For those who want to exert maximum control over their home theater, an AV receiver simply won’t cut it. These folks want to equip their rooms with dedicated amplifiers — perhaps as many amps as speakers — so spending money on an AV receiver (which usually includes amplification) doesn’t make sense. For these buyers, an AV processor is the way to go, and McIntosh’s new MX200 AV processor might be exactly what home theater DIYers or professional installers are looking for.
The pricey piece of gear — the MX200 hits authorized McIntosh dealers in August for $6,000 — can process up to 11.2 channels of uncompressed audio, while also passing along 8K/60 frames per second (fps), 4K/120 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG (with 3D and rec.2020) to your TV. Some of that (mostly the 8K/HDR10+ support) is a bump up from the company’s $5,500 MX100 AV Processor, but what’s likely to get enthusiasts excited is the inclusion of Dirac Live Full Bandwidth room correction, with a license for the software.
The MX100 included Audyssey MultEQ XT32, but Dirac Live has been gaining more attention recently, making the MX200 a tempting upgrade even if you already own an AV processor.
In terms of looks, the MX200 is almost identical to the MX100 — you get a sleek, rack-mountable black chassis with silver wings, a glass display with multiline LED readouts, and two simple and elegant control knobs (one for volume, and one for input selection).
Around the back, things are also quite similar. Perhaps too similar. It’s unfortunate that McIntosh has kept just four HDMI inputs, which feels somewhat limited in a world where folks are likely to own multiple game consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices.
As before, the main audio channel outputs are handled by balanced XLR connections, though this time around, McIntosh as chosen to make the two subwoofer outputs unbalanced via RCA jacks. Still available are four digital inputs (two optical, two coax), but the MX200 brings a healthy dose of analog too. There’s an analog line-in, a dedicated phono line-in with ground for moving-magnet cartridge turntables, and a set of stereo balanced XLR inputs.
The processor handles both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and audiophiles will appreciate that the MX200 uses seven discrete 32-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs).
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.