Any info. on the New Mcintosh MX150?

[crytklmass]

I heard that Mcintosh is introducing a new processor for those that want to upgrade from their current mac HT processor. The New MX150. Has anyone seen or heard anything about this new processor at CES? pros, cons, price, etc. Is it worth the upgrade, what inputs and/or processing does this new processor have. What formats are included? any news will be helpful. I'm trying to decide which processor to purchase. I have the mac amps but I am still using my old Denon for processing. (not a good match) I could buy the mx134 or mx136 for now. Maybe next year upgrade to the mx150 if it's worth the price or wait and buy a new mx150. It supposed to ready for sale in Feb.?
But I still can't find any info. about this new unit.
Thanks for your assistance.
Bob

[crytklmass]

McIntosh Laboratory, a global leader in home entertainment systems that has defined the highest quality in sound reproduction for 60 years, today announced the introduction of its new ultra-luxury MX150 A/V Control Center (SRP: TBD). Scheduled for availability in March, the MX150 is designed to give home entertainment enthusiasts an elegant solution for controlling and enjoying the maximum benefits of all today's advanced video and audio source components, the MX150 features a robust up-converting video processing engine with advanced HDMI 1.3 capability, as well as DolbyHD and DTSMaster decoding, on-board RoomPerfect auto-equalization, multiple subwoofer capability, and software management via USB, Ethernet and Compact Flash.

Seamless Compatibility with Blu-ray and More...
The MX150 features five HDMI 1.3 audio/video inputs and is engineered to function with all the latest audio processing technologies to insure seamless compatibility with Blu-ray disc players. In addition to its ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, it also affords decoding of Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital 5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS 5.1/7.1, DTS ES, Discrete 6.1, DTS ES Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24. The unit's five Component, two S-Video and two Composite video inputs ensure the ultimate in home entertainment expandability, with user preferences assignable per source.

The new MX150 carries on in the McIntosh tradition of sonic excellence with exceedingly low noise and distortion performance. Two balanced inputs combine with balanced outputs and a differential balanced audio topology to offer superb low-level linearity. Coaxial and optical digital audio inputs are provided along with an AES/EBU balanced digital input for use with fine-quality outboard DACs such as the McIntosh MDA1000. An on-screen user interface is menu-driven and intuitive for ease of system set up. An RS232 input offers compatibility with third party remote control systems while McIntosh Power Control and Data Ports enable the MX150 to control an entire McIntosh system from a single hand-held remote.

For maximum flexibility in virtually any integrated home entertainment system, multiple modes of video are supported by the MX150, including analog-to-digital HDMI video conversion/scaling of legacy video sources. For the ultimate in image quality with HDTV V1.3 sources, pure HD HDMI sources are switched and supported at the highest 1080p line rate. And when used with an HDTV video display, all analog inputs may be further scaled to digital 1080p HDMI output.

Two-Zone Processing, State-of-the-Art Audio Capabilities
For added flexibility in multi-zone system building, the MX150 is a 2-zone controller with both zones controllable from the front panel or with remote sensors/keypads and comes complete with an event based learning remote control.

The MX150's audio capabilities are state-of-the-art as well, providing users with maximum flexibility and performance when used with today's most sophisticated high-definition audio formats. Multiple surround and music modes utilizing the latest 24-bit converters provide thrilling surround effects and breathe new life into stereo recordings. Pure analog and two-channel bypass modes are provided, as is low noise MM phono preamp. In addition, balanced and unbalanced connections are included.

[crytklmass]

I found a pic.

[Kal Rubinson]

Here's the other side:

Kal

[crytklmass]

I hope Mcintosh will price compete with there competition. I heard a selling price of $12,000 in Feb. If it wants to compete it needs to lower the price at least $4,000. I can buy a classe ssp800 for $6,800.00 It may not be apples vs. apples with classe. but I thought they were a competitor with mac. They need to listen to there customers or they'll be on shelf collecting dust for a year until the price drops to a more competitive level. Even the classe started at $10,000. I don't know what to do I have 2 mc501's and a mc 205. I WANT a mac processor. not sure if I should buy a mx134 (dont know whats a good price?) or mx136 ($6,000.00) or wait until next year to buy a mx150. I need expert advice. I also need a new dvd/cd/blu ray player. was thinking about the denon 3800 or DVD-A1UD. any advice? I dont have deep pockets, but im willing to pay $2000 for a blu ray player. Is there really a need for a dedicated cd player anymore? 1 blu ray player will play everything, dvd, cd, mp3, etc. but I want to make smart purchases not just throw money away.

[morse13]

I am a custom A/V installer and I set up a McIntosh MX-150 last week. The system consisted of a Mcintosh MX-150 with a Mcintosh MC-402 amplifier driving the customers existing Magnepan MG 3.6 as the fronts and a Rotel RMB-1095 driving the center channel and surrounds on this 7.1 channel system. The subwoofer that was used was a Paradigm Studio Sub-15. Due to the large room size with sloped ceilings and hardwood floors I knew that room acoustics were not ideal. Fortunately the McIntosh RoomPerfect performed flawlessly. After the calibration the room sounded better that I had ever thought it could. The sound was nothing short of breathtaking with crystal clear, transparent highs, articulate midrange and tight bass with no sign of the standing waves or resonant modes I had heard before the calibration. Yes $12k is alot of money for a Pre/Pro but if you have the right equipment I have no doubt that it is worth it.

[Chris D]

Cool, Morse. What were the center and surrounds to go with the Maggies?