Lexicon MC-1 A/V Preamplifier
Lexicon MC-1 A/V Preamplifier
USER REVIEWS
[Dec 20, 2003]
John
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
This unit is VERY adaptable for just about any configuration you want.
Weakness:
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 |
[Sep 11, 2002]
aza12345
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Bass Management Processing Set up
Weakness:
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 |
[Aug 27, 2002]
david shult
AudioPhile
Strength:
detail and good stereo mode, logic 7 is really good movie mode
Weakness:
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 |
[Jun 04, 2002]
bzsomerset
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
7.1 processing. Effects
Weakness:
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 |
[Jan 18, 2000]
Philip Brandes
Audiophile
Strength:
Superior proprietary surround modes for music and film; excellent dynamic range and s/n performance, customer support
Weakness:
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). Similar Products Used: Meridian 861, Theta Casablanca, Proceed AVP |
[Jan 18, 2000]
Jim
Audiophile
Strength:
Great reproduction of HT material
Weakness:
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 |
[Jan 24, 2000]
Chris B
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Great matrix facilities, DSP's
Weakness:
Music reproduction and build quality Pete, |
[Mar 02, 2000]
Lexlover
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
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.
Weakness:
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. |
[Jan 23, 2000]
Peter Aczel
Audiophile
Strength:
7 Channels of Lexicon knowledge
Weakness:
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. |
[Jan 18, 2000]
mark
Audiophile
Strength:
Enhanced use of Logic-7.
Weakness:
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 |