HT Processor Dilema w/ Aerial

I own a pair of 10T's, a McCormack DNA-2 LAE amp, Sony SCD-1, and a Primare P30 pre/pro for my 2-channel system.

The Primare P30 is a bare-bones pre/pro with a music first objective in it's design and is 100% analog in by-pass mode.

I've compared the P30 in my home with a CJ-PV14 and Electrocompaniet preamps. No comparison. These other two preamps were simply too subdued in their presentation when compared to the P30.

I then compared the P30 in my home with a burned-in Ayre K3-X. Although, in some respects the Ayre was more musical, it appeared to be at the expense of coloration and a subdued midrange. The P30 was much more transparent and detailed.

The P30 retails for $3500-$4000 depending on who you talk to. I've only seen one other in audiogon that also has a P30 and he felt the same way.

-IMO

I like Lexicon but probably not in the same purist sense that many look at it - they have the only truly upgradeable processor, and that's because they offer generous tradein allowances on legacy processors when they come out with something new. That's the only way that "upgradeable" means anything to me.

I don't agree with the sentiment that all surround processors basically sound the same and that "good enough" will do. True if you're really avid about your music but just enjoy movies. Lexicon uses their own proprietary Logic7 surround algorithms, so it's also not true that they're all based on the same technology. I owned the MC-1 for a couple years and it's definitely not the last word in 2-channel reproduction, but it's a real nice product IMO, and you can currently get them for less than $2500 used which is an excellent deal in my opinion. Even if you ultimately add a dedicated preamp for music (a good suggestion if you can ultimately swing it), it's not overkill for HT-only. I'd recommend that you find out whether the MC-1 you were to purchase used has already been traded in (Lexicon could tell you from the serial #) because each unit is only valid on trade in a single time.

A lot of people who buy the Lexicon processor want to (and do) use the Music7 surround logic to do multi-channel reproduction from 2-channel sources. If that holds no interest to you, you'll be missing what many consider to be a major selling point of the Lexicon (including JGH, for what it's worth). I haven't used any of the other processors you mention, so my comments are in comparison, but are based on owning a succession of the Lexicon processors (on the MC-12 now). -Kirk

WOW!

Great responses! I have ended up with the Proceed PAV/PDSD.
Now that said, I would not mind a 2 channel pre for music and something like the DC-1 for surround, but how would I wire such a set up? How can I use a proper 2 channel amp for 2 channel and a 5 channel for surround?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Dan

Dan the Pav was a class A rated pre-amp as far back as 93.If you really want the best 2 channel your most likely going to have to go tube. I couldn't believe the sound of tubes and the JM Labs Mezzo Utopias.But everyone hears differently and therefore you will find many an opinion. I have wasted alot of money by relying on reviews or other peoples opinions,so i would recommend driving to the different high end shops and just listening to the different options. Bring your own music though.I agree with you on the 7.1 amps they are sweet and i have never had them cut off even at full volume. Good Luck
Thomas