McIntosh MX-120 Owners manual

A/V Control Center

MX120

Owner’s Manual

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

“DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

The lightning flash with arrowhead,
within an equilateral triangle, is in­tended to alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of im­portant operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the litera­ture accompanying the appliance.

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF

FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO

RAIN OR MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE

OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or

back. No user-serviceable parts inside.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord
or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the
a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply cord
plug from the a.c. receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as
sunshine, fire or the like.

2

Thank You

Table of Contents

Your decision to own this McIntosh MX120 A/V Control
Center ranks you at the very top among discriminating mu­sic listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedi­cation to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many
years of musical enjoyment from this unit.

Please take a short time to read the information in this
manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all
the features and functions of your new McIntosh.

Please Take A Moment

The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance claim or
future service. The spaces below have been provided for
you to record that information:

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Dealer Name:

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar with
your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may be
part of your system. If you or your Dealer wish additional
help concerning a suspected problem, you can receive tech­nical assistance for all McIntosh products at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of
repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return
it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For as­sistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the
McIntosh Service Department at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Safety Instructions ............................................................. 2

Thank You and Please Take a Moment .............................. 3

Technical Assistance and Customer Service ...................... 3

Table of Contents ............................................................... 3

Important Information ........................................................ 4

Connector Information ....................................................... 5

Introduction ........................................................................ 6

Performance Features ........................................................ 6

Dimensions ......................................................................... 7

Installation ......................................................................... 8

Connections

Rear Panel Multizone, Control and Switch ........................ 9

Rear Panel Analog and Digital Audio Connections .......... 10

Rear Panel Video Connections ......................................... 11

How to Connect Multizone, Data and Power Control ..... 12

How to Connect Digital Audio Components .................... 13

How to Connect Analog Audio Components

for eight channels ............................................................. 14

How to Connect Analog Audio Components

for five or six channels ..................................................... 16

How to Connect Video Components ................................ 17

How to Connect for Zone B ............................................. 18

Front Panel Features

Front Panel Controls and Sensor ..................................... 19

Front Panel Push-button and Switch ................................ 20

Front Panel Displays ........................................................ 21

Remote Control

Remote Control Push-Buttons.......................................... 22

How to Operate by Remote Control ................................. 23

Setup Mode

How to Operate the Setup Mode ...................................... 24

Default Settings................................................................ 25

How to Adjust for Loudspeaker Size ............................... 26

How to Adjust Loudspeaker Time Delay ......................... 28

How to Adjust Loudspeaker Levels ................................. 29

How to Change the Input Setup ....................................... 31

How to Change the Volume Setup .................................... 37

How to Change the Advanced Settings ............................ 38

Operation

How to Operate the MX120............................................. 40

How to Operate the Trim Mode ....................................... 43

How to Operate the Surround Mode ................................ 46

How to Make a Recording ............................................... 48

How to Operate Zone B ................................................... 49

Additional Information

Specifications ................................................................... 50

Packing Instructions ......................................................... 51

Copyright 2007 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

3

Important Information

Important Information

1. Before making any connections to the MX120, make sure
the Main POWER Switch is in the Off position. Failure to
do so could result in malfunctioning of some or all of the
system’s normal operations.

2. Zone A accepts, unbalanced Analog Signals, Balanced
Analog Audio Signals and Digital Audio Signals. Zone B
and the Record Output Signal only accept unbalanced
Analog Signals. When connecting source devices with audio
ouputs to the MX120, make sure to also connect the
unbalanced outputs.

3. The connection of a turntable to the PH/AUX Input jacks
requires changes to be made in the SETUP Mode, refer to
page 33. The MX120 INPUT Control for Zone A and B
needs to be placed in the PH/AUX position in order to
make a recording from the turntable and/or for listening to
a record in Zone B of the MX120.

4. Connecting Cables are available from the McIntosh Parts
Department:

Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202

Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs on each end.

Control Center to Multi-Channel Power Amplifier
Cable Part No. 170-631

Six foot, DB25, shielded, straight through, 25
conductor male-to-female cable.

5. When the MX120 is connected to some McIntosh
Multichannel Power Amplifiers with a 25 conductor cable,
the amplifier meters may automatically indicate the output
of individual channels during the Speaker Level Setup
Operation. Refer to the Power Amplifiers Owner’s Manual
for additional information.

6. The MX120 Input Source Name “DVD” is equivalent to
“V-Aux” on some McIntosh Keypads, Remote Controls and
Audio/Video Control Centers.

7. Up to two McIntosh Sensors or Keypads can be wired in
parallel for both Zones A and B.

8. When a McIntosh WK-2 Keypad or a R649 Sensor is to be
connected to the McIntosh MX120 A/V Control Center that
uses a RJ-45 Connector Plug instead of the “F” Coaxial
Connector, connect the Center Conductor to Pin 1 and the
Shield Conductor to Pin 2. Refer to the figure below.

Pin 1 Pin 8

Shielded Cable Data Signal

(to Pin 1)

9. The Zone A and Zone B IR Inputs, with 1/8 inch mini phone
jacks, are configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as a
Xantech Model 291-80. To avoid possible interaction,
disable the MX120 Front Panel Sensor with the switch
recessed in the bottom panel behind and to the left of the
Sensor.

10. System Setup operations must be performed in the order
they appear in the Main System Setup Menu as they are
interactive.

11. In order to hear bass frequencies below 80Hz, your system
must include either a Subwoofer or Large Front
Loudspeakers.

12. When an assigned Digital Input and a matching Analog
Input are in use, the MX120 automatically searches first for
a Digital Signal. If no Digital Signal is sensed, it switches to
the Analog Input.

13. Some disk players have the ability to provide only a single
output (Digital or Analog) when a DTS Sound Track is
playing. If the Digital Output is selected in the player setup
mode, the players Analog Audio Output Signal will have the
undecoded DTS Sound Signal which will be heard as noise.

14. There are three types of Analog Video Signals that can be
connected to and selected by the MX120; Composite Video,
S-Video, and Component Video. Zone A, Zone B and
RECord Outputs have both Composite Video and S-Video
connections; the Component Video Output is for Zone A
only. The MX120 will Up-Convert the desired Composite
Video to S-Video; it will also Up-Convert the desired
Composite Video and/or S-Video Inputs to Component
Video.

15. The MX120 has built-in HDMI Digital Video Selection for
Zone A and has Digital Video Processing Circuitry to
convert and upscale any Composite Video, S-Video, and
Component Video Signals to Digital Video (480p, 720p or
1080i).

16. To view Component Video, S-Video and Composite Video
Input Sources through the HDMI Video Monitor A Output, it
is necessary to first go into the Setup Mode, select the Input
Setup Menu (HMDI Video/Component Video Menu items)
and make the appropriate changes from the default settings.
For additional information refer to pages 34 and 35.

17. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MX120
A/V Control Center.

“F” Connector

4

Data Ground

(to Pin 2)

RJ-45
Plug

Connector Information

Connector Information

Keypad Terminal Connector

To use a WK-3 or WK-4 Keypad with the MX120, connect
the shield and four leads of a shielded 4 conductor cable to
a RJ-45 Connector Plug, according to the numbers listed
below. There is a numbered connector built into each Key­pad, which has a different pin out.

MX120 RJ-45 WK-3 and WK-4 Keypad

1. Signal Data 1. Supply Voltage Positive

2. Signal Data Gnd. 2. Supply Voltage Negative
and Cable Shield 3. Cable Shield

3. N/C 4. Signal Data

4. Supply Voltage Negative 5. Signal Data Gnd.

5. Supply Voltage Positive

6. N/C

7. N/C

8. N/C

MX120
Keypad
Socket

RS232 DB9 Connector Pin Layout

1. N/C 6. N/C

2. Data Out (TXD) 7. N/C

3. Data In (RXD) 8. N/C

4. N/C 9. N/C

5. Gnd.

Power Control Connector

The MX120’s Power Control Outputs provide a 5 volt sig­nal. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug to connect to the Power
Control Input on other McIntosh
Components.

Positive

N/C

Negative

Data and IR Input Port Connectors

The MX120’s Data Port Output provides Remote Control
Signals. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug to connect to
the Data Port Inputs on McIntosh Source Units. The IR
Ports also use a 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug and allows
the connection of other brands IR Sensors to the MX120.

Data Port
Connector

IR Input Port
Connector

Data Signal

N/C

Ground

Data Signal

Ground

N/C

Multi-Channel Amp DB25 Connector Pin Layout

1. Left Front + 15. Center Front Gnd.

2. Center Front + 16. Right Front Gnd.

3. Right Front + 17. Subwoofer Gnd.

4. Subwoofer + 18. Left Surround Gnd.

5. Left Surround + 19. Right Surround Gnd.

6. Right Surround + 20. Left Back Surround Gnd.

7. Left Back Surround + 21. Right Back Surround Gnd.

8. Right Back Surround + 22. N/C

9. N/C 23. N/C

10. N/C 24. System Calibrate Gnd.

11. N/C. 25. Power Control Gnd.

12. System Calibrate

13. Power Control In

14. Left Front Gnd.

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
and Output Connectors on the MX120. Refer to the dia­gram for connection:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Signal
PIN 3: - Signal

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

5

Introduction

Introduction and Performance Features

Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan­dards of excellence in the MX120 A/V Control Center as
the heart of your Home Theater System. The MX120 pro­vides superior eight channel reproduction with the latest in
digital decoding combined with complete audio and video
switching. The McIntosh MX120 sets new standards for
accuracy in a Home Theater System.

Performance Features

••

• Balanced Inputs and Outputs

••

A pair of Balanced high level Inputs (assignable) and Front
Left, Center and Right Channel Balanced Outputs are pro­vided.

••

• Moving Magnet Phono Input

••

There is a Precision Phono Preamplifier for Moving Magnet

Cartridges.

••

• On-Screen and Multifunction Fluorescent Displays

••

A comprehensive On-Screen Display capability makes it
easy to perform setup adjustments using the Remote Con­trol. The front panel display indicates volume levels, tuner
functions, input selection, operating mode and setup func­tions.

••

• Automatic Mode Switching with Auto Memory

••

The MX120 Automatically Switches Operating Modes ac­cording to the input signal. Zone A will memorize the Pre­ferred Mode settings last used for each input.

••

• Separate Listen and Record Input Selection

••

The 6 Analog Audio/Video and 2 Analog Audio only Inputs
can be retitled for any desired signal sources. Any unused
input can be “turned off” so the input selector will skip over
it. The six Digital Inputs can be assigned to any of the Zone
A Inputs. Separate Record and Listen Circuits allow record­ing of one program source while listening to another.

••

• Latest in Digital Audio Processing

••

The MX120 incorporates the latest technology in digital
multi-channel processing, including Dolby Digital EX, Pro
Logic IIx, DTS-ES and NEO:6.

••

• LED Signal Format Indicators

••

The MX120 includes eight LEDs on the front panel to indi­cate what type of signal processing is chosen.

••

•

Pure Stereo Mode

••

When the Stereo Mode of Operation is selected for an ana­log source the signal is amplified with no digital processing
placed in the signal path.

••

• Adjustable Channel Level and Time Delay

••

A built-in test signal generator allows all eight channels to
be calibrated for precise volume levels with either automatic
or manual channel switching and can be adjusted for time
delay to compensate for different distances from each Loud­speaker to the listening area.

••

• Digitally Controlled Volume and Tone Controls

••

A Precision Tracking Volume Control adjusts all eight chan­nels with tracking accuracy better than 0.5dB. Digitally
controlled bass, treble and loudness analog circuits provide
a wide range of tone shaping with no loss in traditional
McIntosh sonic excellence.

••

• HDMI Video Switching with Digital Video Processing

••

There are four HDMI Inputs and any Composite Video, S­Video, Component Video Input can be Up-Converted to a
Component Video Signal and Digital Video Signal with the
built-in Digital Video Processing Circuitry.

••

• External Eight Channel Input

••

An external eight channel signal processor can be connected
to these inputs as well as a DVD-Audio Player or Super
Audio Disc Player with a built-in processor.

••

• Dual Zone

••

The MX120 has the built-in ability to control a separate re­mote audio/video in Zone B with program selection indepen­dent of Zone A, using a dedicated power amplifier and
speakers.

••

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

••

The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the
combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers
and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This provides uniform
Front Panel Illumination, together with the extra long life of
the LEDs.

••

• Glass Front Panel

••

The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel en­sures the pristine beauty of the MX120 will be retained for
many years.

6

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best
location for your MX120. There is additional information
on the next page pertaining to installing the MX120 into
cabinets.

17-

1/2

44.45cm

Dimensions

"

Front View of the MX120

Rear View of the MX120

12-

1/4

31.12cm

17"

43.18cm

13-

1/4

33.66cm

7-

5/8

7-

1/8

"

18.10cm

19.37cm

"

"

6-

5/16

"

16.03cm

"

Side View of the MX120

13/16

2.06cm

18-

1/2

"

46.99cm

17"

43.18cm

6-

1/2

"

3/16

0.48cm

"

16.51cm

"

12-

5/8

"

32.07cm

1-

1/4

3.18cm

"

7

Installation

Installation

The MX120 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a
piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet
may be removed from the bottom of the MX120 when it is
custom installed as outlined below. The four feet together
with the mounting screws should be retained for possible
future use if the MX120 is removed from the custom instal­lation and used free
standing. The required
panel cutout, ventila­tion cutout and unit
dimensions are
shown.

Always provide
adequate ventilation
for your MX120.

MX120 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

Cool operation en­sures the longest pos­sible operating life for
any electronic instru­ment. Do not install
the MX120 directly
above a heat generat­ing component such

Cabinet
Front
Panel

as a high powered
amplifier. If all the
components are in­stalled in a single
cabinet, a quiet run-

MX120 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

ning ventilation fan
can be a definite asset
in maintaining all the
system components at
the coolest possible

Support
Shelf

operating tempera­ture.

A custom cabinet
installation should
provide the following
minimum spacing di­mensions for cool op-

MX120 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

14-

1/4

36.20cm

eration. Allow at least
2 inches (5.08cm)
above the top, 2
inches (5.08cm) be­low the bottom and 1

inch (2.54cm) on each side of the A/V Control Center, so
that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 21 inches (53.34cm)
depth behind the front panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54cm) in front
of the mounting panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out
a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the di­mensions in the drawing.

17-

1/16

"

43.34cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

1"

2.54cm

Chassis
Spacers

13"

33.02cm

"

Cutout

Opening

for

Ventilation

13"

33.02cm

12-

5/8

32.07cm

"

15"

38.10cm

6-

5/8

16.83cm

"

Notes: Center the Cutout Horitzonally on unit.
For purposes of clarity, the above
illustration is not drawn to scale.

8

Rear Panel Control Connections and Switch

IR POWER On/
Off for Zone A or
B external Sen­sors

SUM A Data Port for
connections to other
McIntosh Compo­nents

RS232 connector
for connection to a
computer or other
control device

HOME Data Port
connects to the
optional HC-1
Home Controller

SUM Data Port for
Zones A and B pro­vides connections to
the other McIntosh
Components

KEYPADS
ZONE A and
B for a McIn­tosh Keypad or
IR room sen­sor

Connect the MX120
power cord to a live
AC outlet. Refer to in­formation on the back
panel to determine the
correct voltage

POWER CONTROL
A and B send a turn
On/Off signal to a
McIntosh Power Am­plifier for each Zone

IR INPUTS
for Zone A or
B external
sensors

ACC sends a
turn On/Off sig­nal to McIntosh
Source Compo­nents

VIDEO sends a
turn On/Off sig­nal to McIntosh
Video Source
Components

DATA Ports send sig­nals to compatible
source components to
allow remote control
operation

9

Rear Panel Audio and Digital Audio Connections

DIGITAL INPUTS
TAPE, DVD and TV
receive a digital audio
signal from the Co­axial Output of a com­ponent

ZONE A FIXED OUTPUTS
send a fixed line level, two
channel analog signal as
selected by the INPUT Zone
A Control

ZONE B OUTPUTS
send a two channel
signal from the ana­log inputs as selected
by the INPUT Zone
B Control

BALANCED INPUTS
for two channel
component sources
(Zone A only)

RECord OUTPUTS
supply analog audio
record signals for
recorders

ZONE A BALANCED
OUTPUTS contain the
program signals for
Right, Center and Left
Front Channels

INPUTS for analog
audio signals from a
TAPE, VCR 1, DVD,
TV, SAT, CD (2),
PHono/AUX or Tuner
components

DIGITAL OUTPUTS both
optical and coaxial, provide a
digital audio signal to an ex­ternal digital processor

10

DIGITAL INPUTS SAT,
CD(2) and AUX receive
a digital audio signal
from the Optical Output
of a component

The eight channel
EXTERNAL IN­PUTS accept audio
signals from a com­ponent or external
processor

MULTI-CHANNEL
AMPlifier connector
accepts a 25 conductor
cable that connects all
audio and power con­trol signals to a McIn­tosh Power Amplifier

ZONE A OUTPUTS
send all eight audio
channel signals to
power amplifier in­puts

Rear Panel Video Connections

COMPONENT INPUTS
receive Component Video
(Y, PR and PB) Signals
from three Component
Video Sources

HDMI VIDEO OUT­PUT MONitor A
sends a Digital Video
Signal to a monitor/
TV located in Zone A

HDMI INPUTS for
Digital Video Signals
from four HDMI Video
Sources

OUTPUT MONitor A
sends a Composite or
S-Video Signal to a
monitor/TV located in
Zone A

INPUTS for Composite Video Signals
from a VCR 1, DVD, TV, SAT, CD (2),
or PHono/AUX components

OUTPUT MONitor B
sends a Composite or
S-Video Signal to a
monitor/TV located in
Zone B

COMPONENT OUTPUTS send
Component Video (Y, PR and PB)
Signals to the ZONE A Video
Monitor

INPUTS for S-Video Signals from a
VCR 1, DVD, TV, SAT, CD (2), or
PHono/AUX components

OUTPUTS for RECord supply
Composite or S-Video Signals
for recorders

11

How to Connect Data and Power Control

How to Connect Data and Power Control

1. Connect a Data Control Cable from the MX120 DVD
(Input 5) Data Port to the McIntosh Audio/Video Player
Data In Jack.

Note: By adding a McIntosh Remote Control Translator to

the MX120, non McIntosh Source Devices such as a
Satellite Receiver can be remotely controlled using a
McIntosh Remote Control and Keypads.

2. Connect a Data Control Cable from the MX120
TUNER Data Port to the McIntosh AM/FM Tuner
Data 1 In Jack.

3. Connect a Data Control Cable from the MX120 HOME
Data Port to the Home Controller Data In Jack.

4. Connect a 4 conductor shielded cable from the MX120
ZONE A KEYPAD Socket to a McIntosh WK-4 Key­pad.

McIntosh
Powered Subwoofer

Home Controller

McIntosh
Power
Control

5. Connect a Power Control Cable from the MX120
POWER CONTROL ACC Jack to the McIntosh Audio
Video Player Power Control In Jack.

6. Connect a Power Control Cable from the MX120 Audio
Video power Control Out Jack to the McIntosh AM/FM
Tuner Power Control In Jack.

7. Connect a Power Control Cable from the MX120
POWER CONTROL A Jack to the McIntosh Powered
Subwoofer Power Control In Jack.

8. Connect a Power Control Cable from the McIntosh
Powered Subwoofer Power Control Out Jack to the
McIntosh Power Control AC Outlet Strip Power Con­trol Jack.

9. Optionally, connect a Data Control Cable from the
MX120 IR INPUTS A to an external IR Sensor.

McIntosh AM/FM Tuner

12

McIntosh Keypad

McIntosh Audio Video Player

IR Sensor

How to Connect Digital Audio Components

1. Connect a cable from the MX120 DIGITAL COAXIAL
DVD INPUT (Input E) to the McIntosh Coaxial Digital
Output of the McIntosh Audio/Video Player.

2. Connect a cable from the MX120 SAT INPUT (Input
C) OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUT to the Optical Digital
Output of a Satellite Receiver.

3. Connect a cable from the MX120 AUX INPUT (Input
A) OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUT to the Optical Digital
Output of a Digital Audio Recorder.

4. Connect a cable from the Digital Audio Recorder Input
to the MX120 OPTICAL DIGITAL OUTPUT.

How to Connect Digital Audio Components

Digital IN

Digital Audio Recorder

Satellite Receiver

Digital OUT

McIntosh Audio Video Player

13

How to Connect Audio Components for eight
channels

The MX120 accepts Analog Audio and Digital Audio Sig­nal Inputs. It is important to connect the Analog Outputs
along with the Digital Audio Signal Output from source
components connected to the MX120. This will assure that
the audio from that source component is available to the
VCR1 and 2 Outputs and Zone B.

1. Connect balanced cables from the MX120 Zone A FR
(Front Right), Front CENTER and FL (Front Left)
BALANCED OUTPUTS to the McIntosh Seven Chan­nel Power Amplifier FR (Front Right), Front Center
and FL (Front Left) Balanced Inputs, making sure to
match up the channel identifications between both units.

Note: In place of the Balanced Audio Cables, unbalanced

cables may be used.

2. Connect unbalanced cables from the MX120 ZONE A
OUTPUTS SURRound Left and Right together with
BACK Left and Right Outputs to the McIntosh Seven
Channel Power Amplifier LS (Left Surround), RS
(Right Surround), RB (Right Back) and LB (Left Back)
Inputs, making sure to match up the channel identifica­tions between both units.

Note: In place of the unbalanced cables a DB25 cable

may be used.

3. Connect a cable from the MX120 Tuner Analog Audio
INPUTS (Input 0) to the Tuner 1 Outputs (Fixed) of the
McIntosh AM/FM Tuner.

4. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio IN­PUTS (Input 5) to the McIntosh 2 CH Audio Outputs
of the McIntosh Audio/Video Player.

5. Connect balanced cables from the MX120 ZONE A
BALanced Inputs to the McIntosh Balanced Audio Out­puts of the McIntosh Audio/Video Player.

6. Connect cables from the MX120 EXTERNAL Analog
Audio INPUTS to the McIntosh 5.1CH Audio Outputs
of the McIntosh Audio/Video Player.

7. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio IN­PUTS (Input 3) to the Analog Audio Outputs of the
Satellite Receiver.

8. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio
RECord OUTPUTS to the VCR Audio Input.

9. Connect a cable from the MX120 VCR Analog Audio
INPUTS (Input 6) to the VCR Audio Output.

10. Connect a cable from the MX120 PH/AUX Analog Au­dio INPUTS (Input 1) to the Digital Audio Recorder
Analog Output.

11. Connect a cable from the MX120 ZONE A SUBwoofer

OUTPUTS to the McIntosh Powered Subwoofer Line
In Jack.

McIntosh AM/FM Tuner

McIntosh Audio/Video Player

14

How to Connect Audio Components for eight channels

Digital Audio Recorder

Analog OUT

IN

VCR

Satellite
Receiver

OUT

McIntosh
Powered Subwoofer

McIntosh Seven Channel
Power Amplifier

15

How to Connect Audio Components for five or six channels

How to Connect Audio Components for five
or six channels

The MX120 accepts Analog Audio and Digital Audio Sig­nals. It is important to connect the Analog Outputs along
with the Digital Audio Signal Output from source compo­nents to the MX120. This will assure the audio from the
source component is available to the REC Outputs and
Zone B Outputs.

1. Connect unbalanced cables from the MX120 ZONE A
OUTPUTS FL (Front Left), CTR (Front Center), FR
(Front Right), LS (Left Surround), RS (Right Sur­round) to the McIntosh Five Channel Power Amplifier
making sure to match the channel identifications.

2. Connect a cable from the MX120 Tuner Analog Audio
INPUTS (Input 0) to the Tuner 1 Outputs (Fixed) of the
McIntosh AM/FM Tuner.

3. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio DVD
INPUT (Input 5) to the McIntosh 2 CH Audio Outputs
of the McIntosh Audio/Video Player.

4. Connect balanced cables from the MX120 BALanced

INPUT to the McIntosh Balanced Audio Outputs of the
McIntosh Audio/Video Player.

5. Connect cables from the MX120 EXTERNAL Audio
INPUTs to the McIntosh 5.1CH Audio Outputs of the
McIntosh Audio/Video Player.

6. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio SAT
INPUT (Input 3) to the Analog Audio Outputs of the
Satellite Receiver.

7. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio REC
OUTPUTS to the VCR Audio Input.

8. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio VCR
INPUT (Input 6) to the VCR Audio Outputs.

9. Connect a cable from the MX120 Analog Audio PH/
AUX INPUT (Input 1) to the Digital Audio Recorder
Analog Output.

10. Connect a cable from the MX120 ZONE A SUBwoofer
OUTPUT to the McIntosh Powered Subwoofer Line In
Jack.

McIntosh AM/FM Tuner

McIntosh
Powered Subwoofer

VCR

IN OUT

Satellite
Receiver

McIntosh Five Channel Power Amplifier

16

McIntosh Audio Video Player