For audiophiles who demand absolute mastery over their home theater experience, a traditional AV receiver often falls short of expectations. These discerning individuals often opt for separate amplifiers, potentially matching the number of speakers, rendering the investment in an AV receiver (which typically includes amplification) unnecessary. For these connoisseurs, an AV processor is the ultimate solution, and McIntosh’s latest MX200 AV processor may be the perfect fit for home theater enthusiasts or professional installers seeking unparalleled performance.

This premium device, available at authorized McIntosh dealers in August for $6,000, boasts the capability to process up to 11.2 channels of uncompressed audio while simultaneously supporting 8K/60 frames per second (fps), 4K/120 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG (with 3D and rec.2020) transmission to your TV. The notable upgrade from the company’s $5,500 MX100 AV Processor lies in the inclusion of Dirac Live Full Bandwidth room correction, complete with a software license, offering a more precise and immersive listening experience.

The MX100 featured Audyssey MultEQ XT32, but Dirac Live has garnered significant attention lately, making the MX200 a compelling upgrade even for those already owning an AV processor, seeking to elevate their home theater experience.

In terms of design, the MX200 closely resembles the MX100, boasting a sleek, rack-mountable black chassis with silver accents, a glass display featuring multiline LED readouts, and two elegantly simple control knobs (one for volume and one for input selection), exuding a sense of sophistication and refinement.

The rear panel also shares similarities with its predecessor. However, the limited number of HDMI inputs – only four – may be a drawback in today’s world of multiple game consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices, where connectivity is paramount.

As before, the main audio channel outputs are handled by balanced XLR connections, although this time, McIntosh has opted for unbalanced RCA jacks for the two subwoofer outputs. The MX200 still offers four digital inputs (two optical, two coax), and introduces a range of analog options, including an analog line-in, a dedicated phono line-in with ground for moving-magnet cartridge turntables, and a set of stereo balanced XLR inputs, catering to a wide range of audio sources.

The processor supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and audiophiles will appreciate the MX200’s use of seven discrete 32-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs), ensuring a rich and nuanced soundstage.