Lexicon MC-1/EAD TM 8 Signature/Anthem AVM20?


I can't decide between these three. I listen to music about 50% of the time so a good 2-channel performance is very important to me.
All three cost about the same now (MC-1 and TM8 used). I know Lexicon is the biggest name here but I am a little worried about it's age and future support.
Would love THX EX and DTS ES but this is not a deal breaker.
I currently have a pair of Krell-250As, McIntosh MAC-3 and Sonus Faber speakers.
Please help!
blazebybf05
The MC1 has no inputs for SACD or DVDA and some feel music is not its strong point. EAD Ive heard god things about but have not studied the machine. The Anthem is worth a listen, but I strongly recommend The Integra Research RDC-7 . Awsome sound on both music and HT. and it has everything. Unless your speakers are not full range, go with the Integra.
Onkyo makes the Integra line.

If music is important to you I would not go with the MC-1. I have had the Lexicon MC-1, Meridian 561 and the Proceed AVP. The most musical of the 3 was the Proceed AVP but the Meridian was a close second. The meridian is an excellant all around performer though and really has some great movie and music software. For me it is a toss up between the 561 and AVP but you can't go wrong with either.

The Lexicon MC-1 is very grainy when listening to music but is great with home theater. The biggest fault however with the MC-1 is upgradability which is why they came out with the MC-12.

Good Luck
If I had to chose between the 3 you are considering, sonically, I'd take the EAD ever time!..for movies or music!
Others to consider, from my vast experience around all this stuff, would be Classe, Proceed, Krell, Aragon, etc! The unit's you just mentioned, especially for music, are not that special sonically really! Infact, for music, I would do the likes of a Classe SSP25/30 or higher, or a Proceed, PAV, Krell, or Aragon every time over any of what you mentioned sonically! Iv'e expience with all fo what you mentioned, and find these others supperior...agian, especially if you value music reproduction. Stil, digitally, these others are still better also. I doubt you'll get any better sonics for a pre/pro than something like the Proceed , Aragon's, or Classe's. Yes, the Krell is world class, but is expensive for the latest one with "dirrect analog inputs"!
Anyway, good luck
Thanks to all who responded - I really appreciate the inputs.

The MC-1 comments mirror what I have heard at demos but needed confirmation.

Now I am intrigued by the Integra RDC-7 and the Classe also.

Is it true I cannot use my sub with the Integra in analog by-pass mode?

Anymore recommendations still appreciated.

Thanks.