A newer preamp/control center?

[70sMac]

As the signature shows, we own a Mac MX130...and, without getting into it too much, we really like having the ability to delay sound via its Hall Mode. Nevertheless, it's not a truly dedicated surround processor, so I was thinking about a [possible] change.

If you were looking for a newer Mac preamp/control center -- but don't wish to spend the big bucks on state of the art -- which model would you be shopping for?

To clarify, we would like to have a Mac unit that was designed with both (2) and (5) [or even (7)] channels in mind -- without taking out another mortgage to buy it.

Thank you for your time ~ Bill

[Maks]

The good news is the prices drop real quickly on the Mac HT preamps as the years go on. The only experience I have is with the MX135, I used it as both a DAC and a 2-channel pre, it has some sort of 2 channel direct mode that removes everything else from the signal chain. After that you're stepping up into something like the MX150, but I'm not sure those have really dropped all that much yet.

[Yamaki]

I've owned a MX-119 & a MX-135 in the past. I appreciated the MX-135's balanced inputs for use with my DAC and huge array of audio & video inputs. I never felt slighted by not having HDMI in either unit as I like having my video connected directly from the source to the monitor.

I now own a MX-151 which is a very good pre-amp/processor. I will admit I am not using the HDMI function as I am still running HDMI directly from the sources to my monitor as before.

The MX-151 has proven to be a 2 channel and 5.1 channel sonic wonder compared to my two previous MX units. I got it for a great price from Audio Classics.

I'd highly recommend it as one of the units you should investigate before you make your purchase decision.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Yamaki

I've owned a MX-119 & a MX-135 in the past. I appreciated the MX-135's balanced inputs for use with my DAC and huge array of audio & video inputs. I never felt slighted by not having HDMI in either unit as I like having my video connected directly from the source to the monitor.

I now own a MX-151 which is a very good pre-amp/processor. I will admit I am not using the HDMI function as I am still running HDMI directly from the sources to my monitor as before.

The MX-151 has proven to be a 2 channel and 5.1 channel sonic wonder compared to my two previous MX units. I got it for a great price from Audio Classics.

I'd highly recommend it as one of the units you should investigate before you make your purchase decision.

...Audio Classics, Michael. I was just speaking to one of their folks yesterday...and, after posing Mac Control Center questions to him, he suggested the MX170 and the MX123 as multi-channel preamp possibilities. He also suggested that I look into the MC207 and the MC205, but that's an amp discussion that might actually require its own thread...

Regardless, I appreciate your words on the MX151 and I will surely do some research on it. The words "...sonic wonder compared to my two previous MX units" really caught my attention, so your point is well taken, sir. Thank you.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

As the signature shows, we own a Mac MX130...and, without getting into it too much, we really like having the ability to delay sound via its Hall Mode. Nevertheless, it's not a truly dedicated surround processor, so I was thinking about a [possible] change.

If you were looking for a newer Mac preamp/control center -- but don't wish to spend the big bucks on state of the art -- which model would you be shopping for?

To clarify, we would like to have a Mac unit that was designed with both (2) and (5) [or even (7)] channels in mind -- without taking out another mortgage to buy it.

Thank you for your time ~ Bill

Bill....about 2-1/2 years ago I converted my bedroom 2 channel system to a McIntosh-based 5.1 channel system. Going by the advice of our late friend Dan aka jdandy, I bought myself a used MX120 along with an MC206 amp. Dan had been very pleased with his MX120, which I had heard a few times and was impressed with. It sounds great, has HDMI switching, and will easily accommodate a 7.1 setup if desired.

If what you want is a high quality, reliable processor that will sound great without breaking the bank going by something like the MX150/151, then you should give this one some thought. You can easily find one of these on the secondary market for a couple grand, maybe even less.

I love mine; frankly I'm a bit surprised the MX120 doesn't come up more often in this type of discussion. It does have a reputation for very good sound and trouble-free performance.

If you're interested, here's a link to my thread that I started when I set my bedroom theater up. I get TONS of enjoyment from it.

https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=41665

Good luck!

[Yamaki]

Great points, Pete.

I did consider the MX-120 during my search for a new unit after my MX-135 expired and the only thing that held me back from pulling the trigger on it was the fact that the MX-151 had those two sets of balanced XLR inputs. The MX-120 pricing was certainly attractive!

[Yamaki]

Bill...I hope I was of some help.

Good luck with your search and don't forget to fill us in if and when a new unit is selected!

Oh, and we like pics of the new gear additions as well.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

Bill....about 2-1/2 years ago I converted my bedroom 2 channel system to a McIntosh-based 5.1 channel system. Going by the advice of our late friend Dan aka jdandy, I bought myself a used MX120 along with an MC206 amp. Dan had been very pleased with his MX120, which I had heard a few times and was impressed with. It sounds great, has HDMI switching, and will easily accommodate a 7.1 setup if desired.

If what you want is a high quality, reliable processor that will sound great without breaking the bank going by something like the MX150/151, then you should give this one some thought. You can easily find one of these on the secondary market for a couple grand, maybe even less.

I love mine; frankly I'm a bit surprised the MX120 doesn't come up more often in this type of discussion. It does have a reputation for very good sound and trouble-free performance.

If you're interested, here's a link to my thread that I started when I set my bedroom theater up. I get TONS of enjoyment from it.

https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=41665

Good luck!

We're headed out to look at A/V room furniture right now, Pete, but I have to say that glancing at your first couple of photos is a bona fide hook-setter. Wow! I'm sure to get some enjoyment out of that thread, no doubt.

Is that a mono block Mac amp I see in your cabinet?

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

We're headed out to look at A/V room furniture right now, Pete, but I have to say that glancing at your first couple of photos is a bona fide hook-setter. Wow! I'm sure to get some enjoyment out of that thread, no doubt.

Is that a mono block Mac amp I see in your cabinet?

If you mean the amp in the background here, yes. It is one of three MC501's that I have in my main system.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Yamaki

Great points, Pete.

I did consider the MX-120 during my search for a new unit after my MX-135 expired and the only thing that held me back from pulling the trigger on it was the fact that the MX-151 had those two sets of balanced XLR inputs. The MX-120 pricing was certainly attractive!

Michael..... Could I trouble you for a bit more information about your MX-XXX experiences? For example, I'd like to read more about what happened to your MX135.