Emotiva’s BasX MC-700 processor aims for high-end sound without the price

By Kris Wouk December 9, 2016

When many people hear the term “high-end,” they immediately think “high-priced,” and most of the time, they’re right. Emotiva Audio Corporation doesn’t think that has to be the case, and with its latest product, the BasX MC-700 surround sound processor, the company is looking to prove it.

“We call BasX our ‘aspirational line’, but a powerhouse processor like the MC-700 crushes competitive models at similar price points,” Emotiva president and founder Dan Laufman said in a statement. “The combination of 4K UHD High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, high resolution surround sound audio, and the latest generation of our highly acclaimed EmoQ automatic room correction system, makes the MC-700 the best choice for anybody who wants to take their home theater experience to another level, but without paying the high prices of typical audiophile gear.”

The Bas-X MC-700 features support for both 5.1-channel and 7.1-channel surround sound in all the current formats, as well as the 4K video with HDR mentioned above. In the latter case, only HDR10 compatability is mentioned. Whether or not the required hardware for Dolby Vision is included isn’t clear, but it isn’t very likely.

This processor boasts six HDMI inputs, three of which feature HDMI 2.0a for both 4K and HDR support, along with HDCP 2.2. In addition to HDMI, both S/PDIF coaxial and Toslink optical digital audio inputs are provided, and Bluetooth is supported via the optional Bluetooth dongle.

Of the two HDMI outputs, one supports HDR. Looking at the other outputs, one set of analog 7.1-channel outs are included, as well as one balanced subwoofer output, meant to be used with a powered subwoofer. Of course, since this is just a processor, you’ll need to pair it with a worthy amplifier to power your speakers.

The Emotiva BasX MC-700 is priced at $600, though the company is offering it for $100 off through the end of the month or until the first shipment is sold out. The company will be showing the MC-700 one of the highlights of its CES display next month in Las Vegas. For more information, see the Emotiva website.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…

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