Own a DTS variant of this unit and truly enjoy it. Solid quality and great processing. The LEX Logic 7 is a great movie mode and I use it most often. For music I use the NightClub mode and now and then just bypass and listen in stereo. I think it sounds fairly musical for a HT processor. I've love to do a home comparison to the Krell A/V or Theta Casablanca. Of course, they cost over twice as much so I'd hope they'd sound better.
Lex stands behind their products and I appreciate the upgrade paths and trade-in credits. I might pick-up the new model as a result. For me, they are in the HT processor cost "sweet spot."

Setup is the easiest of the processors I've used in the past.

Comments on the "slam" review below:

I agree that the unit doesn't look like a work of art. It lacks a milled 1/4" alum. face plate etc. and fancy lights that some find a purchase prerequisite. I tend to focus on the performance, so this wasn't an issue for me.

I have owned a DD DC-1 for about two years in an all Thiel speaker system (3.6 front, SCS3 center, SCS rear) with Aragon amp (front) and Classe (rear). Of all the changes I have made to my system over the years, the most pronounced sonic improvement was upgrading from a Sony TAE-1000 pre-amp to the Lexicon. True, the Sony was a relatively low cost early generation processor that was never renowned for its musical presentation. Still, to say the difference between the Sony and Lexicon was major is an understatement. The sound was immediately more open, dynamic, tighter bass, clearer treble, a vast improvement in every way.
Beyond the audio quality (which may or may not rate with the Casablanca, Krell, etc,) what is most appealing about the Lexicon is its ability to modify the sound based on the source material. Given the incredibly wide range of recording quality of multiple sources (DVDs, CDs, videotapes, laserdiscs), I have found several of the Lexicon settings invaluable, primarily (1) Logic 7 (tames overly bright soundtracks to sound significantly more natural and lifelike), (2) equalization (fine tune bass and treble depending on the source) and (3) Loudness (invaluable bass boost when listening at low volumes to immensely improve the sound). These refinements (and a host of others available on the DC-1) work extremely well to fine tune the sound to the source, an invaluable plus given the wide range of source material that I listen to.

In sum, for those purists who listen primarily to a single source and are not likely to benefit from the Lexicon's bells and whistles, this is probably not the piece for you. But for those who appreciate the ability to tweak their system to gain maximal enjoyment from a wide variety of source materials, the flexibility and overall sound quality of the Lexicon can work wonders. Five Stars.

The Lexicon DC-1 is easily the best "bang for the buck"processor out there. The person below who describes it as
thin and astringent simply can't hear. For home theater,
it has some of the best digital algorithms that you will
ever hear short of spending over $5k. The Logic 7 setting
does wonders for Pro Logic material.
For stereo, it's not an Audio Reseach piece...but it is sweet and smooth sounding. The Panorama setting sounds wonderful on big
classical works.
Now that they are available used...jump on it!

I have one of the original DC1, purchased the first week they came out. A software glitch with the THX settings led me to upgraded my DC1 with the two enhancements offered by Lexicon. 1st one was to upgrade the software to the same level as the DC2 (the DC2 style remote is included in this upgrade).
The second was to replace the 20 bit D/A chips with 24 bit chips.
Total cost to me was $800.00 - AND IT WAS WORTH IT!!!
My DC1 sounds smoother and more musical.
I may not have all of the latest video switching enhancements offered by the MC1, but my system is used primarly for music. I can honestly not hear a difference between the enhanced DC1 and the new DC2. I have not had the opportunity to hear a MC1 yet.
Five Stars!!!!

Great sounding unit. Control has a few glitches that kinda were a let down in such a high priced piece. I also had trouble with it when it was only six mounths old. My display went dark and the switching didn't work. Except for the small bugs this is by far the best sounding surround sound processor I have ever heard. It has great steering for movies and excellent sound for music. It is hard to find a piece with such good sound for both movies and music. Would get a rateing of 5 stars but the bugs heart it and cause me to give it 4 stars.

I have had this unit for over a year now and it is amazing. I have heard this unit in many different rooms, a few were published in avi and home theater mag, and this unit works great in all areas.I have heard it against the ead unit and others. The ead does produce a more detailed sound on stereo but, with the dc-1 properly tuned in, in a mode,music logic or L7 , the tables turn. Anyway who wants to mess with such a confusing pre/pro as the ead? I don't believe that you can upgrade it to the 24bit dacs like is said by a review on this page. Most compaints are either caused by user error or the feeling that a 1/2 inch piece of aluminum can make a better sounding pre/pro.

By far the most expensive piece in my stereo setup, but well worth it... I paid $1850 for mine (used), and I love it. Very nice soundstage, and quite transparent. Makes eveything sound beautiful. I'm planning on getting the software upgrade so I can utilize the 40Hz crossover point instead of the full-range or 80Hz options, so I'll have to make another review then. It could use a few more digital ins/outs, but that's what the DC-2 or MC-1 is for. For an entry level audiophile quality Pre/Pro, I can't recommend it more. I don't have the full HT setup yet, but I'm willing to spend the money just so I can try the 7-channel modes. Stereo listening is clean and smooth. Almost like the DC-1 isn't even there! Absolutely beautiful piece!

Using 5 speakers + sub (the DC-1 accomodates 7 speakers) and M&K S-125 across the front, this pre-pro rocks... It has endless tweaks for those willing to spend the time. The ability to dial in the distance to each speaker was definitely useful and immediately improved the imaging through the L/C/Rs. Bass was strong and tight, imaging was beautiful. Great on music as well as video. All this without yet upgrading to the later version software (which other reviewers have recommended). I will DEFINITELY upgrade. This pre-pro is definitely 5 stars.

Bought used, this is the best audio bargain. Period. Lexicon offers generous trade-in programs and soft-ware upgrades for new formats.

Once you experience the sound of a Lexicon, you will feel compelled to buy one.

Fresh out of the box, I noticed a HUGE and definite improvement over my previous pre-amp, B&K's AVP4090. Lexicons proprietary Logic-7 algorithms are marvelous for re-creating soundtracks the way they were meant to be heard. It brought new life into my old forgotten video tapes. For anyone considering any pre-amp or receiver purchase, you must give Lexicon a listen. They are not inexpensive. However, with the current Lexicon trade-in program towards the new MC-1 now in progress, DC-1's can be purchased used for less than $2000.00. With Lexicon's reputation for build quality, you need not be afraid to buy one previously owned. Also, the DC-1 can be upgraded for the new EX format.

For a trustworthy dealer who may have some used ones on hand, I highly recommend either Bob at Avalon Audio Video (609-654-7752) or David at Audiolab (800-513-8555). Please note that dealers are not allowed to sell new units mail-order.

Similar Products Used:

B&K AVP4090,Dolby Digital,DTS

Stellar processing, both movies and music sound wonderful, 7 speaker system, music modes, video inputs and out.

The original remote (get a Pronto!)

I have had a DC-1 for more than a year now. I love it more now than when I purchased it. It is a stellar performer that has rare flexibility; it can do both movies and music. Most systems can do one or the other, not both. It also serves as the central nerve system, as you can plug all your components into it, and get audio and video out (at S-video quality). In that regard, the on-screen setup is a piece of cake. The overall sound is deep, rich, and detailed. I swear that movies sound better in my house than at the Theater. I am so happy with this, I have no plans to upgrade to the DC-2 or MC-1 anytime soon. How anyone can knock this component is beyond me. Perhaps the DC-1 is exposing flaws in their systems, and not the other way around.