My new MX123 and MC255 A/V Kit-first impression

[rony]

Many thoughts after Strat using my new MX123 and MC255 A/V Kit .
Didn't find an option to adjust Dimmer/Lights via the remote control .
I use the Audyssey feature , And it seems that when Audyssey is ON , I can't adjust Tone Parameters ( Bass & Treble ).
TuneIN Mesic Streaming service :
A: Didn't find a way to save preferred stations.
B: Make Quick Select Botton to use in the remote
Control.
4) Indeed warm and deep sound.
Maybe a dedicated Stereo device can make
Stereo format sound better.

[RaceCarDriver]

I have also been using the MX123 last few months after having an AV8805 since it was released. You have to go into the menu to dim the front panel of the MX123, it would be nice if it was a button on the remote, but I am sure it could be programmed with an aftermarket device.

My biggest complaint is I have not found a way to turn off the amplifier lights with the 123. It appears only the 170 can do that?

I don't use any of the built in streaming services, I have a Node2i.

Sound was very impressed comparing it to the 8805 (I was impressed with the 8805 also). I also compared it to my D1100 and C1100. Dare I say the $22,000 you'd spend on a C1100 & D1100 would be better spent on speakers/amplifiers/room etc if you had the MX123. If you have a theater and need a pre/pro the MX123 is a fine machine. The 170 is a different animal all together, from there you step up to Trinnov/JBL Synthesis.

[rony]

Thanks for your reply!
Amplifier lights can be turn Off via Right knob.
( Not via trigger cable between devices )

[RaceCarDriver]

Originally Posted by rony

Thanks for your reply!
Amplifier lights can be turn Off via Right knob.
( Not via trigger cable between devices )

Yea, I was hoping it could be done by trigger, as the manual calls out the stereo trigger wire used for illumination in the connection guideline on page 11. But makes no mention of how to do it anywhere. It was nice to do that with the C1100.

BTW did your MX123 come with L brackets mentioned on page 6? I didn't get that with mine.

One hardware package:
• Two “L” Mounting brackets (for securing unit
to shelf)
• Two screws #6 x 1/2 inch
• Four #6 washers

[audioquest4life]

Is the MX 123 fully compatible with UHD and 4K, and 4K pass through? I have a MX121, and it seems some times it locks 4K from streaming content other times not, strange because it’s either going to handshake or not in my opinion. But, I guess depending on the streaming content it may have to do with if it has any UHD or other standard not compatible with the MX121. I plan on upgrading to the MX123 soon. Thanks.

[RaceCarDriver]

Yes it is, it would be a nice upgrade to your 121! The MX123 uses the exact same HDMI board as the AV8805, which is one of the most rock solid pre/pros on todays market IMO.

Peak under the hood of my 123 and 8805. Only the HDMI board is the same, everything else is McIntosh.

[audioquest4life]

@racecardriver, Thank you.

[anoutsos]

Apologies for hijacking this thread (somehow I don't have permissions for posting new threads yet).
So, I wanted to ask for some advice on whether I should upgrade my Marantz MM8077 to the new McIntosh MC255 or add a MC312 to my Marantz AV8801+MM8077 combo, so that I can improve stereo performance. I have the B&W 805d2 and I am planning to upgrade my centre and surrounds to B&W diamonds later (probably to the 805 or 804 models). However, I currently only use my old B&W 600 series for centre and surround HT duties. I should say that I love both music and movies and my priority is sound performance for both. I also love to listen multichannel music on SACD and Blu-ray.
I know that the consensus is that a stereo amp like the MC312 is going to be way better for music than a multichannel amp. But I was wondering if people here think that the MC255 is a good compromise, especially if I am not likely to upgrade to the 803d/802d/800d models of B&W.

Thank you (and again apologies for barging in)

[rony]

My plan is to add a McIntosh preamp to the MX123
Only because of more McIntosh boxes

[rman0194]

hey Rony. I was planning to get this same setup.... MX123 and MC255 for HT only. How does this combo sound? The speakers that I have are B&W 804 D3 and HTM2 D3.