McIntosh MX121 and 120 and 5.1 sound via HDMI

Cleve

Cleve

Super Member
I'm interested in upgrading my MX132 preamp to one with HDMI inputs - I'm interested in either the MX120 or 121. My system is only 5 speakers, so I'm not really interested in the newer surround formats. Nor do 4k sources interest me - based on charts I've studied in the past showing how hard it is just to see the difference between 720 p and 1080p, I can see no real need for higher def than 1080p.

Does anyone know if either of those units will glean 5.1 sound (Dolby Digital and DTS) from the HDMI inputs alone, or will separate optical or coax audio connections be required? And my Oppo BD83 SE - I'm assuming I'd still need to connect to the 7.1 channel inputs for SACD and DVD-A audio?


Thanks in advance for the help.
 
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HDMI is all you need.

On another note, man - you need to quit reading charts and sit down in a local dealer and get an Atmos demo with a 4k native Bluray before you go spending money to upgrade really old technology to old technology. Both Atmos and 4k will go right to the top of your want list.
 
Perhaps it makes sense to look for an MX122 or MX150 or newer with 4k capabilities, to keep my options open? I've read yays and nays on 4k video - some claim they can't see a difference, and others say it really isn't the resolution but the video processors and codecs in newer TVs and Blu-Ray players provide superior rendering, even at 1080p, to those in days past.

The beautiful thing about home theater preamps - they don't hold their value as do 2 channel preamps, so every year that goes by, they become more affordable.
 
True indeed. Let your eyes and ears be the judge. When I first saw a 4k Bluray on my own set in my own space I literally about fell out of my chair. I sold video as a professional in the '90s. Then, stacked 1080i projectors were about as good as it got. This is light years better at 5% of the cost.
 
Cleve said:
I'm interested in upgrading my MX132 preamp to one with HDMI inputs - I'm interested in either the MX120 or 121. My system is only 5 speakers, so I'm not really interested in the newer surround formats. Nor do 4k sources interest me - based on charts I've studied in the past showing how hard it is just to see the difference between 720 p and 1080p, I can see no real need for higher def than 1080p.

Does anyone know if either of those units will glean 5.1 sound (Dolby Digital and DTS) from the HDMI inputs alone, or will separate optical or coax audio connections be required? And my Oppo BD83 SE - I'm assuming I'd still need to connect to the 7.1 channel inputs for SACD and DVD-A audio?


Thanks in advance for the help.
Click to expand...

I own the MX121 and it's a nice pre/pro. It decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS HDMA over HDMI only. The digital inputs can do DD and DTS plus ProLogic and DTS Neo 6. The last 2 can be done over all inputs if the original source is 2 channel.

If your SACD and DVD-A discs are multichannel, then you can use the 7.1 input.

What I like about the MX121 is the ability to tailor each input, including naming them to suit your setup. Switching between them is slow, but each input keeps the last user choice vs. all being a global setting. The onscreen setup menu is viewable over HDMI.

Sound wise... it's one of the better I've experienced.

I also have a basic speaker setup. No center channel. Not interested in Atmos and if the time comes that I'd ne moving towards 4k/8k or whatever K, then I would just connect directly to the TV and bypass the preamp.
 
My oldest has my MX 120 and the version of Dolby decoded by it is not as advanced as the 121. I know my MX 151 blows the 120 away.
 
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