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I am willing to spend $2500. Sony TA-9000ES or a used Citation 7 or a used Lexicon DC2. Need some direction and suggestions. I have Adcom monoblocks and all Mirage speakers.
In terms of HT, the MC-1 is one of the best there is. But if you have a serious music system as well, just be aware that the Lex processors will first convert your analog music signals to digital in the ADC section, then send this through the DAC to be converted back to analog. For this reason I went with the Nakamichi CA-1, which has an analog pass thru for music and dispences with the needless DSP modes for HT. You an get this with DD only, or DD and DTS decoding. For your older DVDs, it has a superior PL decoder as well. In analog pass through, the music is not audibly degraded as compared to other stereo preamps of the same price range that I have heard. To me, the CA-1 is what I needed....excellent 5.1 decoding and very good bass management/routing, well made and easy to set up, and posessing an audiophile quality analog pre-amp stage without first converting the stereo signal to analog. While it lacks the lexicon's logic 7 mode and EX capability, an external EX decoder or Circle Surround decoder can be added at minimal expense(eg ADA, Smart,etc). So if movies is all you will need, and funds were not an issue..definately go with the MC-1. If you want a HT pre-pro that will treat your already "well-DAC'ed" signal with more respect, consider your other options, including the Nakamichi.Read about it at Nakamichi's website:www.nakamichiusa.com/Larry
The SSP25 is focused on the best audio quality but also has some great video features. See www.classeaudio.com Great build quality.
The Classe' is one of the best sounding pre/pros I've heard for 2 channel applications. I think it sounds better than Lexicon's $7000 flagship pre/pro in stereo mode. And build quality of the Classe' is superior to Lexicon. However, for HT applications, the Lexicons have the edge. Good luck!
I was looking in the same price range for an exclusively 5.1 w/ 96/24 BurrBrowns DACs.
Lex, hands down. Find a dealer whom you trust, and find out what specials Lex has going on: oftentimes, there are tradeup/tradein programs that the dealer can get you into to save you a couple bucks.I'd avoid the Acurus. A buddy has one, and has quite a bit of noise, which the manufacturer told him was "D/A noise, live with it". I also think that, in today's marketplace, it is slightly overpriced for what it offers. When it was released, 2 years ago, it was a groundbreaker...but that ground has been bulldozed quite a bit by now.
I'd also avoid the Sony. It's big strength seems to be it's digital processing---e.g., selectable xovers for bass, etc. It is not known for having a great analog section...
No contest, Lexicon DC-2 first choice, Citation a very good second place. The Lexicon is what I would go with.
Yes, I hear the Lexicon DC2 unit is great. Problem is finding a used unit a a reasonable price. I will keep looking. Thanks for you input.
I have a Lexicon DC-1 and am very pleased with the sound, especially for HT. Amazing movie sound. Lexicon is also very nice about upgrading their products -- all you have to is replace a chip or two (or have your dealer do it). Very slick and not terribly expensive (couple of hundred usually).Happy hunting,
Shawn Harvey
Thanks for your comments Shawn. Everyone seems to feel the Lexicon units are considerably better than all comparably priced units. There is a rebate being offered by Lexicon. Actually, a kind of exchange for an existing unit. I am strongly considering the MC1. What the hell ya only live once.
If you have a significant other who uses the system, I'd look seriously at the Acurus Act3. Once it's set up, it's very easy to use , idiot proof. Sounds great too.
Dave, I have been listening to the ACT III and am strongly considering it.Have you experienced any of the D/A noise problem that Bob refernces his friend had? I was jsut about sold and this is the first I'v eheard of a problemw/the Act III.
Bill, I have heardabout this but haven't experienced it myself. I've been very happy with it and have had it for over a year. This last summer I had the upgrade bass management chip installed but I believe this is now standard on all the new ones.
Dave, I've been looking at the ACT III as well and am strongly considering it. Have you experienced any of the D/A noise Bob references his friend experienced?
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