McIntosh MX-134 8 Channel A/V Pre-Amp

Just upgraded the home theater, this McIntosh MX134 A/V Control Center was installed in a dedicated home theater room since new.  Climate controlled, windowless theater, smoke/pet/children free home.  Used about once a month on average, zero issues at all!  Was plugged into a surge/power conditioner, except for a few fingerprints on the remote, this unit is like NEW!  Perfect upgrade for someone looking to incorporate their TV system to their 2 channel stereo!   

The MX134 is two preamps in one, combining a full-fledged home theater pre/pro for primary use with a two-channel A/V preamp that controls a second zone plus the recording outputs. 

The inputs for zone A, the theater zone, are selectable via remote or by turning the knob located immediately to the right of the central blue LED display window, which indicates the selected zone A source, the volume level, and the zone B source. The zone B inputs are selectable either via a knob, symmetrically located to the left of the display window, or from a remote keypad (McIntosh or Xantech). Aside from the choice of input (which is available from the front panel because zone B controls the record outputs), you can only access other zone B functions from a keypad or remote eye located in that zone. (If you're a keypad fan, you can also use one to control zone A.) Conveniently, there's a system-off button on the front panel that allows you to shut down both zones simultaneously, plus a record-lock button that prevents zone B listeners from spoiling a recording-in-progress by changing inputs. 

All 11 of the MX134's A/V inputs are available in any zone, although only analog audio and composite/S-video are output to the additional zones. You can rename any of the A/V inputs and assign the six digital inputs and two component video inputs to any input you choose. If an input isn't needed, you can turn off access in the setup menu, which makes it quicker to toggle through the available sources. An unusual feature is the ability to add the optional TM1 AM/FM tuner module. John Henkel, senior electronics design engineer at McIntosh, says that the $500 TM1's performance is identical to that of the separate MR85 tuner, but its cost is significantly lower because it's just the guts of the tuner.

There are so many other cool things about the MX134, it's hard to decide where to begin. Take the volume control, for instance. John Henkel calls it a "digitally controlled analog volume control." It's actually a ladder network of resistors that are added to or subtracted from the analog circuit by a digital controller. It's very precise (all eight channels track within 0.5 decibels), wonderfully responsive, and totally quiet—with no audible pops or clicks when you make adjustments at any level. John explained that another unique aspect is the inclusion of an op amp capable of handling +/-15-volt swings as compared with others that commonly only accommodate +/-5-volt swings. The wider input range results in a better signal-to-noise ratio and an unhampered, naturally neutral sound. 

Have questions on features:

Digital Brochure: http://www.mcintoshcompendium.com/Compendium%20Docs/Home%20Theater%20Controllers/PDFs/MX134.pdf

Digital Owners Manual: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1272724/Mcintosh-Mx134.html