This unit is VERY adaptable for just about any configuration you want.

Sounds like a Dog Squeeze in the yard! : <((

Very disappointed with sound quality. This unit is very good for movire usage and the logic 7 is pretty good too. I do like the bass management features and the adjustable mute function. Overall this would be a great piece of gear IF it sounded good! : <(( I'm very displeased with the dry, sterile sound. I recently replaced it with a Sunfire Theater Grand III. The sound difference is UNBELIEVEABLE. I LOVE IT!

Similar Products Used:

Sunfire Theater Grand III, Sony TAE-2000 pre-amp

Bass Management Processing Set up

no component inputs Not upgradable

I set up a dedicated home theatre about 4 years ago and felt that I had a fairly good set up. However, it was not until I purchased the MC-1 that I got much more from watching movies. The surround effects are excellent and the bass management I feel are stellar. I find that I'm watching movies again, just to hear the difference and they are significant. My theatre contains; Lexicon MC-1 processor Marantz MA-500 monoblocks (X 5) Atlantic Technologies 370THX speakers complete with 372 PBM Sub Infinity BU-1 Sub (secondary) Sony VPH-1272 projector DVDO Iscan Plus Draper Shadow Box Clarion with M1300 screen 90" Sony DVP-S330 DVD Monster Power HTS-5000 power conditioner and 5 other components.

Similar Products Used:

None as good

detail and good stereo mode, logic 7 is really good movie mode

price

This pre-amp is very good one , and i really like the way the detail flow around the room, but for the original price that suppose to cost i will never buy one , in my opinion the b&k reference 30 is better in price and performance

Similar Products Used:

refence30 from b&k , marantz a/v

7.1 processing. Effects

Manual makes setup more difficult than it is The THX Preamp specified levels, doesn't use all amps capabilities

I have had my Lexicon MC-1 Processor now for a couple of weeks. I am finding myself getting movies that I have watched before just to hear everything I have been missing. (And it is a lot) This Processor has it all ample Video inputs Ample Digitial Inputs. All in a sleek unit. The Logic 7.1 is a great benefit even for those using a 5 speaker system. SYSTEM: Sherbourn 5 1500/a Lexicon MC-1 Sony 605 DVD Bettercables Silver Serpent Interconnects, SVideo And Digital Coax Audioquest GR8 Speaker Cable

Similar Products Used:

Carver CT-27V

Superior proprietary surround modes for music and film; excellent dynamic range and s/n performance, customer support

No convenient analog bypass (though it is possible despite what's written below).

Mark's review immediately below is erroneous on every factual point. The objection regarding the MC-1's DACs is particularly misinformed--there is nothing inherently "low-end" about 1-bit delta-sigma designs; though one could find poorly implemented versions as with any design, the AKM 24/96 DACs used in the MC-1 are very high quality. Among their other sonic benefits, they insure that the MC-1 is currently the only processor which will handle 24/96 digital signals at full resolution (from any of the DVD players based on Pioneer mechanisms which output 24/96).

To say the MC-1 is equivalent to "any compotent[sic] receiver" demonstrates Mark made no comparisons using a 7.1 speaker setup, which is a significant discriminant of Lexcion gear. Nor can receivers generate stereo surrounds for Pro-Logic and DD 2.0 (still the vast majority of available soundtracks). I seriously question whether Mark actually listened to this product at all--his "grievances" are all the generic arguments.

Even his "strength" comment is misinformed: The MC-1 uses the same version of Logic 7 as the DC-2 (and even the DC-1, via the latest software upgrade).

As for build quality being "flimsy" this is simply false. The MC-1 casing is all metal, I/O jacks are rock solid, and there is nothing flimsy about it. If the styling is not to Mark's taste, that's cool, but he should define his terms appropriately and stick to fact in his comments.

The "Lack of component switching" objection sadly perpetuates an ongoing misconception spawned in ignorance--NONE of the units on the market which offer so-called "component switching" will handle HDTV or progressive DVD, which require higher bandwidth. So unless you need to switch between two standard DVD players, you are being HAD with component switching, period. Plus, adding switching between just TWO component sources adds NINE RCA cables to deal with (add THREE MORE for each additional source). Not hard to see that if and when component video switching is needed, an outboard box with FULL BANDWIDTH capability is the way to go.

As for "know[sic] analog by-pass," no digital surround processors except Proceed's offer this capability--it is very expensive to implement transparently, and for most users the added cost isn't worth it. There is a way to achieve it, nevertheless, because the Zone 2 and Record output paths do NOT undergo any A/D and D/A conversion, but this is cumbersome.

As for musical performance being "dry and tasteless"--to each his own. I find Lexicon's surround effects significantly enhance musical presence (and I am coming from a die-hard two-channel background). Mark's preferences clearly do not run towards surround processing--in which case he really shouldn't be listening to a surround processor. His is a classic example of the kind of misinformed Internet posting that seriously misleads naive readers.

There are some very fine surround processors out there to choose from, but please take the time to audition products for yourself and not rule out based on arbitrary, factually inaccurate "reviews."

Similar Products Used:

Meridian 861, Theta Casablanca, Proceed AVP

Great reproduction of HT material

Build quality and music reproduction

Although this piece excels in it ability to reproduce HT material, I have to agree, that it is not the best in music reproduction. It does use multibit Delta-Sigma DACS that are "capable" of 24/96 resolution. They do not reproduce a true 24/96 signal, however. Even if it could, the interface has not yet been developed to transfer the signal. SPDIF and TDIF doesn't have the ability to resolve the higher frequencies required (check with AES). Although music reproduction is acceptable, at $6000, they could have paid more attention to this area. I was also concerned with the build quality. If you attach enough quality cables to its rear (heavy), it could easily move the unit. Again, for the price of this unit, they could've have built it a little better. For HT, I'd give it 5 stars. For 2 channel and multi-channel sound, I'd give it a 3.5. Build quality, a 2. I can not say this is the best pre/pro. As a matter of fact, I prefered the sound of the Meridian, Proceed and Theata over it. There are plenty of quality products in this price category. Make sure to teat them all before spending this much money

Similar Products Used:

Meridian 561, Theta Casanova, Proceed AVP and EAD Ovation

Great matrix facilities, DSP's

Music reproduction and build quality

Pete,

Since when does someones opinion or
preference, dictate that it be backed by measurement data? Many people prefer one thing over the other based on what they like. By your logic, know one on this board can submit a review without some sort of test data. Get serious! While I liked the MC-1, it is way overpriced in comparison to other pre/pros. In HT, it is excellent...thanks to it DSP processing. As far as music goes, it's average. For 6K, the could've at least added some artificial weight to it...my VCR weighs more than it.

Great sweet sound, fully loaded with all kinds of sound format and very good DSPs. Logic 7 is awsome. Very easy to use. All the sound fields can be easily customized to each individual taste. Future proof. Very high quality DAC.

The look. Lack of balance inputs and component switching. High price.

I guest I said it all above. This MC1 is the ultimate preamp processor for movie and music lovers. For movie it's unbeatable, for music it is also excellent. I don't know why people say don't buy the MC1 for music, but it sounds fantastic to me in 2 channels music. I used to listen to music in straight 2 channels and hate it with all the DSP added in but this unit has changed my mind. All the DSP sound effects especially Music Logic, Music Surround with proper set-up are extremely smooth with more open space in my room. I also like the Party mode which basically is the 5 channels stereo. The direct bypass mode, which routes the digital signal from a source straight to its 24 bits DAC ignoring all of its digital processing, X-over and tone control, is also very good. One needs to connect the extra digital coaxial cable from a DVD player to its expansion port A beside the other digital coaxial going to its SPDIF input for this direct bypass feature which's also used for 24/96 PCM. Any way, that's enough for my review. For a completed professional reviews, look at Audio magazine Sept 99 issue, www.audiovideointerior.com, www.hometheatermag.com and many more to come later. Check it out and put a smile on your face.

Similar Products Used:

Sunfire Signature, Meridian 561.

7 Channels of Lexicon knowledge

None I can find

This is one heck of a processor. I am in tears of joy every time I listen. If you are able to drop this kind of money on a processor, at least give this one an audition.

Hey Jim - below you said, "I prefered (correctly spelled preferred) the sound of the Meridian, Proceed and Theata (correctly spelled Theta) over it". Were the listening tests you must have performed to come to this conclusion done in a double blind conditions? Further, were all the speakers brought to within .1 dB of each other for each and every processor unit tested? If not, then your statement is not valid in any way shape or form. The Fletcher-Munson curve fused with your knowing what is playing when you listen combine to make it impossible for you (or anyone for that matter) to form un-biased opinions - both from a mental standpoint and from a scientific standpoint. Non-double blind testing and not bringing all speakers to within .1 dB is a cheap technique used by the same companies that are trying to con consumers into the belief that speaker cables need to be broken in, and that that copper is directional. By the way, make it easier on all of us, and get a speeling cheaker.

Enhanced use of Logic-7.

Flimsy build quality, know analog by-pass, lack of component switching..for $6000

With the plethora of new products hitting the market, you would think that the MC-1 would at least use the more expensive DACS. The 1 bit Delta-Sigmas are used an many of the lower end products today. While the MC-1 sounds great foe HT...so does just about any compotent receiver. The music side still sounds dry and tasteless. While it is loaded with tons of DSP technology, I like my music smooth and uncolored. For the cost of this piece, you can get very good components that do both well. This one just doesn't do it...Not for 6 grand.

Similar Products Used:

Proceed, Theta, Ead, DC-1