McIntosh Lab Introduces State-Of-The-Art Surround Sound Processor

Feature-Packed MX134 A/V Control Center Offers Complete Access To 7.1 Surround Formats, Including THX Surround EX and DTS-ES

4-Oct-01

McIntosh Laboratory, a world leader in home entertainment systems for over 50 years, introduced the MX134 A/V Control Center at CEDIA EXPO 2001.The state-of-the-art MX134 is THXÆ-certified and incorporates the latest enhancements of the Speaker Position Time Synchronization and Dynamic Decorrelation processes. It comes equipped with a powerful Motorola 24-bit DSP for decoding DolbyÆ Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTSÆ Digital Surroundô and THX, and also allows processing of the latest multichannel 7.1 THX Surround EXô and DTS-ESÆ technologies, which are capable of reproducing rear surround channel information. The MX134 also provides several imaging controls that allow tuning of the center channel, and surround channel steering. In addition, its internal processor is augmented by an eight-channel input for use with external processors.The MX134 employs a 24-bit stereo analog-to-digital (A/D) converter on the analog input, and four 24-bit stereo digital-to-analog (D/A) converters at the DSP output. This provides a 96 kHz throughput sampling frequency.An important THX multichannel feature called Speaker Position Time Synchronization compensates for speakers placed at various distances, and insures that sound from all eight speakers arrives at the listening position at the same time. This improves front-channel imaging, and correctly merges the surrounds into the soundfield. The MX134 also incorporates the new Pro Logic II decoding for movies and music. Using a two-channel, Dolby-encoded soundtrack, Dolby's latest technology improves the surround imaging by providing separate surround channel information, in contrast to the mono surround channel used in standard Pro Logic. For music, Pro Logic II allows full-range directionality from the surround speakers, with no added delay. In Stereo mode, analog signals bypass all DSP processors for a pure, unaltered signal.The MX134 provides eight operating modes: Stereo, Music 1, 2 and 3, Cinema, THX Cinema, External and Mono. The Cinema positions use illuminated logos to indicate which surround processors are in use --Dolby Digital or DTS, depending on which bit stream is detected. Only the left and right front, and subwoofer outputs are active in Mono and Stereo modes. All outputs are active in all other modes. All operating modes are accessible from the handheld remote control.Featuring an auto-memory mode setting for each input, the MX134 memorizes the playback mode setting used for each input, allowing the unit to be custom-configured for the way each person uses the MX134. For example: when playing a CD, the MX134 will switch to Stereo mode; however, in DVD mode, it switches to THX Cinema.The rear panel of the MX134 is set up in five groups of RCA jacks for analog audio: 11 A/V inputs with reassignable input selection, external inputs (for an eight-channel external processor), Zone A outputs and Zone B outputs. An additional input is provided for the optional TM-1 phase-locked loop AM/FM tuner. A male 25-pin subminiature ""D"" connector is available for connecting all eight surround sound outputs and the power control signals to McIntosh's MC126 and MC206 Power Amplifiers. Additionally, a special connector is provided to interface the MX134 with McIntosh's CR16 Audio/Video Multizone Remote Control System to make all audio and data connections via one cable.Another group of digital audio inputs provides access to three coaxial inputs and three optical inputs, which are assignable to any A/V source. The digital outputs can feed an external digital processor, which in turn connects to the RCA external inputs, creating an A/V digital processor loop.There are two groups of video input and output jacks. For each audio input there is a matching composite and S-Video input, allowing for the flexibility to reassign any input to a specific A/V source. Two inputs also offer component video. In addition, there is a video converter to convert composite or S-Video to component video.A super-precise volume control is required for superior surround sound performance, because tracking over the entire range must be almost perfect, or the audio image will shift. Therefore, McIntosh has designed a system that retains the familiar volume control knob yet provides state-of-the-art performance. Tracking accuracy for all eight channels is within one quarter of a dB throughout most of its range. A trim of +/-12 dB of trim is provided for accurately matching amplifiers and speakers. The volume control has 256 steps for excellent resolution, and displays the percent volume amount on the front panel. The volume control for Zone B is a two-channel version of the one for Zone A, without the trim and display.The MX134 is set up for remote control of two zones. A master control microprocessor, programmed by McIntosh, receives and decodes signals from separate IR sensors or keypads. One sensor is on the front panel for Zone A, the other is connected to the Zone B keypad input. This microprocessor controls the volume and input selection logic. The MX134 allows installers or users to expand its control to other devices in the home using the optional McIntosh HC-1 Home Controller. The HC-1 can also control lights, screens and drapes.The MX134 also features auto muting. Outputs are muted for two seconds during power-up, to prevent listeners from hearing the annoying clicks and pops other equipment might generate. The outputs are also muted momentarily during mode changes and input selection.A new McIntosh feature, similar to the Power GuardÆ circuit employed by other McIntosh processors and amplifiers, allows the MX134 to monitor input voltage. If overdrive occurs, the input signal level is attenuated automatically. A double-shielded (copper and steel) power transformer eliminates hum pickup from the power transformer. The electronically-regulated power supply maintains stable operation, even during brownouts or low line voltage.The MX134 A/V Control Center is currently available.For more information about McIntosh Laboratory, visit www.mcintoshlabs.com.

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