Audio T Verdict
The MHT300 takes a refreshingly McIntosh approach to the AV receiver. Rather than quoting an eye-catching power figure that applies to only one or two channels, McIntosh rates it with all seven amplifier channels operating: 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms or 120 watts into 8 ohms.
It is equally serious about the processing side. Four 40Gbps HDMI inputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X handle immersive audio, while Dirac Live tackles the rather important job of integrating all those loudspeakers with the room.
Best of all, the MHT300 isn't boxed into a fixed 7.2 system. Four height-channel pre-outs allow expansion to 7.2.4 with an external power amplifier, while individual internal amplifier channels can also be bypassed if you later want more powerful amplification for the front or centre speakers. For a luxury home cinema that needs serious performance without a mountain of separate boxes, it makes a very convincing centrepiece.
McIntosh MHT300 Home Theatre Receiver
The McIntosh MHT300 is a 7.2-channel digital Home Theatre Receiver combining surround processing, video switching, room correction and seven channels of high-power amplification within a single 3U chassis.
Its seven internal amplifier channels deliver:
- 150W per channel into 4 ohms with all seven channels driven
- 120W per channel into 8 ohms with all seven channels driven
That distinction matters. The published rating is not based on a single channel or stereo pair operating in isolation, but all seven power-amplifier channels working simultaneously.
Full Power Across All Seven Channels
4-Ohm Loudspeakers
150 watts per channel with all seven internal amplifier channels driven.
8-Ohm Loudspeakers
120 watts per channel with all seven internal amplifier channels driven.
The direct-coupled digital amplifier design is specified across a 20Hz to 20kHz power band, with 0.05% maximum total harmonic distortion and a generous 4dB of dynamic headroom.
McIntosh also specifies a damping factor greater than 100 into 8 ohms and greater than 50 into 4 ohms.
7.2 Today, Expandable to 7.2.4
The MHT300 contains seven power-amplifier channels and can operate in configurations including 7.2, 5.2.2, 7.1, 5.1 and stereo.
For a larger Dolby Atmos installation, four additional Height outputs allow external amplification to be added for a full 7.2.4-channel system.
The MHT300 provides 11.2 channels of unbalanced analogue output in total. This makes it possible to retain the internal amplification for the main seven channels while adding a suitable four-channel amplifier for the height speakers.
The architecture is flexible in another useful way: individual internal amplifier channels can be disconnected from their corresponding preamplifier outputs. This means an external power amplifier can take over selected channels, such as the front left and right speakers or centre channel, without replacing the MHT300.
Build the Cinema in Stages
You don't need to install eleven loudspeakers from day one. The MHT300 can begin as a conventional 5.1, 7.1 or 5.2.2 system and expand later with additional loudspeakers and external power amplification.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Immersive surround sound support includes both of the principal object-based home-cinema formats:
- Dolby Atmos
- Dolby Surround Upmixer
- DTS:X
- DTS Neural:X Surround Upmixer
Through HDMI, the MHT300 can also process high-resolution formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio alongside conventional PCM and multichannel PCM.
Seven premium 32-bit digital-to-analogue converters handle conversion for the seven internally amplified channels.
Dirac Live Room Correction
Advanced room correction is provided by Dirac Live.
The supplied calibration microphone and full-size stand are used to measure the loudspeakers and their interaction with the listening room. Dirac Live can then apply frequency and time-domain correction to improve integration across the system.
Each loudspeaker can have its own crossover frequency configured, allowing the MHT300 to accommodate systems using different speaker sizes around the room.
Setup is carried out through a computer interface, and configuration files can be saved, backed up and reloaded. This also allows an installer to pre-configure much of the receiver before final installation.
Four 40Gbps HDMI Inputs with 8K Support
The MHT300 provides four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. All HDMI ports support up to 40Gbps bandwidth and HDCP 2.3.
- 8K: up to 60Hz
- 4K: up to 120Hz
- HDCP: 2.3
- Colour: 4:4:4
- Colour space: Rec. 2020
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG
- 3D video pass-through: Yes
- eARC: Yes
Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are required to take full advantage of the highest bandwidth video modes.
eARC for Television Audio
The single HDMI output incorporates enhanced Audio Return Channel, or eARC, allowing a compatible television to send high-resolution audio back to the MHT300 using the same HDMI connection carrying video to the screen.
Compatible eARC signals can include Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X and DTS-HD Master Audio, depending on the television and source material.
This is particularly useful with television apps, streaming services and sources connected directly to the television.
Digital Audio Connectivity
Alongside HDMI, the MHT300 provides four conventional S/PDIF digital audio inputs:
- 2 x coaxial digital inputs
- 2 x optical digital inputs
McIntosh specifies these inputs for sample rates from 32kHz to 192kHz at up to 24-bit resolution, with support for PCM, multichannel PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS where applicable.
There are no conventional analogue stereo line inputs on the MHT300. Source connectivity is centred around HDMI and digital audio.
The rear USB Type-A connection is provided for system and firmware-related functions rather than use as a USB audio input.
Two Subwoofer Outputs
Two subwoofer outputs are provided for systems using one or two active subwoofers.
Combined with Dirac Live and independently configurable loudspeaker crossover settings, this gives the installer considerable control over low-frequency integration.
The MHT300's total processing capability extends to 11.2 channels, incorporating the seven principal channels, four externally amplified height channels and two subwoofer outputs.
Power Guard and Sentry Monitor
McIntosh includes two of its established amplifier-protection technologies.
Power Guard monitors the output stage to help prevent the amplifier being driven heavily into clipping, reducing the risk of damaging distortion reaching the loudspeakers.
Sentry Monitor protects the power output stages against unsafe current conditions and automatically restores normal operation once conditions return to a safe level.
Built-in thermal protection provides an additional safeguard against overheating.
Installer-Friendly Control and Integration
The MHT300 is designed to work equally well sitting visibly in a cinema system or installed in a professional equipment rack.
Control options include:
- Ethernet setup and IP-based control
- RS232 control
- Rear-panel IR sensor input
- McIntosh Data Port
- 2 x Power Control trigger outputs
- Connects with Control4 certification
- Works with Crestron Home certification
- Supplied HR085 remote control
Signal sensing can automatically switch the receiver on when an input signal is detected and return it to a power-saving state after a configurable period without a signal.
Ethernet Setup, Not Network Streaming
The MHT300 includes an Ethernet network connection, but this is intended for setup, firmware and control rather than acting as a music streamer.
It does not provide built-in AirPlay, Bluetooth or music-service streaming. A suitable external network streamer can be connected through one of the receiver's digital or HDMI inputs.
Built-In FM Tuner
An FM radio tuner is built in, with up to 30 preset stations available.
The tuner can be configured for the regional broadcast standards used in different markets, including European 50kHz and 100kHz tuning increments.
3U Rack-Mountable McIntosh Construction
The MHT300 retains familiar McIntosh visual cues while adopting a compact 3U chassis suitable for custom installation.
The front incorporates traditional black glass, silver trim, illuminated McIntosh branding, rotary controls and a 2 x 20-character Vacuum Fluorescent Display.
Rack-mounting brackets are included as standard, allowing the MHT300 to be installed within a conventional AV equipment rack.
- Width: 44.45cm
- Width with rack brackets: 48.3cm
- Height: 15.7cm including feet
- Current published chassis depth: 47.31cm
- Owner's manual overall depth: 50.8cm
- Weight: 12.2kg
- Shipping weight: 24kg
UK Speaker Connections
The MHT300 uses McIntosh gold-plated high-current speaker binding posts. McIntosh's current owner's manual specifically limits the use of banana plugs to the United States and Canada. For a UK installation, use a suitable connection method such as correctly terminated spade connectors or bare cable in accordance with the supplied instructions.
UK Power and Installation Requirements
For UK operation, McIntosh specifies the MHT300 for the 220-240V AC, 50/60Hz mains range, with a maximum stated requirement of 10A. Standby consumption is below 0.5W.
For custom installation McIntosh specifies approximately 7.6cm of ventilation space above, below and at each side of the receiver. If installed alongside other heat-generating equipment, forced ventilation should be considered.
Key Features
- 7.2-channel Home Theatre Receiver
- Expandable to 7.2.4
- 7 internal power-amplifier channels
- 150W x 7 into 4 ohms
- 120W x 7 into 8 ohms
- All-channel-driven power ratings
- 4dB dynamic headroom
- 0.05% maximum amplifier THD
- Direct-coupled digital amplification
- Power Guard
- Sentry Monitor
- Thermal protection
- 11.2-channel unbalanced outputs
- 4 external height-channel outputs
- 2 subwoofer outputs
- Dolby Atmos
- Dolby Surround Upmixer
- DTS:X
- DTS Neural:X
- Dirac Live Room Correction
- Calibration microphone included
- Full-size microphone stand included
- 7 premium 32-bit DACs
- 4 HDMI inputs
- 1 HDMI output
- 8K/60Hz support
- 4K/120Hz support
- 40Gbps HDMI bandwidth
- HDCP 2.3
- eARC
- Dolby Vision
- HDR10+
- HLG
- Rec. 2020
- 4:4:4 colour
- 2 coaxial digital inputs
- 2 optical digital inputs
- FM tuner
- Ethernet setup and control
- RS232 control
- Control4 certified
- Crestron Home certified
- Power Control triggers
- 3U rack mountable
- Rack brackets included
- 220-240V UK mains compatibility
- Three-year limited manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How many channels does the MHT300 power?
Seven power-amplifier channels are built in. The receiver supports 7.2 or 5.2.2 configurations using its internal amplification.
How powerful is it with all channels driven?
McIntosh specifies 150 watts per channel into 4 ohms or 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms with all seven amplifier channels operating.
Can the MHT300 run a 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos system?
Yes. Four height-channel outputs allow an external four-channel or suitable combination of power amplifiers to drive the additional height loudspeakers.
Does it support 8K and 4K/120Hz?
Yes. The four HDMI inputs and single HDMI output support up to 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, with up to 40Gbps bandwidth.
Does the MHT300 include room correction?
Yes. Dirac Live Room Correction is included, together with a calibration microphone and stand.
Does it have analogue audio inputs?
No conventional stereo analogue inputs are provided. Sources connect primarily through HDMI, coaxial or optical digital audio.
Is the Ethernet connection for music streaming?
No. Ethernet is used for setup, firmware and IP-based control. The MHT300 does not contain a built-in music-streaming platform.
Can I add a more powerful amplifier for my front speakers?
Yes. Selected internal amplifier channels can be disconnected from their preamplifier outputs so an external power amplifier can take over those channels.
Can I use banana plugs with the UK model?
McIntosh's owner's manual states that banana plugs may be used only in the United States and Canada. UK installations should therefore use an alternative suitable termination in accordance with the supplied instructions.
What warranty does the MHT300 have?
McIntosh specifies a three-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Related McIntosh and Home Cinema Products
Why Buy McIntosh From Audio T?
A receiver as capable as the MHT300 is only one part of a successful home cinema. Loudspeaker positioning, subwoofer integration, room correction, amplification and installation all contribute to the final result, and Audio T can help configure the system around the room rather than simply supplying the electronics.
- McIntosh Home Theatre demonstrations
- Complete surround-system planning
- Dolby Atmos speaker-layout advice
- Dirac Live setup and calibration
- Projector and television integration
- Subwoofer selection and positioning
- External power-amplifier expansion
- HDMI and eARC setup
- Control-system integration guidance
- Rack and ventilation planning
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Installation and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss a McIntosh MHT300 Home Theatre system or arrange a demonstration.