Owner’s Manual MX134 A/V Control Center Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories, “Dolby”, “Pro Logic II”, “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Surround EX is a jointly developed technology of THX and Dolby Labs, Inc., and is a trademark of Dolby. Used under authorization.
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. 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. General: 1. Read these instructions. 2.
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. 18. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. 19.
Thank You Table of Contents Your decision to own this McIntosh MX134 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. Safety Instructions ..........................
General Notes General Notes 1. The MX134 A/V Control Center has provisions for adding an optional McIntosh TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module for Radio Station Reception. The TM1 is available from your McIntosh Dealer and can be installed at any time, usually while you wait. Refer to page 52 for additional TM1 information. 2. The Main AC Power going to the MX134 and any other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the system components are connected together.
Connector Information Connector Information Keypad Terminal Connector To use a WK-3 or WK-4 Keypad with the MX134, 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-in to each Keypad, which has a different pin out. MX134 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.
Introduction and Performance Features Introduction Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MX134 A/V Control Center as the heart of your Home Theater System. The MX134 provides superior seven channel reproduction, Dolby Digital, THX Surround EX and DTS ES decoding combined with complete audio and video switching. The McIntosh MX134 sets new standards for accuracy in a Home Theater System.
Dimensions Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MX134. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MX134 into cabinets. 17-1/2" 44.45cm Front View of the MX134 7 -1/8" 18.10cm 7 -5/8" 19.37cm 17" 43.18cm Rear View of the MX134 6 -5/16" 16.03cm 13 -1/4" 33.66cm 18-1/2" 46.99cm 17" 43.18cm Side View of the MX134 13/16" 2.06cm 3/16" 6-1/2" 0.48cm 16.51cm 14-1/16" 35.72cm 8 7/8" 2.
Installation Installation The MX134 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 MX134 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 MX134 is removed from the custom installation and used free standing.
Rear Panel Multizone, Control Connections and Switch TO MULTIZONE CONTROLLER connects to the McIntosh Multizone Controller Input B IR POWER On/ Off for Zone A or B external Sensors SUM A Data Port for connections to the other McIntosh Components RS232 connector for connection to a computer or other control device KEYPADS ZONE A and B for a McIntosh Keypad or IR room sensor Connect the MX134 power cord to a live AC outlet.
Rear Panel Audio and Digital Connections DIGITAL INPUTS CD2, TV and DVD 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 A control DIGITAL INPUTS CD1, SAT, and LV receive a digital audio signal from the Optical Output of a component INPUTS for analog audio signals from a DVD, LV, VCR, TV, SAT, CD, TAPE or AUX components OUTPUTS VCR 1 and 2 supply analog audio record signals for recorder
Rear Panel Video Connections COMPONENT INPUTS receive Component Video (Y, PR and PB) Signals from two Component Video Sources OUTPUTS for VCR 1 and 2 supply Composite Video Signals for recorders OUTPUT MONitor A sends a Composite or S-Video Signal to a monitor/TV located in Zone A 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 12 OUTPUTS for VCR 1 and 2 supply S-Video Sign
How to Connect Multizone and Control How to Connect Multizone and Control 1. Connect a Data Control Cable from the MX134 DVD (input 11) Data Port to the McIntosh MVP841 DVD Player Data In Jack. Note: By adding a McIntosh Remote Control Translator to the MX134, 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 MX134 HOME Data Port to the Home Controller Data In Jack. 3.
How to Connect Audio and Digital Components How to Connect Audio and Digital Components The MX134 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 MX134. This will assure that the audio from that source component is available to the VCR1 and 2 Outputs, Zone B and optional CR16 Multizone System. 1.
How to Connect Video Components How to Connect Video Components There are three types of Video Signals that can be connected to and selected by the MX134; Composite, S-Video and Component. The built-in Digital Video Processing Circuitry can Up-Convert the desired Composite Input to SVideo; it will also Up-Convert the desired Composite or SVideo Inputs to Component Video.
How to Connect for Zone B How to Connect for Zone B The MX134 is a Dual Zone A/V Control Center. For Zone B activation a McIntosh Sensor or Keypad together with a Power Amplifier and Loudspeakers are required. To provide the best video quality for Zone B, it is important to use high quality cables and keep the cable lengths as short as possible. If S-Video Connections are used, make sure that the cable’s signal carrying wires are individually shielded. 3.
Front Panel Controls and Sensor Allows up or down adjustment for each trim parameter Adjusts the Listen Volume Level of all eight channels Selects which of the eleven Audio/Video Sources or Tuner Signal is available for VCR Outputs, Zone B Audio Outputs and MONitor B Video Outputs Selects which of the eleven Audio/ Video Sources or Tuner Signal is available at the Zone A Audio Outputs, Component and MONitor A Video Outputs IR (Infra Red) Sensor accepts IR signals directly from the MX134 Remote Control
Front Panel Push-buttons and Switch Allows for the storing into memory various MX134 Settings Blocks input selection commands coming from INPUT B (Zone B) to prevent interrupting a recording process Move Up or Down through various selections and for Tuning Up or Down the AM or FM Broadcast Band when the optional TM1 Tuner Module is installed Press to go into Setup Mode to change the settings Switches Off the entire multizone system 18 Allows for the selection of various MX134 Functions Turns the MX1
Front Panel Displays Indicates Input Selection Status, Volume, Trim Adjustments, Surround Modes, Setup Functions.
Remote Control Push-Buttons Turns AC Power ON or OFF to certain McIntosh Components when connected via the Data Port Press to POWER the MX134 ON or OFF Selects one of the twelve Audio/Video Sources Selects DVD/CD Players or Tape Recorder Functions and also performs various functions on a variety of McIntosh Components Press the push-button to illuminate the keys Selects the REWind Mode on Disc Players and Tuning Down the AM/FM Dial Use to select tuner presets, disc tracks or any numbered operation Selects
How to Operate by Remote Control How to Operate by Remote Control The supplied Remote Control is capable of directly controlling the functions of contemporary McIntosh Source Components connected to the MX134. Earlier McIntosh source components and other brand source components can be controlled by the MX134 with the addition of a McIntosh Remote Control Translator (RCT) and/or optional UR12 Touch Screen Remote Control.
How to Operate the Setup Mode Your McIntosh MX134 has been factory configured for default operating settings that will allow immediate enjoyment of superb video and high fidelity audio without the need for further adjustments. If you wish to make changes to the factory default settings (refer to the adjacent page), a System Setup Feature is provided to customize the operating settings using On Screen Menus. Notes: 1.
SETUP Default Settings The following listings indicate the factory default settings. Refer to the listed page number for instructions on how to change a default setting: MENU: MAIN SYSTEM SETUP SPEAKER SIZE SPEAKER TIME DELAY SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT SETUP SURROUND MODE SETUP ZONE B SETUP ADVANCED EXIT Figure 6 6. If adjustments have been performed, the Adjustment Acceptance Menu will appear on the Monitor/ TV screen asking if you want to save the adjustments in memory.
Analog Inputs (Zones A and B): Number Name Refer to Page 0 .......................... TUN (1*) .................... 30 1 .......................... AUX (1*) .................... 30 2 .......................... CD1 ............................ 30 3 .......................... CD2 ............................ 30 4 .......................... TAPE 1 ....................... 30 5 .......................... TAPE 2 ....................... 30 6 .......................... SAT (1*) ..................... 30 7 ..........
SETUP, con’t How to Adjust for Loudspeaker Size A Home Theater System can include a variety of Loudspeakers with various capabilities. The LARGE listing refers to the Loudspeaker’s capability for reproducing bass frequencies down to 35Hz within -3dB of the midrange frequencies. If a Loudspeaker can not reproduce bass frequencies down to 35Hz within -3dB of the midrange frequencies, it is considered SMALL.
How to Adjust for Loudspeaker Size, con’t 7. Next perform the MC Bass Mode adjustment below or if no adjustment is needed, then continue to the SPEAKER TIME DELAY Settings. If you do not wish to perform SPEAKER TIME DELAY adjustments at this time, select MAIN MENU from the menu. The MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu will reappear on the Monitor/TV screen and proceed to the next step. 8. Select EXIT from the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu.
SETUP, con’t How to Adjust Speaker Time Delay The following Time Delay Adjustments will electronically compensate for different Loudspeaker distances from the Listening/Viewing Area. Refer to figure 9. Time delay is measured in feet. The delays can be adjusted from 1 feet to 20 feet in one foot increments for each Loudspeaker.
How to Adjust Speaker Levels A properly setup Home Theater Surround Sound System should have all Loudspeaker levels adjusted to the same starting reference volume level in the Listening/Viewing Area. The MX134 includes a built-in test signal generator, which can have its output switched into each Loudspeaker, either automatically or manually. The desired test signal volume levels of each Loudspeaker can be determined, in the Listening/Viewing area, either by listening or with a sound pressure meter.
SETUP, con’t a level is changed, the on-screen display instantly indicates the level change. Note: If the level is increased or decreased, the display will indicate numbers or minus numbers. 7. As the test signal switches to succeeding Loudspeakers, repeat the level adjustment process until the test signal volume levels of all the Loudspeakers are the same. The Loudspeaker level cycling mode can be repeated as often as necessary. 8.
How to Change the Input Setup The MX134 has eleven Analog Audio Inputs numbered 1 through 11, six Digital Audio Inputs lettered A through F and two Component Video Inputs numbered 1 and 2. These inputs already have assigned titles and associations that will allow for immediate hookup, operation and enjoyment. If these starting assignments and associations do not match up with components in your system, they may be reassigned from the default settings.
SETUP, con’t MENU: INPUT SETUP SOURCE INPUT TITLE DIGITAL INPUT VIDEO POWER COMPONENT VIDEO VIDEO CONVERTER IN MENU: INPUT SETUP 1 ???? NONE ON NO OFF MAIN MENU Figure 16 no components connected to them. If the MX134 is connected to a McIntosh Multizone System Controller refer to note 13 on page 5 for additional information about reassigning Inputs.
How to Change the Input Setup, con’t fer to figure 20. 10. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons, select DIGITAL INPUT on the On-Screen Menu, followed by pressing the Left or Right directional push-buttons to select the OPT C Digital Input. Refer to figure 21. 11. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons, select SOURCE INPUT from the On-Screen Menu, followed by pressing the Left or Right directional push-buttons to select the LV Input. 12.
SETUP, con’t MENU: INPUT SETUP SOURCE INPUT TITLE DIGITAL INPUT VIDEO POWER COMPONENT VIDEO VIDEO CONVERTER IN MENU: INPUT SETUP 1 DVD2 OPT C OFF NO OFF MAIN MENU Figure 24 example, the Component Video Input 1 can be assigned to both the SAT and Tuner Inputs. This would allow viewing the Video from the SAT Input with Audio coming from a radio station. 17.
SETUP, con’t 24. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons, select MAIN MENU on the On-Screen Menu and press the SELECT Push-button. 25. Continue next to the SURROUND MODE SETUP on page 36. If you do not wish to perform SURROUND MODE SETUP Adjustments at this time, select MAIN MENU from the menu.
Notes 35
How to Change the Surround Mode Setup The MX134 has Back Channel Surround Processing builtin thus allowing for an additional enhancement of Dolby Digital and DTS Movie Sound Tracks. There are three options for Back Channel processing; these include On, Off and Automatic. In the AUTO Mode, the MX134 will automatically switch the Back Surround Sound Expander from Off to On when the Digital Signal contains the added sound track information along with the “Back Surround Digital Flag”.
SETUP, con’t How to Change the Zone B Setup The MX134 allows setting the wakeup Volume Level for Zone B. The level is expressed in percentage of maximum available volume. 1. Press and hold the Front Panel SETUP Push-button approximately three seconds to enter the Setup Mode. The word SETUP will appear on the MX134 Front Panel Display and the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu will appear on the Monitor/TV screen. Refer to figure 25 on page 36. 2.
How to change the Advanced Settings 1. Press and hold the Front Panel SETUP Push-button approximately three seconds to enter the Setup Mode. The word SETUP will appear on the MX134 Front Panel Display and the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu will appear on the Monitor/TV screen. Refer to figure 25 on page 36. 2. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons on the Remote Control, select Advanced on the On-Screen Menu, followed by the SELECT Push-button. Refer to figure 27. 3.
SETUP, con’t pear on the Monitor/TV screen and proceed to the next step. 10. Select EXIT from the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu. If you are satisfied with the changes that you may have made, select YES to save those changes or NO not to save them. The MX134 will then return to normal operation. Refer to figure 7 on page 23. Input Select Power On The MX134 has a feature called Input Selector Power On that allows for easier operation.
SETUP, con’t 19. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons, select YES from the On-Screen Menu, followed by pressing the SELECT Push-button. Refer to figure 32. 20. The On-Screen Menu will give you a second chance before the MX134 will be returned to the Factory Default Settings. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons, select YES from the On-Screen Menu, followed by pressing the SELECT Push-button. 21. Select the MAIN MENU.
How to Operate the MX134 How to Operate the MX134 connected to a McIntosh Audio/Video Multizone Control System Controller, the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate REMOTE ZONE when any Zone of the Controller is switched On. The McIntosh MX134 has been factory configured for default operating settings that will allow immediate enjoyment of superb video and high fidelity audio without the need for further adjustments.
center of the front panel display. Zone B is not affected by the front panel VOLUME Control. Zone B (Record) volume level is adjusted only in Zone B with a Remote Control or Keypad. Refer to figure 36. System Off Normally, Remote Zones are turned On and Off individually in each respective zone by pressing the Power Pushbutton on a Keypad or Remote Control.
How to Operate the MX134, con’t Note: This will only occur when the SURROUND MODE is in CINEMA or THX CINEMA. C. If the Analog Input Signal Source is Stereo, the INPUT FORMAT LEDs L and R will illuminate. D. If an Analog Input Signal Source is Mono, both channels will be receiving the mono signal and the INPUT FORMAT LEDs L and R will illuminate. Figure 38 Figure 39 Late Night The LATE NIGHT Push-button turns a volume compression circuit On and Off.
How to Operate the Trim Mode The MX134 TRIM SELECT Switch together with the TRIM LEVEL Control provide the means for adjusting seven different audio functions and the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display Brightness. This can be accomplished from either the Front Panel Controls or with the supplied Remote Control very conveniently from the Listening/ Viewing Area. The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates the Trim Mode Selected and Trim Levels.
How to Operate the MX134, con’t Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will return to normal. 2. The location of the Trim Selector Control will remain in the last selected position until the INPUT A Signal Source or Surround Mode is changed. Bass, Treble and Loudness Compensation The MX134 allows for changing the tonal response for any of the eleven inputs via the BASS, TREBLE and LOUDNESS Compensation TRIM Adjustments.
How to Operate the Surround Mode The MX134 provides eight different Surround Modes. The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display and the Output Format LEDs will indicate the Surround Mode selected. The Surround Mode Selected is stored into permanent memory and automatically recalled any time that particular input is selected again. If the Surround Mode is changed when the input is again selected, the new mode will be active and stored. Refer to figure 52.
How to Operate the MX134, con’t Music 1 This processing mode creates an effect similar to listening in a large room or an outdoor area. The Left and Right Stereo signals are combined and sent to the Left and Right Surround Loudspeakers with a long time delay. The combined Left and Right signals are also sent to the Center Loudspeaker. Figure 61 The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate MUSIC 1. The Output Format LEDs L, C, R, LS, RS and SUB will illuminate. Refer to figures 61 and figure 62.
How To Make A Tape Recording How to Operate Zone B The separate INPUT B (Record) and INPUT A (Listen) Switches allow for the making of a recording from one program source while listening to another. You can also listen (monitor) to the recorded signal off the tape, a fraction of a second later, during recording when a three head tape recorder is used. Refer to figure 71. 1. Select the desired program source to record with the front panel INPUT B RECORD selector switch. 2.
How to Operate the MX134, con’t Figure 74 2. Select the desired Zone B Source and adjust the Volume to the desired listening level by pressing the appropriate push-buttons on the Keypad or Remote Control. Refer to figure 74 and 75. Note: The audio may be muted at any time by pressing the Mute Pushbutton on the Keypad or Remote Control. 3. If a McIntosh Disc Player is connected to the MX134, most operating functions can be performed with the Keypad or Remote Control.
Audio and General Specifications Audio Specifications Frequency Response STEREO Left and Right Small speakers: 80Hz-20,000Hz Subwoofer: 20Hz-80Hz Left and Right Large speakers: 20Hz-20,000Hz Subwoofer: OFF PRO LOGIC II Movie Processing Mode PRO LOGIC II Music Processing Mode DOLBY DIGITAL and DTS Left, Center, Right, Small speakers: 80Hz-20,000Hz Surround Small speakers: 80Hz-7kHz Subwoofer: 20Hz-80Hz Left, Center, Right, Large speakers: 20Hz-20,000Hz Surround Large speakers: 20Hz-20,000Hz Subwoofer: OFF
Notes 51
TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module Cable for connecting the RAA1 to the MX134 Cables for installing the McIntosh TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module into the MX134 Introduction The MX134 A/V Control Center has provisions for adding an optional McIntosh TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module for Radio Station Reception. The TM1 delivers the same exceptional performance as the stand-alone McIntosh MR85 Tuner. The TM1 is available from your McIntosh Dealer and can be installed at any time, usually while you wait.
MX134 Rear Panel and RAA1 Top Panel Antenna Connections RAA1 Remote Antenna can be adjusted to a position for optimum reception of your favorite AM stations Connects with supplied cable to the MX134 AM ANT (Antenna) connector allows a McIntosh Remote Antenna to be connected 75 OHM FM ANT (Antenna) connects to an external FM Antenna or cable Note: Proceed to page 13 and start the connection process.
How to Connect Antenna Components How to Connect Antenna Components 1. Connect the Remote AM Antenna by plugging the DIN Connector of the supplied 3 conductor cable into the AM ANTenna, DIN socket on the back panel of the MX134. Note: If a longer length cable needs to be used between the MX134 and the RAA1, use a 2 conductor shielded cable. RAA1 Connector Connect the shield and two leads of a shielded 2 conductor Black cable to the supplied 5 Pin Terminal Connector Plug.
How to Operate the Tuner How to Tune Stations Manually The McIntosh MX134 TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module incorporates an advanced design AM/FM Tuner with many desirable performance features to enhance your enjoyment of radio broadcasts. There are four methods of tuning to an AM/FM Broadcast Station. These are Manual, Automatic Preset Review, Preset Push-button Search and Direct Preset Number Access using the Remote Control. 1.
How to Assign Preset Stations How to Assign Preset Stations The MX134 AM/FM Tuner Module (TM1) allows for presetting radio stations into memory. To enter Presets follow the below steps: Note: If there are no Presets Assigned and either the Front Panel PRESET Push-buttons or the Remote Control REVIEW Push-button are pressed, the MX134 Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate NO PRESETS. Refer to figure 80. Display will indicate the number of the next available Preset.
How to Optimize AM Reception How to Optimize AM Reception The McIntosh RAA1 Remote AM Antenna is designed to provide the best in AM Reception especially if the tuner or A/V unit is located in a noisy reception area. Locate the RAA1 away from all electronic and electrical interference sources. Rotate the AM Antenna to reduce interference and receive maximum signal strength. Notes: The RAAI Remote AM Antenna of the TM1 has been factory adjusted for optimum reception in a typical urban location.
TM1 FM and AM Specifications FM Tuner Specifications AM Tuner Specifications Useable Sensitivity 14dBf which is 1.4uV across 75 ohms Sensitivity 20uV External Antenna Input 50dB Quieting Sensitivity Mono: 19dBf which is 2.4uV across 75 ohms Stereo: 35dBf which is 15uV across 75 ohms Signal To Noise Ratio 48dB at 30% modulation 58dB at 100% modulation Signal To Noise Ratio Mono: 75dB Stereo: 70dB Harmonic Distortion 0.
Packing Instructions Packing Instructions In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment. This will ensure the proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to do this will result in shipping damage. Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if they are all in good serviceable condition.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, NY 13903 McIntosh Part No.
