McIntosh, renowned for its uncompromising commitment to audio excellence, has announced a significant upgrade to the MX123 A/V Processor: the addition of Qobuz Connect support. This new feature enables seamless high-resolution music streaming directly from the Qobuz app, further solidifying the MX123’s position as a cornerstone of luxury home entertainment systems.
High-Resolution Streaming with Qobuz Connect
The integration of Qobuz Connect enhances the MX123’s already impressive streaming capabilities, which include Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect. With Qobuz Connect, audiophiles can now stream Qobuz’s extensive library of over 100 million tracks, including high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, directly to the MX123 without relying on third-party applications. This ensures pristine, lossless audio quality, perfectly aligned with McIntosh’s legendary sound performance and advanced home theater technologies.
Qobuz Connect transforms the listening experience by allowing users to control playback effortlessly from the Qobuz app while delivering studio-quality sound through the MX123’s robust audio processing capabilities. Whether you’re indulging in jazz, classical, rock, or any genre in between, this integration offers an unrivaled sonic experience tailored for discerning listeners.
How to Use Qobuz Connect with the MX123
Setting up Qobuz Connect on the MX123 is straightforward. To get started, ensure the MX123 and the smart device running the Qobuz app are connected to the same network. Follow these steps:
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Open the Qobuz app on your smart device (available for iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS).
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Start playing a song.
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Tap the Audio Output icon within the app and select the MX123 from the list of available devices.
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Enjoy high-resolution music streaming directly from Qobuz’s servers to the MX123, with full playback control via the Qobuz app.
To ensure compatibility, you may need to update the MX123’s firmware. Navigate to the following menu: Setup > General > Firmware > Update > Check for Update > Update > Update Start. The MX123 must be connected to the internet to complete the update.
Why This Matters
The addition of Qobuz Connect makes the MX123 an even more versatile hub for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Unlike Bluetooth or AirPlay, which can compromise audio quality due to compression, Qobuz Connect streams directly from Qobuz’s cloud servers, preserving the full fidelity of high-resolution tracks. This aligns perfectly with the MX123’s advanced digital audio processing, which supports 13.2 discrete audio channels, 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video resolutions, and a range of high dynamic range formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG.
The MX123 also features Audyssey MultEQ XT32 for precise room calibration, ensuring that every note is delivered with clarity and balance. Combined with Qobuz Connect’s ability to stream lossless and hi-res audio, the MX123 offers an unparalleled listening experience, whether you’re enjoying music or immersing yourself in a cinematic masterpiece.
A Legacy of Excellence
The McIntosh MX123 A/V Processor continues to marry cutting-edge technology with the brand’s storied tradition of audio excellence. With Qobuz Connect, users can now access one of the world’s largest high-resolution music catalogs while leveraging the MX123’s robust connectivity options, including 7 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs with ARC/eARC, and 2.4/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable streaming.
This update reinforces McIntosh’s commitment to delivering an elite home entertainment experience, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern innovation. For audiophiles seeking the ultimate in sound quality and convenience, the MX123 with Qobuz Connect is a game-changer.
