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McIntosh MX-121 - any thoughts? - Page 8

post #211 of 555
3/21/12 at 12:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B View Post


Why not just do it manually? It only takes a few minutes...

B.

Yeah, I ended up doing that. It was easy...I'd just never done it before.
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post #212 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B View Post

Why not just do it manually? It only takes a few minutes...

B.

It's the only option, and that's what I did.

A pre-programmed remote profile is much easier when setting up complex macros with multiple devices -- it's just drag-and-drop. Although learning a few commands isn't exactly a hassle, the preset saves a lot of time when reprogramming 20 or 30 screens.
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post #213 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:31pm
Thread Starter 
btw - is anyone else having trouble with AirPlay?

Mine is often times unavailable to other AirPlay devices, and when it's playing it typically cuts out or loses its connection. I've checked cables, routers, etc. They're functioning perfectly with other equipment.
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post #214 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:32pm
How's Audyssey working out for you 121 owners? Never had it before...I think I'll take a run at it tonight.
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post #215 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B View Post

Why not just do it manually? It only takes a few minutes....

Or try the Marantz codes! (Admitted cheap shot.)
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post #216 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:34pm
Thread Starter 
And what's the deal over there at AudioAficianado(dot)org? Every single post must be approved by a moderator before it's made public???
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post #217 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson View Post

Or try the Marantz codes! (Admitted cheap shot.)

Funny
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post #218 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

And what's the deal over there at AudioAficianado(dot)org? Every single post must be approved by a moderator before it's made public???

That's only until you get to 10 posts...its like you're pledging a frat house! I see several of us are posting on both. Makes sense sorto of since that site has a very strong McIntosh base...
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post #219 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookie b View Post

How's Audyssey working out for you 121 owners? Never had it before...I think I'll take a run at it tonight.

Soon... Listening position is up one level and back about 15 feet so the included cable is too short. I plan to buy an extension and get it running over the weekend.
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post #220 of 555
3/21/12 at 5:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookie b View Post

That's only until you get to 10 posts...its like you're pledging a frat house!

I see. Thanks!
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post #221 of 555
3/21/12 at 11:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson View Post

Or try the Marantz codes! (Admitted cheap shot.)

The marantz codes don't work either. Apparently there are no codes out there for this device. I had my dealer out today to sync everything with my control4 home automation but after trying everything we had to manually learn all the commands for the remote. Apparently even the commands over rs-232 are different from previous mcintosh products. If you want preset codes you are probably going to need to request it from the manufacturer that makes your specific remote.
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post #222 of 555
3/22/12 at 12:05pm
Ok...I got mine on Monday and have played with it for over 10 hours...

Thoughts:
-- Beautiful looking piece. Too bad mine is in a closet, but if you had it out in the open it would look fantastic.
-- HDMI switching is excellent. Not a single flaw I've found.
-- Its definitely tamer/smoother than my Anthem. I still haven't made up my mind if that is good or bad.
-- I wish the OSD that shows the volume level also showed the audio codec being used like Anthem did. Is there an option to change what's showing?
-- As for the video altering that was mentioned earlier, I played going through the 121 on passthrough and straight to the source and the picture was identical, like it should be. If you're not on passthrough, I'm not sure but I like my projector to do all the scaling and receive the native resolution.
-- I setup Audyssey last night. Easy enough setup, but had to go back and change the levels as they were off. Distances were correct. I listened to a bunch of movie scenes over and over and came to the conclusion I don't like what the MultEQ is doing (it is very slight though the differences). I definitely didn't like what Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume were doing and that wasn't so slight. Its more subtle with those disabled and MultEQ on, but it seems to my ears that my speakers (JTR Triple 8s) play slightly better with it disabled. I also had to bump the center channel about 1.5db...but now it sounds great.

Those are my thoughts. Anyone else want to chime in on their experiences?
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post #223 of 555
3/23/12 at 9:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookie b View Post

Ok...I got mine on Monday and have played with it for over 10 hours...

Thoughts:
-- Beautiful looking piece. Too bad mine is in a closet, but if you had it out in the open it would look fantastic.
-- HDMI switching is excellent. Not a single flaw I've found.
-- Its definitely tamer/smoother than my Anthem. I still haven't made up my mind if that is good or bad.
-- I wish the OSD that shows the volume level also showed the audio codec being used like Anthem did. Is there an option to change what's showing?
-- As for the video altering that was mentioned earlier, I played going through the 121 on passthrough and straight to the source and the picture was identical, like it should be. If you're not on passthrough, I'm not sure but I like my projector to do all the scaling and receive the native resolution.
-- I setup Audyssey last night. Easy enough setup, but had to go back and change the levels as they were off. Distances were correct. I listened to a bunch of movie scenes over and over and came to the conclusion I don't like what the MultEQ is doing (it is very slight though the differences). I definitely didn't like what Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume were doing and that wasn't so slight. Its more subtle with those disabled and MultEQ on, but it seems to my ears that my speakers (JTR Triple 8s) play slightly better with it disabled. I also had to bump the center channel about 1.5db...but now it sounds great.

Those are my thoughts. Anyone else want to chime in on their experiences?

Strike all the Audyssey speak I wrote. I tried a movie last night with MultEQ and Dynamic EQ on and it was awesome. I'll need to spend a lot more time with these modes until I come up with a definitive conclusion!
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post #224 of 555
3/24/12 at 12:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookie b View Post

Strike all the Audyssey speak I wrote. I tried a movie last night with MultEQ and Dynamic EQ on and it was awesome. I'll need to spend a lot more time with these modes until I come up with a definitive conclusion!

I'm glad to hear it.

About your tamer/smoother comment above, I'm still dealing with that a bit myself. I'm used to a sound with more grit and detail and so my period of adjustment continues. I want to be sure that I'm not settling; that I'm actually discovering something better about this sound. If not, maybe it'll be time to pair it with a different amp.

I have a Pass Labs amp in another room. Anyone tried a Mac/Pass combo with good results?
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post #225 of 555
3/24/12 at 1:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post


I'm glad to hear it.

About your tamer/smoother comment above, I'm still dealing with that a bit myself. I'm used to a sound with more grit and detail and so my period of adjustment continues. I want to be sure that I'm not settling; that I'm actually discovering something better about this sound. If not, maybe it'll be time to pair it with a different amp.

Exact same boat I'm in...
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post #226 of 555
3/25/12 at 5:12pm
As a follow up to the previous posts referenced below. Has anyone been able to compare the MX121 to the MX150? I am going from a MX136 and am interested in performance, specs and features between the two units. Is the MX150 with RoomPerfect worth twice the price of the MX121?

Thanks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by scanido View Post

Where has McIntosh confirmed that the MX121 is derived on the MX150?? I am interested in the MX121 and have heard/read no where of this claim. Sure they may share a similar top/bottom chassis but the similarities end there.

Why would you assume there are a lot of pissed off MX-150 owners. Last I checked it is the very opposite as most are very happy of the MX150!!! Only issue i heard was lack of software updates.

Don't expect this to change with the MX121.

Quote:
Originally Posted by scanido View Post

The MX150 just started shipping a year and half ago. You think Mac will recoup their R&D and licensing fees from Lyndorf by discontinuing the MX150 prematurely?

The obvious difference will be for it's superior Sound Quality and to confirm that I will placing a pre-order for the MX121 to see if there is a perceivable difference.

Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

You wrote, "the similarities end there." Do you have info we don't? To state that they only share a chassis is either an informed declaration, or pure speculation. I'm curious which it is.

Regarding my statement, the president of McIntosh claimed that (this is my summary as I don't remember his exact words) the 121 intends to be like a 150 with less features. Again, I'm not quoting, I'm paraphrasing, and if I could find that source again I'd post it. Think about it: it would be no difficult task to start with a 150, add some things and take others away. Returning to the drawing board would not be cost effective.

Someday, someone will crack open a 121 and compare it to a 150, and THAT'S when we'll know what they have in common. No sooner.



That's not my point at all. I'm suggesting that someone who paid $12K-ish for an MX-150 would be peeved to know that a processor for half that price claims to come close. That would create pissed-off 150 owners (I don't blame them), and we'd be hearing from them. I believe we are. They wouldn't necessarily make that known.
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post #227 of 555
3/25/12 at 6:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockysquirrel View Post

Is the MX150 with RoomPerfect worth twice the price of the MX121?

Value is such a personal thing that we couldn't predict for you. I suspect, based on absolutely no personal experience with the 150, that the 121 and 150 will sound quite similar and that the added cost will be tough to justify. I have no doubts that the 150 will be better (technically, even if not practically), but to what degree?

Few lucky people will have the chance to A/B them side by side. I hope those that do take the time to post their impressions on this forum.
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post #228 of 555
3/26/12 at 8:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookie b View Post

That's only until you get to 10 posts...its like you're pledging a frat house! I see several of us are posting on both. Makes sense sorto of since that site has a very strong McIntosh base...

I'm struggling with that place. It's impossible to stay current when each post arrives 24 hours later.

Also, they've refused to publish my latest post, which I put some time into. Nothing controversial (it was a response to a particular question and included a link to an important article), just informational. I received no message that it was being disregarded, it's simply gone. I can't remember what I'd typed.

I'm not sure I like the vibe I'm getting from that place. So far it's extremely controlling. Reminds me of THX-1138.
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post #229 of 555
3/26/12 at 9:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

I'm struggling with that place. It's impossible to stay current when each post arrives 24 hours later.

Also, they've refused to publish my latest post, which I put some time into. Nothing controversial (it was a response to a particular question and included a link to an important article), just informational. I received no message that it was being disregarded, it's simply gone. I can't remember what I'd typed.

I'm not sure I like the vibe I'm getting from that place. So far it's extremely controlling. Reminds me of THX-1138.

That's funny. Kind of true.

Anyone come up with thoughts on audyssey variations for movies and tv?
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post #230 of 555
3/27/12 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

Value is such a personal thing that we couldn't predict for you. I suspect, based on absolutely no personal experience with the 150, that the 121 and 150 will sound quite similar and that the added cost will be tough to justify. I have no doubts that the 150 will be better (technically, even if not practically), but to what degree?

Few lucky people will have the chance to A/B them side by side. I hope those that do take the time to post their impressions on this forum.

I think that says it all.
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post #231 of 555
3/27/12 at 10:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockysquirrel View Post

As a follow up to the previous posts referenced below. Has anyone been able to compare the MX121 to the MX150? I am going from a MX136 and am interested in performance, specs and features between the two units. Is the MX150 with RoomPerfect worth twice the price of the MX121?

Thanks.

Hi Rocky,

I think you will have to wait for some time as the general consensus i've been getting is that it's not worth it for current MX150 owners to replace their processors with the MX121. Many MX150 owners, including myself, are quite happy. I withdrew my MX121 pre-order as the only real feature I was interested in was the Airplay. I think i'll wait for some third party Airplay only offerings and then hook that up to the MX150. I have no issues with adding another component.

If you want the very best SQ in a processor, then I have no hesitation in recommending the MX150. You get an MEN220 on every one of it's channels and are reassurance that Mac didn't cut corners on their Top processor.
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post #232 of 555
3/27/12 at 1:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scanido View Post

...the general consensus i've been getting is that it's not worth it for current MX150 owners to replace their processors with the MX121.

So we each have the same amount of personal experience with the opposing models and our opinions are solely based upon hearsay (though your rude response above is certainly suspicious - obviously my opinions are also based upon hearsay but I'm not afraid to point out that I don't own a 150). What McIntosh is saying is that the "sound" of the 150 is intended to be within the 121. Purely marketing? Perhaps. What McIntosh dealers who are familiar with both are saying is that the sound is very similar. What McIntosh enthusiasts (those who aren't justifying their 150 by deafly denying any potential of the 121) are saying is that they like the sound of the 121 and that it's very reminiscent of the 150. That was McIntosh's goal, and they're extremely particular, so it would be no surprise to me.

I'm no fanboy. The opposite. I'm making arrangements to audition alternate options. McIntosh isn't doing it for me at the moment. Too soft and casual.
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post #233 of 555
3/27/12 at 4:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scanido View Post

Hi Rocky,
I withdrew my MX121 pre-order as the only real feature I was interested in was the Airplay. I think i'll wait for some third party Airplay only offerings and then hook that up to the MX150. I have no issues with adding another component.

Why not just buy an airport express for $100 and hook it up with an optical cable?

B.
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post #234 of 555
3/27/12 at 6:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scanido View Post

Hi Rocky,

I think you will have to wait for some time as the general consensus i've been getting is that it's not worth it for current MX150 owners to replace their processors with the MX121. Many MX150 owners, including myself, are quite happy. I withdrew my MX121 pre-order as the only real feature I was interested in was the Airplay. I think i'll wait for some third party Airplay only offerings and then hook that up to the MX150. I have no issues with adding another component.

If you want the very best SQ in a processor, then I have no hesitation in recommending the MX150. You get an MEN220 on every one of it's channels and are reassurance that Mac didn't cut corners on their Top processor.

Scanido, thank you for your response.

I understand that current MX150 owners probably are not interested in replacing their MX150 with a MX121. I would also agree if I owned a MX150. Hypothetically, if the owners of a MX150 did not own one and were going out to buy a Mac processor right now, would they buy the MX150 or the MX121 and why?
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post #235 of 555
3/27/12 at 7:10pm
So the installer is coming tomorrow with the following

MX 121
MC 205
Elite 60 inch LCD

I can hardly wait. huge upgrade from my Rotel 1550
I am going to use my B&W 805's

any tips that I should alert the installer to when setting this up?
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post #236 of 555
3/27/12 at 8:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockysquirrel View Post

...going out to buy a Mac processor right now, would they buy the MX150 or the MX121 and why?

That's the $20,000 question, and you have to be well aware of who's answering.
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post #237 of 555
3/28/12 at 2:39pm
well i just got home and it is set up.......

maybe my rotel was set up wrong but this blows me away. I keep jumping thinking someone dropped something or something fell while walking around putting stuff away. the sounds is amazing (at least while playing Deathly Hallows off the cable box). crystal clear and clean. I am hearing things in the movie i never heard before using my old setup. wow is all I can say
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post #238 of 555
3/28/12 at 2:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by baziado View Post

well i just got home and it is set up.......

maybe my rotel was set up wrong but this blows me away. I keep jumping thinking someone dropped something or something fell while walking around putting stuff away. the sounds is amazing (at least while playing Deathly Hallows off the cable box). crystal clear and clean. I am hearing things in the movie i never heard before using my old setup. wow is all I can say

Congrats. I've been very happy with mine. Just haven't decided if I want to stick with no audyssey, audyssey only, or audyssey plus dynamic eq.
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post #239 of 555
3/28/12 at 5:11pm
hmmm good question. no idea what I am using........the installer set it up
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post #240 of 555
3/28/12 at 5:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by baziado View Post

hmmm good question. no idea what I am using........the installer set it up

Check it out and let us know. Just hit menu and audio/video I think then you can seethe audyssey options selected.
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