AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › McIntosh MX-121 - any thoughts?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

McIntosh MX-121 - any thoughts? - Page 4

post #91 of 554
2/21/12 at 10:59am
^^Elambo, you said you had your MX 121 on order, any idea when your suppose to get delivery of it? My local dealer was not able to tell me exactly when his units would arrive.

Paul
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #92 of 554
2/21/12 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjackkrash View Post

Paul,

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I'm sorry if things got off track a little.

Jack

No problem Jack, glad to be of help.
If there is anything else regarding the MX 121 that you need to know just ask, I am sure someone here will respond.

Paul
Reply
Reply
post #93 of 554
2/21/12 at 11:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

Some are making this thinly-veiled suggestion (I suspect some are pissed off MX150 owners, others are Marantz owners, still others aren't interested in the progression of McIntosh), but there's no need for speculation: McIntosh has confirmed that the architecture is derived from their 150, the audio path(s) in particular. It isn't pulled directly from that box, but it's the little brother, no question.

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.
Reply
Reply
post #94 of 554
2/21/12 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

If Audyssey is upgradeable via firmware (and I suspect that it is), I predict that they'll upgrade to XT32 eventually, once the 150 gets closer to its retirement, or Audyssey releases an upgrade. Better room correction is one thing which gives the 150 an advantage. If both units will coexist, and Mac says they will, there has to be a reason to buy the more expensive 150.

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.
Reply
Reply
post #95 of 554
2/21/12 at 12:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hidefpaul View Post

^^Elambo, you said you had your MX 121 on order, any idea when your suppose to get delivery of it? My local dealer was not able to tell me exactly when his units would arrive.

Paul

They are saying "end of the month" ship time.

B.
Reply
Reply
post #96 of 554
2/21/12 at 1:52pm
Checked with my local McIntosh dealer Dallas, TX

they told me they expect to receive the MX-121
within two weeks,

Have been waiting for a Hometheater pre-amp to match my
McIntosh amps for a long time that won't be obsolete
in the next six months. Mx-121 with 1.4 hdmi, and internet interface,
sounds great

Wonder if this unit will ever be upgradeable. Anthem Charged 3500.00
for their non 1.4 upgrade, Denon I believe was only 1K

Have been apprehensive about pre-amp processors shelf life
Amps/Speakers last forever, pre-amps don't

Bob

Still can't help but love McIntosh stuff
Reply
Reply
post #97 of 554
2/21/12 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by earwit View Post


Wonder if this unit will ever be upgradeable. Anthem Charged 3500.00
for their non 1.4 upgrade, Denon I believe was only 1K

Anthem is only charge about $800 for their 1.3 to 1.4 upgrade and the firmware is all ready out. Many dealers are including the upgrade in the purchase price to keep people buying. I know my dealer is doing this...and still offering a discount on top of that. Not sure where you heard 3.5K

That might have been an upgrade from a D2 to D2v or AVM50 to 50v doth with ARC.... that is the only way I could see the cost you are talking about.

Mac has not been real big on upgrading their gear more of a buy a new one company kind of like Runco. Where as SIM2 keeps pushing better firmware.

I would love to compare the 121 to my AVM50v for sound.
Reply
Reply
post #98 of 554
2/21/12 at 7:15pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hidefpaul View Post

^^Elambo, you said you had your MX 121 on order, any idea when your suppose to get delivery of it? My local dealer was not able to tell me exactly when his units would arrive.

Paul

"Soon" is what I'm told.
Reply
Reply
post #99 of 554
2/21/12 at 7:20pm
Thread Starter 
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.

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.

Quote:
Originally Posted by scanido View Post

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!!!

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.
Reply
Reply
post #100 of 554
2/21/12 at 7:28pm
Thread Starter 
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?

I have no idea how Mac's licensing is structured, and that could very well dictate the future of their room correction software, but it's not uncommon to create tiered products by simply withholding features (all over the auto industry), then when the top tier gets an upgrade, tier two jumps to where tier one was in certain respects.
Reply
Reply
post #101 of 554
2/21/12 at 7:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

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.

Well, that is a pretty mushy statement by him even if it were verbatim. "Intends to be like?"

Quote:


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.

Of course, one could start from another platform as easily.
Reply
Reply
post #102 of 554
2/21/12 at 9:27pm
There was an interview with Charlie Randall from CES this year were he discusses the new processor(available on YouTube). He did state that the mx121 processor will have essentially the same performance as the mx150 but will lack some of the features, making it more entry level. I was told by my dealer that one of the major costs on the mx150 was the room perfect system. It added approximately $5k to the final cost of the processor. If that's the case then removing RP would certainly bring down the mx150 down to near the cost of the mx121. Obviously they have updated a few things and added audyssey so certainly there are a few features that have been added as well. I think the mx121 does not digitize all inputs like the mx150 so clearly that is one big difference (the digitization was due to room perfect). Overall I wouldn't think it would be that hard to get the mx121 down to the current price if they started with the mx150.
As a separate note, one can always purchase the men220 room correction system from McIntosh if you are not happy with the audyssey offering on the mx121. That will give you the room perfect system in a separate unit that you could use with any system. Although as you might imagine it is not cheap.
Reply
Reply
post #103 of 554
2/21/12 at 9:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by benmoree View Post

I was told by my dealer that one of the major costs on the mx150 was the room perfect system. It added approximately $5k to the final cost of the processor.

If that's true it would explain everything. Though $5k seems a little high for Room Perfect. No? Could it be that much?
Reply
Reply
post #104 of 554
2/21/12 at 9:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson View Post

Well, that is a pretty mushy statement by him even if it were verbatim. "Intends to be like?"

Those were my words, and my paraphrasing was mushy, sure. Benmoree could be referencing the same, or similar, statement, but he's certainly presenting it more skillfully than I had.
Reply
Reply
post #105 of 554
2/21/12 at 10:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post


Those were my words, and my paraphrasing was mushy, sure. Benmoree could be referencing the same, or similar, statement, but he's certainly presenting it more skillfully than I had.

Elambo, I should have quoted you earlier but I was following up on your statement. I'm not sure if we saw the same thing or not but Charlie Randall did indeed state that it was indeed like the mx150 in terms of performance but without some features. As far as the cost of room perfect, it seems pretty high but my dealer is usually right (and honest) on these things so I think its probably close to accurate. Anyway hopefully we will get a chance to hear for ourselves in the next week or two.
Reply
Reply
post #106 of 554
2/21/12 at 11:15pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by benmoree View Post

Elambo, I should have quoted you earlier but I was following up on your statement. I'm not sure if we saw the same thing or not but Charlie Randall did indeed state that it was indeed like the mx150 in terms of performance but without some features. As far as the cost of room perfect, it seems pretty high but my dealer is usually right (and honest) on these things so I think its probably close to accurate. Anyway hopefully we will get a chance to hear for ourselves in the next week or two.

Yes, I think we're talking about the same statement from Charlie. To me, it doesn't matter because understanding the cost of Room Perfect (even if it's not as expensive as your dealer's estimate) explains the existence of a 121, why it uses XT, and everything, really. And it makes me want it even more because I'm not so interested in room correction for this room (a kitchen).

I've more or less put the 121 delivery out of my mind, so when my dealer calls and says, "it's here," I'll be pleasantly surprised.
Reply
Reply
post #107 of 554
2/22/12 at 9:37am
I believe the 121 digitize all inputs .
Reply
Reply
post #108 of 554
2/22/12 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wagnerc View Post

I believe the 121 digitize all inputs .

Thanks for pointing that out. I definitely misstated it earlier. What I meant to say was that the mx121 gives you the option to use a stereo bypass mode with no additional processing. I don't own a mx150 but it is my understanding that all analog inputs were converted to digital and then reconverted to analog to allow room perfect processing on the source material. The mx121 now gives you the ability to bypass the digitization of analog inputs if you desire.
Reply
Reply
post #109 of 554
2/22/12 at 9:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by benmoree View Post

The mx121 now gives you the ability to bypass the digitization of analog inputs if you desire.

I thought that might be true but wasn't sure. I'll be glad if it is.
Reply
Reply
post #110 of 554
3/1/12 at 10:50pm
I heard today that the new mx121 has passed apple AirPlay certification and should be shipping soon. Hopefully it will be in stores in about two weeks.
Reply
Reply
post #111 of 554
3/2/12 at 12:04am
Who's pre-ordered? I'm awaiting user reviews!
Reply
Reply
post #112 of 554
3/2/12 at 11:16am
We were told 3-5 days.

B.
Reply
Reply
post #113 of 554
3/2/12 at 11:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookie b View Post

Who's pre-ordered? I'm awaiting user reviews!

I've got one on pre-order. I'm very interested to see how it performs next to my primare sp32. Unless the performance is terrible, it will replace my sp32 as I need the additional hdmi inputs that the mx121 offers. I'll let you know how it performs.
Reply
Reply
post #114 of 554
3/2/12 at 12:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benmoree View Post

I've got one on pre-order. I'm very interested to see how it performs next to my primare sp32. Unless the performance is terrible, it will replace my sp32 as I need the additional hdmi inputs that the mx121 offers. I'll let you know how it performs.

Please do, I'd appreciate it. I'm saving up for a classe, but I've always wanted a Mac so this could be an good omen as long as its not a rebadge....
Reply
Reply
post #115 of 554
3/3/12 at 9:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by benmoree View Post

I heard today that the new mx121 has passed apple AirPlay certification and should be shipping soon. Hopefully it will be in stores in about two weeks.

Others were told that Airplay had nothing to do with the delay. Someone's using a cover story.

I was told that these would ship Monday and arrive in certain stores soon after. I suspect that the pre-orders will knock out a good portion of the first shipment.
Reply
Reply
post #116 of 554
3/3/12 at 5:03pm
Thread Starter 
Seems that they've already shipped and arrived at certain locations. Reviews will start coming soon.
Reply
Reply
post #117 of 554
3/3/12 at 6:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo View Post

Seems that they've already shipped and arrived at certain locations. Reviews will start coming soon.

That is welcome news. I'm on the west coast so I'd imagine I'll be on the late end of the schedule. If you've got one already let us know what you think.
Reply
Reply
post #118 of 554
3/3/12 at 7:53pm
Thread Starter 
Mine's in the warehouse, arriving at the store early next week. I'll post initial impressions once it's up and running and a more in-depth review after a few days.
Reply
Reply
post #119 of 554
3/4/12 at 6:31am
I ordered one a couple of weeks ago. same thinking. I was looking at several ( Anthem, NAD, Rotel, Arcam, etc.) and was told by 2 dealers that I can buy a Mac for the same money. both dealers when I got to the $5,000 range said I would be better off buying the new Mac. I found that supprising since both were also dealers for the other brands. I am not sure if I was the Rep for the other brands I would be happy with them.

I thought I was going to have to wait until July becasue some people on this and other forums said all the first on were all sold. My dealer called and found out they were not all sold. I was old I would have mine some time in march when I ordered. I also ordered the MC205 Amp instead of the new amp they are introducing with it.
Reply
Reply
post #120 of 554
3/4/12 at 8:40am
Congrats to all you guys on your upcoming MX121 purchase. I am promising myself that I will own a few of these products someday! Nothing better than good old fashioned hand built equipment. You get what you pay for, to bad society today does not see that!!
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Receivers, Amps, and Processors

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › McIntosh MX-121 - any thoughts?