MCINTOSH MX136

Pre owned. In excellent condition, free from noticeable signs of wear. Supplied with owner's manual and remote control. Original packaging not included.

The McIntosh MX136 is an audio/video preamplifier and processor designed to serve as the control center of a Home Theater system, combining preamplification, audio/video source management, and multichannel decoding in a single unit. It blends McIntosh's traditional engineering approach with the advanced digital processing technologies available at the time of its introduction, providing comprehensive control of systems with up to eight channels.

The audio section features balanced inputs and outputs, along with a dedicated Moving Magnet phono input equipped with its own precision phono preamplifier. When Stereo mode is selected with an analog source, the signal remains entirely in the analog domain, bypassing any digital processing to preserve signal integrity.

Volume adjustment is handled by a high-precision digitally controlled circuit that simultaneously regulates all eight channels with extremely accurate channel tracking. Bass, treble, and loudness controls are implemented through digitally controlled analog circuits, allowing precise tonal adjustments without compromising the circuit's sonic performance.

The digital processing section supports a wide range of surround formats, including Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, and DTS Neo:6, automatically selecting the appropriate operating mode according to the incoming signal. The unit also stores the preferred settings for each source, automatically recalling them whenever that source is selected.

System calibration is simplified by an internal test tone generator that enables accurate adjustment of individual channel levels and time delays, compensating for different speaker distances to ensure proper soundstage reconstruction.

Source management is highly flexible thanks to twelve analog audio/video inputs, which can be renamed to match the connected components, and six freely assignable digital inputs. Unused inputs can be disabled from the input selection sequence, while independent listening and recording circuits allow one source to be recorded while another is being played.

The video section includes four HDMI inputs and an integrated digital video processor capable of converting Composite Video, S-Video, and Component Video signals to Component Video and digital outputs, simplifying the integration of sources using different video connection standards.

An external eight-channel analog input is also provided for connecting external surround processors or DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD players equipped with their own internal decoding, expanding compatibility with high-resolution audio sources.

The MX136 also incorporates dual-zone capability, allowing a separate audio/video program to be distributed to a second room through a dedicated power amplifier without affecting playback in the main listening area.

User interaction is facilitated by a multifunction fluorescent front-panel display and an On-Screen Display menu system that allows setup adjustments to be performed using the remote control. Twenty-four front-panel LED indicators provide real-time information about the incoming signal format, selected processing mode, and active output configuration.

From a construction standpoint, the illuminated glass front panel is one of McIntosh's signature design elements. Illumination is provided by a combination of fiber optics and LEDs, ensuring uniform lighting, long operational life, and preserving the unit's distinctive appearance over time.

Technical specifications:

• Frequency response (Stereo mode): left and right front channels 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB).
• Frequency response (Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Music modes): left, center, and right front channels; left and right surround channels; surround back channels 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB).
• Frequency response (Dolby Digital, DTS, and 8-channel external input): all channels 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB).
• Crossover filters: "Small" speaker setting with 80 Hz high-pass filter, 12 dB/octave slope; subwoofer with 80 Hz low-pass filter, 24 dB/octave slope (except in External mode).
• Rated output level: 2 V from all outputs.
• Maximum output level: 8 V from all outputs.
• Output impedance: less than 600 Ohms on all outputs.
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.005% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, all channels).
• Input sensitivity: line level 100 mV for 500 mV output; phono 1 mV for 500 mV output; Dolby level 200 mV (external processor); reference level 200 mV.
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): 98 dB below rated output.
• Maximum input level: 6 V (line level).
• Input impedance: 20 kOhms (line level); 47 kOhms (phono).
• Gain: line level to Tape output 0 dB; line level to preamplifier output 14 dB; phono to preamplifier output 54 dB.
• Tone controls: bass and treble adjustable from +12 dB to -12 dB.
• Power requirements: 100 / 110 / 120 / 220 / 230 / 240 V AC; 50/60 Hz; power consumption 65 W.
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 24 × 44.5 × 47.6 cm (9.4 × 17.5 × 18.7 in).
• Weight: 14.1 kg net