a/v processor

Ok take 2.1 out of the equasion and focus on two channel play back.
I can bypass the a/v processor with connection directly to the tv and get the 48 gps bandwidth for PC games etc.  What a/v processor has significantly superior audio resolution and s/n ratio compared to the Mcintosh mx 122 a/v processor.

Is the DAC chip the limiting factor?

Any opinion/experience with Anthem 90, Datasat, JBL etc, having an audio advantage over the mx122 Mac?
Thanks again.

The type of DAC chip itself has very little to do with the sound (maybe about 5% impact).  In my opinion, the important sections are power supply architecture/parts (about 55%) and the I/V and analog stages (about 35%).

Others have said Audiocontrol has good stereo sound.  It is very hefty at 27 lbs, which indicates a good size linear power supply and supporting circuitry.  However, I don't know if anyone here has direct experience.

I know that McIntosh processors (including your MX122) have very excellent power supply sections.  I think moving to a different processor will really only give you a slightly different sonic signature.  The more expensive MX160 or MX170 processors will likely improve on the sonic signature of your MX122 and will contain the Lyngdorf digital section (which is better) instead of the Marantz digital section.

The Datasat has massive amounts of ASIC DSP chips (4 big ones) for a large amount of DSP processing.  It does have good power supplies, but it use a 25-pin computer plug for all audio outputs.  This means you have the use the 25-pin to XLR break-out cable for audio connections.  I did read one review where the guy said there was no significant improvement over his current Meridian 861.

Thank you auxinput

I have narrowed down my selection to replace the mx 122 between the Audio Control Maestro X9 and the Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1.  The Audio control was selected because of the DACs, ESS, for two channel audio quality and the Lyngdorf because of the HDMI 2.1 ability related to video 120 fps at 4K.  Anyone have any experience/knowledge  with either of these processors to help me make a educated decision.
Thanks