Bring your home theater up to speed with Emotiva’s BasX MC-700 processor

By Kris Wouk Published 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.”

Recommended Videos

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.

A version of this post was first published on our “brother site” Digital Trends.

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

Culture

The best shows to binge on Peacock in March

Lots of NBC hits are on Peacock now — here are the best shows to watch

Gabriel Macht wearing a light gray suit

JoeThere are definitely too many streaming services. Thanks to Netflix's revolution, every broadcast network and parent company decided that they had to get in on the streaming wars. Peacock TV is NBC Universal's streaming service, and although it may not seem like the most attractive option, there are actually a number of great Peacock movies and shows available on the service that are hard to find anywhere else.
Some of those popular shows are Peacock streaming originals, although there are plenty that initially aired on NBC or elsewhere and have found their way to Peacock thanks in part to the complicated nature of TV rights. Regardless, though, Peacock speaks to the impressive legacy of NBC Television. Growing up, I watched many of these shows as part of my regular nighttime routine. Now, thankfully, they're available at our fingertips anytime. Looking for more streaming options? We also have your guide to the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, and the best shows on Paramount+.

Suits (2011)

Culture

March favorites: The best shows to watch on Starz

From Outlander to Party Down, these are the best shows you can stream on Starz

Outlanders

Since its inception, Starz has proven it can hang with larger competitors like Max. Although it's now making television in an incredibly crowded landscape, Starz has managed to regularly launch shows that make an impact, and it speaks to the enduring quality of these shows that they've also stood the test of time.
Because the streaming service is relatively niche, it can be hard to feel like it's worth the investment. I know from personal experience that, once you take the plunge and check out a few series on Starz, though, you'll realize just how deep the well of great stuff is. Any one of these shows would justify the price of a subscription.

Party Down (2009)

Culture

Discover the best Disney+ movies to watch this March

If you're a Disney+ member, stream these movies this month

Princess Bride

Disney is arguably the most iconic entertainment brand in the world. The company's properties, both original and acquired, combine to produce content that transcends age demographics. Disney has built a brand that's beloved by children, and those children eventually age into adults who introduce their kids to the films they loved when they were young. Disney's animation alone has made it iconic, but in recent years, the company has also acquired some of the biggest pieces of intellectual property there are. And with Disney Plus available on any device, you can watch all these movies whenever you want.

Between its acquisitions of both Marvel and Star Wars, there's a good chance that Disney is shepherding whatever you love to screens, both large and small. When it launched Disney+, the company was sure to fill it with both those nostalgic animated classics and plenty of new stuff as well. If, like me, you've ever felt a twinge of nostalgia for the Disney movies you loved as a kid, they're all there. Just as importantly, though, you can find movies that will resonate with you today in ways they didn't as a kid. Whatever you're looking for, you can probably find it on Disney+.