Its all apples and oranges and pears, different strokes for different folks and systems. I haven't got the Widescreen Review yet, but I assume Richard Hardesty reviewed the MC-1 in his own system, with five Vandersteen signiature speakers, Levinson amplifiers, etc. Hardesty has a most musical and audiophile home theater system, in which the Lexicon MC-1 would not shine, because he wouldn't have used both its sides and rears surrounds, and his system is far more likely than most to show up audible sonic differences in surround processors. THe MC-1 does give you enormous flexibility and ease of control for home theater purposes, with decent two channel sound. It's a good buy for $6k or less. It works well in setups with both sides and rears surround speakers. I don't think it would sound as good in my audiophile five channel plus subwoofers setup as my Theta Casablanca or most certainly a Meridian 861, but look at what they cost in comparison? I think its pretty obvious that nearly anyone would prefer a Meridian 861 over a Lexicon MC-1 musically and for home theater, but the question is whether its worth all that extra $$ to you in your particular room, setup and home theater configuration.
-
Get an exclusive sneak peek into our new project. >>> Click Here
Lexicon MC-1 - Why Did WideScreen Review Trash It?
I just finished reading the WideScreen Review on the Lexicon MC-1 processor. I was wondering...If you have one and have read the review...Do you concur? The reviewer stated it was not as good as he would have expected from a "Pro" peice like it is suppose to be.
He even said the 96K direct play was lacking in sound.
It left me a little set back. It is better than the DC-1 or DC-2 or did they go in the wrong direction withe the MC-1?
Thoughts Please.
------------------
David Bott
It's A World Of Entertainment...Experience It!
AV Science Webmaster
http://www.avscience.com
http://www.www.avsforum.com
He even said the 96K direct play was lacking in sound.
It left me a little set back. It is better than the DC-1 or DC-2 or did they go in the wrong direction withe the MC-1?
Thoughts Please.
------------------
David Bott
It's A World Of Entertainment...Experience It!
AV Science Webmaster
http://www.avscience.com
http://www.www.avsforum.com
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
I stopped reading Widescreen Review when the publisher lost his objectivity and kept ranting about DTS.... on the other hand,
I have a Lexicon MC-1 and could not be more pleased.
Every time I watch a movie I marvel at the sound.
Irv
I have a Lexicon MC-1 and could not be more pleased.
Every time I watch a movie I marvel at the sound.
Irv
David,
Phew! So you got a Lexi MC-1, eh? Lucky, lucky, lucky! We envy you...can't afford one!
Who gives a damn what some so-called "high-end" audio reviewers say about anything? With all due respect to Dick Hardesty, he's all wet on this one (and many other topics as well).
The Lexicon MC-1 is, without a doubt, the BEST surround processor with a miriad of DLP functions extant. Period. We don't own one...yet, but intrinsically believe it's. We love Lexis...we got a DC-1...DTS and all, and if it wasn't because of the MC-1's existance, we won't be considering changing.
After trying several other brand processors we went back to a Lexi (from a CP-1!).
If you want to read a better "review," read E. J. Foster's in AUDIO magazine (he did both the MC-1 and DC-2 this year...and DC-1 some years ago). Now, that's illuminating!
Take from me, a former "Linninite," "high-ender," founder and President of an audio society: you've got a jewel. Enjoy it!!
The Home Theater Society
Phew! So you got a Lexi MC-1, eh? Lucky, lucky, lucky! We envy you...can't afford one!
Who gives a damn what some so-called "high-end" audio reviewers say about anything? With all due respect to Dick Hardesty, he's all wet on this one (and many other topics as well).
The Lexicon MC-1 is, without a doubt, the BEST surround processor with a miriad of DLP functions extant. Period. We don't own one...yet, but intrinsically believe it's. We love Lexis...we got a DC-1...DTS and all, and if it wasn't because of the MC-1's existance, we won't be considering changing.
After trying several other brand processors we went back to a Lexi (from a CP-1!).
If you want to read a better "review," read E. J. Foster's in AUDIO magazine (he did both the MC-1 and DC-2 this year...and DC-1 some years ago). Now, that's illuminating!
Take from me, a former "Linninite," "high-ender," founder and President of an audio society: you've got a jewel. Enjoy it!!
The Home Theater Society
I read the review after reading this thread and I have to say that I thought the review was more balanced than I thought it would be. I do think it sounds better than he says it does though. The bottom line is you have to go with what works for you, and I question a review when the reviewer begins his conclusion discussing the dollars to weight ratio of a processor- lets face it its a bunch of computer chips- how heavy are those? Its not a car you know- thats where power to weight is a valid issue, and even there dollars to weight is usually better if the car costs more (maybe?) and weights less (definately).
- Jerry
- Jerry
Yeah, but the same can be said of such processors such as the Krell, Theta, EAD, ADA, Classe, etc., which can set one back well over $10K in a lot of instances. Take a look at their prices...and with lesser functions/features!
We're not saying the MC-1 is a bargain for $7K; what we do say the MC-1 is one heck of a processor and if one can afford it, then
why not? The weight vs. cost ratio is not a determiner of audio quality...or lack thereof. The MC-1 is king...
Many products don't seem to be congruent with their price vs. weight ratio. Yet in a lot of instances a given product of small dimensions can indeed be worth the asking price. Take a Sony DAT portable deck for example: for $1000 the damned thing would seem totally out of reason if we were to only look at its size. Yet look at what it can do that some years ago machines with humongous dimensions were required to do on-the-fly live recordings. So that argument isn't valid as the sole criterion to dump on the MC-1 by the reviewer in question...
THTS
We're not saying the MC-1 is a bargain for $7K; what we do say the MC-1 is one heck of a processor and if one can afford it, then
why not? The weight vs. cost ratio is not a determiner of audio quality...or lack thereof. The MC-1 is king...
Many products don't seem to be congruent with their price vs. weight ratio. Yet in a lot of instances a given product of small dimensions can indeed be worth the asking price. Take a Sony DAT portable deck for example: for $1000 the damned thing would seem totally out of reason if we were to only look at its size. Yet look at what it can do that some years ago machines with humongous dimensions were required to do on-the-fly live recordings. So that argument isn't valid as the sole criterion to dump on the MC-1 by the reviewer in question...
THTS
I have not read the review myself. I own the MC-1 and am very happy with the sonics of the piece. I have heard some say they liked the EAD sound better in 2 channel. I havn't heard much comparisons about Theta and the MC-1. But the fact is, neither of those pieces compares in terms of processing options. Though the Theta might come close, excluding logic 7.
But lets get real on the prices guys. I traded my DC-1 which I owned over a year and gave 1900 bucks difference for my MC-1. I paid 3750 for my DC-1 new, not 5000. So, if you say, after 1 year my DC-1 was worth 50% of what I paid for it, not retail, that would be 1875. (50% of retail would be 2500).
If you add my 1900 to the 1875. that is a 3775 investment, not counting the 1875 depreciation for 1 year's use. Even if you reduced the depreciation and use factor to 1000, thats still only 4650! So, I ask you, what else are you going to buy for 4650 that can even think about comparing to the MC-1? Absolutely nothing.
As far as the review? I can't hear it at all when I turn my system up. He can stick that review where the sun don't shine http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif Maybe Lexicon didn't buy him a big enough steak and no freebies?
Lex
But lets get real on the prices guys. I traded my DC-1 which I owned over a year and gave 1900 bucks difference for my MC-1. I paid 3750 for my DC-1 new, not 5000. So, if you say, after 1 year my DC-1 was worth 50% of what I paid for it, not retail, that would be 1875. (50% of retail would be 2500).
If you add my 1900 to the 1875. that is a 3775 investment, not counting the 1875 depreciation for 1 year's use. Even if you reduced the depreciation and use factor to 1000, thats still only 4650! So, I ask you, what else are you going to buy for 4650 that can even think about comparing to the MC-1? Absolutely nothing.
As far as the review? I can't hear it at all when I turn my system up. He can stick that review where the sun don't shine http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif Maybe Lexicon didn't buy him a big enough steak and no freebies?
Lex
The greatest problem we have about so-called "high-end" audio reviewers is that by and large most of them have no idea about LIVE musical sounds, music's nature (i.e., tempto, rythm, pace, harmonic structure, etc.) etc.
When they make statements like "the xxxFHEC produces night and day sonic differences...my, the pace and rythm...oh, the nuances!....that component is sooo involving; it has a lot of personality...wow! listen to those micro dynamics wihin the inter-silence of EACH musical note..." we just cannot stomach their spewing such crappy statement any longer, because they are not based on reality. That's when we run in the opposite direction...and not just walk!
Unfortunately, Mr. Hardesty leans towards the lunatic fringe type of audio reviwers, which are wont to pronounce a given audio component as state-of-the-art because of its "pace and rythm" characteristics. No such thing exists in the world of sound reproduction by audio components and, while we admit to hear sonic differences from audio components at times (and never mind interconnect and speaker cables!), those are never to a degree so great that can convince us that price differences in favor of costly high-end audio components warrant their purchase on sonic basis alone. Thus we tend to dimiss his reviews as something from which we can make a solid, educating basis decision when it comes to buying audio components. Other that, we have no personal agenda against Mr. Hardesty (actually, his review of the MC-1 was well balanced...until he let his rythm&pace philosophy render it nearly useless. Too bad, for Dick is otherwise technically extremely knowledgeable).
We prefer the Lexicon line of surround sound/preamp products over others because of the sound (no pun) engineering, features, flexiblity, tremendous amount of sonic manipulations (yeah, yeah, we know...) and a tremendous record of longevity (try that with a lot of high-end components!).
Are they perfect? No, but what is? Are the Lexis the ultimate in flaxibility? No because there's always room for improvement (we still wish to see Lexicon offer stereo subwoofer outputs in addtion to a .1 LEF channel; component video facilities, etc.). Are they affordable? Well, that's a though one for most people, but compare their prices against other brands
These are some of the main reasons why we prefer Lexis and why we keep going back to them.
By the way, we can truly enjoy 2-channel playback through our Lexi, but it's quite difficult to hear soundstages collapse when the surround sound enhancements are shut off...
THTS
When they make statements like "the xxxFHEC produces night and day sonic differences...my, the pace and rythm...oh, the nuances!....that component is sooo involving; it has a lot of personality...wow! listen to those micro dynamics wihin the inter-silence of EACH musical note..." we just cannot stomach their spewing such crappy statement any longer, because they are not based on reality. That's when we run in the opposite direction...and not just walk!
Unfortunately, Mr. Hardesty leans towards the lunatic fringe type of audio reviwers, which are wont to pronounce a given audio component as state-of-the-art because of its "pace and rythm" characteristics. No such thing exists in the world of sound reproduction by audio components and, while we admit to hear sonic differences from audio components at times (and never mind interconnect and speaker cables!), those are never to a degree so great that can convince us that price differences in favor of costly high-end audio components warrant their purchase on sonic basis alone. Thus we tend to dimiss his reviews as something from which we can make a solid, educating basis decision when it comes to buying audio components. Other that, we have no personal agenda against Mr. Hardesty (actually, his review of the MC-1 was well balanced...until he let his rythm&pace philosophy render it nearly useless. Too bad, for Dick is otherwise technically extremely knowledgeable).
We prefer the Lexicon line of surround sound/preamp products over others because of the sound (no pun) engineering, features, flexiblity, tremendous amount of sonic manipulations (yeah, yeah, we know...) and a tremendous record of longevity (try that with a lot of high-end components!).
Are they perfect? No, but what is? Are the Lexis the ultimate in flaxibility? No because there's always room for improvement (we still wish to see Lexicon offer stereo subwoofer outputs in addtion to a .1 LEF channel; component video facilities, etc.). Are they affordable? Well, that's a though one for most people, but compare their prices against other brands
These are some of the main reasons why we prefer Lexis and why we keep going back to them.
By the way, we can truly enjoy 2-channel playback through our Lexi, but it's quite difficult to hear soundstages collapse when the surround sound enhancements are shut off...
THTS
I never considered buying a Lexicon becuase of the lack of bass management. Every other processor in that price range, even much less expensive processors have more crossover choices than just 40, 80, 120.
Let's face it, a processor in that class needs a crossover choice somewhere between 40 and 80 Hz. I'm not saying that 1 Hz increments are necessary (like Meridian), but certainly a 60 Hz setting would at least be reasonable! I could never take a processor seriously that does not provide excellent bass management, both in quality and flexibility. Theta and Meridian excell in those areas. EAD provides the minimum flexibility, but does so with excellence and good crossover choices. With 40 and 120 Hz being the only crossover point for Lexicon besides 80 Hz, they really missed the boat as far as I'm concerned.
Let's face it, a processor in that class needs a crossover choice somewhere between 40 and 80 Hz. I'm not saying that 1 Hz increments are necessary (like Meridian), but certainly a 60 Hz setting would at least be reasonable! I could never take a processor seriously that does not provide excellent bass management, both in quality and flexibility. Theta and Meridian excell in those areas. EAD provides the minimum flexibility, but does so with excellence and good crossover choices. With 40 and 120 Hz being the only crossover point for Lexicon besides 80 Hz, they really missed the boat as far as I'm concerned.
Health Nut, your outlook is well not mine.
I cannot disagree that an additional crossover point would be useful. For my money, I say drop the 120, and add a 60. Lets face it, if someone is going to drop 5-6K on a pre-pro, odds are, the crossover dilemma is not going to be between 100 and 120 very often. I admit, a 60 Hz crossover would be ideal for my Sonus Fabers. The reason why is that at 250 watts sometimes, I tend to overcook them just a bit on the low end at either full or 40. They try to reach it, but the problem is the passive radiator is just not up to the challenge at those levels with an HPA-2 driving them.
But, this one point, though important as it is, is not enough for me to get out of the "Lexicon business". Its not just a home theater processor, its an approach, a uniquely accurate and articulate processor for the discriminating audio/video enthuesiest. No one in the business has a menu system any more intuitive than Lexicon. No one's surround processing surpasses Lexicon. Frankly, they do so many things well, that to say you would not consider it over 1 crossover point is well, a little over the edge.
Open me a new Lexicon, and someone else another processor, and clock us. While he is still fiddling and adjusting this and that, my sound will be calibrated and I will be well into a movie. Point is, its not just about crossover settings, its about so very much more and at the same time, so very much less regarding simplicity of operation.
Lex
I cannot disagree that an additional crossover point would be useful. For my money, I say drop the 120, and add a 60. Lets face it, if someone is going to drop 5-6K on a pre-pro, odds are, the crossover dilemma is not going to be between 100 and 120 very often. I admit, a 60 Hz crossover would be ideal for my Sonus Fabers. The reason why is that at 250 watts sometimes, I tend to overcook them just a bit on the low end at either full or 40. They try to reach it, but the problem is the passive radiator is just not up to the challenge at those levels with an HPA-2 driving them.
But, this one point, though important as it is, is not enough for me to get out of the "Lexicon business". Its not just a home theater processor, its an approach, a uniquely accurate and articulate processor for the discriminating audio/video enthuesiest. No one in the business has a menu system any more intuitive than Lexicon. No one's surround processing surpasses Lexicon. Frankly, they do so many things well, that to say you would not consider it over 1 crossover point is well, a little over the edge.
Open me a new Lexicon, and someone else another processor, and clock us. While he is still fiddling and adjusting this and that, my sound will be calibrated and I will be well into a movie. Point is, its not just about crossover settings, its about so very much more and at the same time, so very much less regarding simplicity of operation.
Lex
Health Nut,
The full-blown Meridian processors cost several thousand Dollars, well above what even the MC-1 currently commands. For such high prices the Meridian SHOULD provide the ultimate in crossover points/slope rates flexibility, while also adding sophisticated equalization facilities in the DIGITAL domain. But do they?
Please note that we did not say the MC-1 is a perfect audio component, but it's awefully flexible as it stands. Oh, sure...we, too, like to see more X-over oferings, but what is there encompass a wide range of options for the user, and are more than what our DC-1 contains. But we ain't complaning! Someday an MC-1 will come our way...
By the way...we think the Sunfire surround sound processor is about the most beautiful chunk of anodized aluminum we've ever seen!
Other manufacturers should follow suit and produce something so nice looking, including the MC-1. There...we said it...
THTS
The full-blown Meridian processors cost several thousand Dollars, well above what even the MC-1 currently commands. For such high prices the Meridian SHOULD provide the ultimate in crossover points/slope rates flexibility, while also adding sophisticated equalization facilities in the DIGITAL domain. But do they?
Please note that we did not say the MC-1 is a perfect audio component, but it's awefully flexible as it stands. Oh, sure...we, too, like to see more X-over oferings, but what is there encompass a wide range of options for the user, and are more than what our DC-1 contains. But we ain't complaning! Someday an MC-1 will come our way...
By the way...we think the Sunfire surround sound processor is about the most beautiful chunk of anodized aluminum we've ever seen!
Other manufacturers should follow suit and produce something so nice looking, including the MC-1. There...we said it...
THTS
The Sunfires chassis might be nice, but that ugly display has to go!!!!!! http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif
Rob
------------------
display: toshiba 40" widescreen hdtv,
speakers: acoustic energy 500 series, paradigm ps-1200 sub,
pre-amp: ead encore,
amp: b&k av654,
front-end: rega planet, sony 7700,
cables: synergistic research, kimberkable, audioquest, monstercable,
misc: rotel line conditioner, synergy racks
Rob
------------------
display: toshiba 40" widescreen hdtv,
speakers: acoustic energy 500 series, paradigm ps-1200 sub,
pre-amp: ead encore,
amp: b&k av654,
front-end: rega planet, sony 7700,
cables: synergistic research, kimberkable, audioquest, monstercable,
misc: rotel line conditioner, synergy racks
Migliori
What's a Rega Planet? Is it a product from the English company Rega Planar?
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder...yeah, you might be right...about the Sunfire's front display. But, oh, that case! (Don't own one).
THTS
What's a Rega Planet? Is it a product from the English company Rega Planar?
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder...yeah, you might be right...about the Sunfire's front display. But, oh, that case! (Don't own one).
THTS
The Planet is Rega's (yes the British Planar folks) digital piece. They've since release a separate tranport (Jupiter) and processor (Io??). It's gotten rave reviews, and, in my opinion is worth twice of its $800 retail. I only use the player as a transport now w/ my EAD, and it works great. The Planet has a lot of dampening mechanisms in it and has a fixed (top loading) platter.
Rob
------------------
display: toshiba 40" widescreen hdtv,
speakers: acoustic energy 500 series, paradigm ps-1200 sub,
pre-amp: ead encore,
amp: b&k av654,
front-end: rega planet, sony 7700,
cables: synergistic research, kimberkable, audioquest, monstercable,
misc: rotel line conditioner, synergy racks
Rob
------------------
display: toshiba 40" widescreen hdtv,
speakers: acoustic energy 500 series, paradigm ps-1200 sub,
pre-amp: ead encore,
amp: b&k av654,
front-end: rega planet, sony 7700,
cables: synergistic research, kimberkable, audioquest, monstercable,
misc: rotel line conditioner, synergy racks
I suppose it is old news now, but SGHT did give the MC-1 the platinum award this year. I would certainly call that an endorsement!
Bill Leete
Bill Leete
Ok, Ok...I got an MC-1 and installed it. I must say....WOW!!!
I found it to be cleaner and have lower bass responce that anything I have used. I find the voices in movies and the soundtracks in general to be much more defined.
I wish to thank all that replied and I am glad I made the move.
------------------
David Bott
It's A World Of Entertainment...Experience It!
AV Science Webmaster
http://www.avscience.com
http://www.www.avsforum.com
I found it to be cleaner and have lower bass responce that anything I have used. I find the voices in movies and the soundtracks in general to be much more defined.
I wish to thank all that replied and I am glad I made the move.
------------------
David Bott
It's A World Of Entertainment...Experience It!
AV Science Webmaster
http://www.avscience.com
http://www.www.avsforum.com
I'd rather have a Meridian 861, but the opportunity cost of this vs. a Lexicon just isn't worth it to me. (same goes for the MC-1 vs. DC-1 v4.00 IMO) I'll spend my $$$ on the rest of my Aerial Acoustics system, to go with my 10ts.
One aspect of the Lexicon S/W (re: bass management") that hasn't been discussed is the "bass enhance" options on the DC-1/2 and MC-1. This system was based on some research findings that bass perception is best in stereo on the sides of the listener (I think the paper is $10 from AES and Lexicon will give you the ref.) The result is supposto be amazing...I'll let you know how it works in the future, when I complete my system.
Also, Lexicon does have excellent customer service and upgrade policies. You have to love their MC-1 upgrade program. And the DD-EX support on my DC-1 really shows how the company stands by their products.
The last thing to note is the support for Lexicon on the web, by Lexicon employees a www.smr-forums.com. You can read a lot of info on bass enhance there...
-Mark
Lexicon DC-1 v4.00
[This message has been edited by mdavis (edited January 01, 2000).]
One aspect of the Lexicon S/W (re: bass management") that hasn't been discussed is the "bass enhance" options on the DC-1/2 and MC-1. This system was based on some research findings that bass perception is best in stereo on the sides of the listener (I think the paper is $10 from AES and Lexicon will give you the ref.) The result is supposto be amazing...I'll let you know how it works in the future, when I complete my system.
Also, Lexicon does have excellent customer service and upgrade policies. You have to love their MC-1 upgrade program. And the DD-EX support on my DC-1 really shows how the company stands by their products.
The last thing to note is the support for Lexicon on the web, by Lexicon employees a www.smr-forums.com. You can read a lot of info on bass enhance there...
-Mark
Lexicon DC-1 v4.00
[This message has been edited by mdavis (edited January 01, 2000).]
Dave, glad to see you like your new MC-1. I knew you would, that it would be a world of difference than the DC-1 for you.
What counts is that you are happy! And you can tell me all about it when we finally meet this upcoming week at CES!
What counts is that you are happy! And you can tell me all about it when we finally meet this upcoming week at CES!
I know Audio Video Interiors isnt really the first place youll look for a critical evaluation of equipment but in case no one saw it, the current issue features a very positive review of the MC-1. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif
- Jerry
- Jerry
Steve:
We're counting on you to give us the scoop on the new product offerings at CES. Is Michael Kelly still planning to show his stuff? I didn't see Aerial Acoustics listed in the on-line directory.
-Mark
We're counting on you to give us the scoop on the new product offerings at CES. Is Michael Kelly still planning to show his stuff? I didn't see Aerial Acoustics listed in the on-line directory.
-Mark
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
WilliamR
961 Replies
BASSAHOLIC
529 Replies
bass addict
401 Replies
Recommended Communities
