejoice! The MX124 isn’t just about movies; it’s a versatile hub for high-fidelity audio. It streams network files up to 32-bit/192kHz and supports popular platforms like Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay. It’s also certified Roon Ready for the audiophile in you.
Bluetooth gets a dual treatment here: one receiver for your devices and a separate transmitter dedicated to wireless headphones. Physically, it’s stacked with coaxial and optical digital inputs, balanced stereo, eight unbalanced analog inputs, an MM phono stage, and outputs for two additional audio zones.

Streamlined Setup and Control for Installers
McIntosh knows the importance of smooth installation and maintenance. The MX124 offers a web interface for setup, pre-configuration tools, backup and restore functions, plus RS232 and IP control. It’s certified with Control4 SDDP for seamless integration into smart home systems.
Included is a full-sized metal stand for the measurement microphone, a thoughtful addition that makes calibration a breeze.
Classic McIntosh Style Meets High-End Performance
All this tech comes wrapped in McIntosh’s signature design: a black glass front panel brimming with old-school charm yet modern sophistication. Weighing in at 13.2 kg (about 29 pounds), the MX124 is a substantial piece of equipment. Price-wise, it’s a serious investment at $15,000, but for those who demand flagship quality and immersive home theater sound, it’s worth every penny.
“Such a configuration allows not only to improve the expressiveness of the low-frequency range but also to achieve a more uniform distribution of bass in the cinema hall.” — McIntosh
Ready to Upgrade Your Home Theater?
With the McIntosh MX124 AV processor, you’re not just buying an AV processor—you’re investing in the future of your home cinema experience. Whether it’s thundering bass, crystal-clear dialogue, or high-res streaming, this processor brings it all to life.
FAQ
- What makes the McIntosh MX124’s bass performance stand out?
It features four independent subwoofer outputs and Dirac Live Bass Control to optimize bass distribution and timing for a balanced low-end. - Which surround sound configurations does the MX124 support?
It supports 7.4.6 and 9.4.4 Dolby Atmos configurations, ideal for large and immersive setups. - Can the MX124 handle the latest video formats?
Absolutely. It supports 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and more. - Is the MX124 suitable for streaming high-res music?
Yes, it streams up to 32-bit/192kHz and supports Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, Apple AirPlay, and is Roon Ready. - How does the MX124 simplify installation and control?
It includes a web setup interface, pre-config options, backup/restore, RS232/IP control, and Control4 SDDP certification.
Elevate your audio-visual setup with a McIntosh MX124 AV processor and bring cinematic magic into your home. Feeling inspired? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store to complete your soundtrack sanctuary: Architeg Prints.
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