For more than 70 years, McIntosh has represented excellence in the Hi-Fi industry. Celebrated for its superior sound quality and exceptional design, the brand has also made significant strides in the home cinema sector. By the 1990s, McIntosh had garnered a prestigious reputation among the most discerning film enthusiasts.
The manufacturer has primarily concentrated on systems that include a home theater processor, exemplified by models like the McIntosh MX123 and MX180, along with multi-channel power amplifiers such as the McIntosh MI254, MI347, MC257, and MC303. With the introduction of the McIntosh MHT300 home theater AV receiver, the company seeks to provide a premium cinematic experience through a single unit.
The product functions as a 7.2-channel amplifier; however, when utilizing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats, it operates in a 5.2.2-channel configuration. The AV receiver also allows for the connection of an additional amplifier, enabling the expansion to a 7.2.4-channel audio system. The McIntosh MHT300 delivers 120 watts of power at 8 ohms and 150 watts at 4 ohms. While these specifications may appear modest in comparison to competitors, the manufacturer emphasizes that most amplifiers typically provide output power in mono or stereo modes. The McIntosh MHT300, on the other hand, can distribute this power across all its channels, totaling over 1050 watts at an impedance of 4 ohms. As a result, this new model is well-equipped to drive even the most demanding home theater speakers.
The video section of the latest product features four HDMI inputs and a single output, all of which support 8K UHD resolution at 60FPS and 4K at 120Hz. Additionally, the receiver is compatible with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG formats. While the new device is equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, it does not fully utilize all the capabilities associated with this standard, particularly regarding gaming features such as QMS, VRR, and ALLM. The McIntosh MHT300 is housed in an aluminum chassis that reflects the design elements of several of the manufacturer’s models, including the MEN220 and C49. The front panel is equipped with two large knobs for selecting the signal source and adjusting the volume.
The central section of the front panel has undergone a significant redesign, as the company has opted to replace the traditional volume meters with a backlit display. This screen provides information about the signal source and other pertinent details. Furthermore, the receiver is equipped with a remote control for added convenience.
McIntosh MHT300 specifications:
- Channels:
- Amplification: 7.2 channels
- Pre-amplification: 7.2.4 channels
- Design: Glass front panel
- Calibration: Dirac Live acoustic calibration
- Power Output:
- 8 ohms: 7 x 120 watts
- 4 ohms: 7 x 150 watts
- Video Compatibility:
- HDMI 2.1 Inputs and Outputs
- UHD 8K at 60 fps and UHD 4K at 120 fps compatible
- HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision compatible
- 3D pass-through compatible
- Audio Formats Supported:
- Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround upmixer
- DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-X, Neural:X Surround Upmix
- Connections:
- 4 HDMI inputs
- 1 HDMI eARC output
- 2 coaxial inputs
- 2 optical inputs
- RCA 7.2.4 Pre-Out section
- Trigger Ports
- RS232 Ports
- IR Ports
- FM Antenna Port
- Accessories Included:
- Calibration Microphone
- IR Remote Control
- Power Cable
- Quick Installation Guide
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 444 x 157 x 508 mm
- Weight: 12.2 kg
