Lexicon MC-12, Anthem AVM-20, B &K Ref 30?

There's probably a difference between "real" and "real world". There are many sonic differences that are "real" to almost anybody who sits and listens for a moment, but far fewer are "real world", meaning that it would be worth the $$$ to have that difference in their own system. So, yes, there are differences between those units and several others mentioned that are "real", but may not be justified in terms of cost for the non-audiophile or casual user.

The MC-12 is considerably higher priced than the others you mention. It's a fabulous piece of gear, IMO. It's absolutely killer on HT, with the Logic-7 decoding being the best on the market, both in my opinion and in many others'. For two-channel sound it's a big step up from the MC-1 though, again, I'm not sure that the differences you hear would be worth the money to a non-audiophile.

While many focus on just the sonic qualities (which are clearly most important), there are other factors that make the Lexicon a great buy. Lexicon products have always been very user friendly, while still being very tweaky if you decide you want to get more adventurous. Lexicon has always had a great trade-in program, which is the only form of true infinite upgrade-ability. The MC-12 is a brand new architecture, and has a load of capability yet to be incorporated, but very possible given the architecture.

I get a bit tired of all the opinions saying brand X is crap, you should buy brand Y. I love Krell gear, but to come away with the notion that Krell outperforms the MC-12 (or even the MC-1) on HT surround would just be unfortunate - review after review speaks of how the Lexicon product line (Logic 7) is the best decoding algorithm on the market. That the Krell outperforms the Lex in 2-channel mode is possible, given any given person's preferences, but to deduce that the Lex is an underperfomer in this area would be wrong. If you're interested in multi-channel synthesis from two-channel sources (many people are) there's no better than the MC-12 (with Meridian being the only real competition). If you like any of the other models (and there are many, many reasons to like the other models mentioned) more than the MC-12, great, but the MC-12 is a tremendous product.

Finally, The Perfect Vision has a review of the MC-12 by Anthony Cordesman in this month's issue. It would be worth getting a copy if you get serious about buying one. -Kirk

Wow, maybe this will stir up even more controversy. I've heard the latest Lexicon & Proceed. I have friends who own both of those & the latest Theta Casablanca (with the best DACS).
I'd try to demo any of the processors you mention, in YOUR system. I'm partial to the REF 30. I own a B & K AVP 3090 right now. You've already got a great amp - the Dreadnaught! Over time you'll notice owners of high dollar pieces on this site singing the praises of what they own.
Of course they will, that's human nature!
The REF 30 is so (relatively)inexpensive, you can get one for around the cost of an "Exteme" dac upgrade on the Theta. No matter how many manufacturers talk about the "permanent" upgradeability of their processors, Lexicon & Proceed have abandoned at least their first platforms.
B&K will come out with a new model every few years & make it software upgradeable for some time after it is superseded by a new model. I believe this is a rational & logical practice.
Richard Hardesty used to write for Widescreen Review. He recently left & now has his own website, (does anybody have the address? I misplaced it). He really took Lexicon to task for using cheap parts in their latest flagship processor...

This is the most dogmatic thread I've seen in a while. :)

I've never read any positive reviews on the sonics of the B&K Ref 30. Only negative. Check out The Perfect Vision's review on the Ref 30 about 6 months ago. They had good things to say about the Ref 30's features, but negative things to say about it's sonic capabilities. It is well known(I think) that B&K is pretty much good to excellent middle- of-the-road stuff, like a slew of other mfg's, but that's about it.

As for the other pre/pros?

If accuracy, detail, and musicality, or whatever are your top priorities, then strive to put those mfg's who focus on those same priorities at the top of your list. And work down from there.

McCormack has a new pre/pro that may be worth adding to your list of pre/pros to audition as they tout a music first approach with this unit in their ads.

-IMO.

I know I'm right about this otherwise I'd change my opinion.

I like my Ref 30. Now own 3 B&K pre.amps. Direct Bypass is the big deal for me. Volume knob and that is it. As far as movies and surround music is concerned,sounds just fine to me. If I were to change out the Ref 30 it would be for a EAD Ovation.
Tim

Front end electronics, that includes: media players, media recorders and A/V processors, is in a state of flux due to the plethora of competing recording standards used to produce digital based media. This situation is evidenced by the onslaught of upgrades that follow a year after a new product release.

As time progresses its is going to get more confusing as the media formats that creep into our libraries become more diverse. So for now, my advice is: spend more on the loudspeakers, where you can hear the most difference for the dollar spent and where planned obsolesce is not built into the design.

Plan to replace front end equipment every five years. Do not kill your pocketbook on tomorrows junk. In this setting, even the Anthem AVM-20 (my choice) may be overkill.

Divide the cost of the front end equipment by 60 (its useful life in months). When this amount exceeds that spent monthly for media, cable connection, Internet access and live entertainment, then ask yourself, is it worth it, just to get the latest, cleanest wiz in surround sound.

Some of this front end stuff is going for more than the total electronics cost of a small but fully equipped recording studio or about $300-400/mo. For me, that is the amortized cost of my entire entertainment system. So I will not be going there.