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Yup, thats what I heard from a dealer, I am a tad skeptical. |
As well you should be!
The Law of Diminishing Returns dictates that HT processors at the rarified price range where the MC-12 and the CB II reside will show little differences in sound quality. You're more likely to find a larger qualitative difference in sound between a processor that retailed at $2K and one at $4K, than you are for one that is $8K versus $16K.
Also, the rest of the system has to be up to snuff (so to speak), to reveal such differences. Then there's system synergy (cables, amps, speakers, room size, speaker positioning) to consider, which can often dictate which one will sound better. Just a heads up that if you've built your system around the voicing of the CB II, the MC-12 could be at a disadvantage from the get-go when auditioned in your setup.
The modularity of the CB makes for a wonderfully flexible architecture. I'm not aware of any other processor that offers more bass management options than the CB II either. Also, if you currently have four subs, note that the MC-12 will only directly handle three. The huge advantage that the MC-12 has over most any processor is the ability to control a total of three AV zones! Also, Logic 7 is a pretty effective mode (perhap unsurpassed?) for simulating discrete 7.1 channels. Perhaps the upcoming Mark Levinson No.40 will best them all, albeit at a $30K price point!
You should be able to find a loaner unit from a cooperative Lexicon dealer where you're at. Unfortunately, given the history of Lexicon previous product introductions and the brand's popularity, it may be in short supply for the next few months.
P.S. How did you work a 7.4 setup with the CB II config you have? My calculations tell me that with one Xtreme and two Superior DACs, you would have a total of only 10 channels?
