Which Pre/Pro to buy? - Page 3

Dave Milne · 04-26-2003, 09:14 AM

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I'm surprised the Bryston SP1.7 hasn't been brought up.

I did, John.

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You might look at the Bryston SP-1.7. Very impressive sound for 2-ch and movies. I would have gone this way if I hadn't stumbled into a great deal on the MC-12 (Don't ask... dealer is out of business). The Bryston doesn't have video switching, but this was not a problem for me. My video scaler has plenty of inputs. High-end TVs probably have the same...

Ted Pugh · 05-05-2003, 06:50 AM

Has anyone heard how the capacitor issue is going with parasound sending out new units to replace the one they were having trouble with. This sound like a proactive company willing to take care of there customers. I am in the process of buying my pre/pro to replace my Denon 4802 (which sounds pretty amazing with my B&K Ref. 200.5 amp) and was really leaning towards the Ref. 50 but they are having issues with customers complaining about the whine, buzz or popping issue and B&K says this is normal. So Parasound seems to be a company that wants to take care of its end users. Am I right about this? If so the C2 just went to the top of my list again.

Ted

Rob Tomlin · 05-05-2003, 10:02 AM

From what I understand, any Halo's that go out after May 1 will not have the capacitor problem. Anyone who obtained a unit before that date can have it replaced free by Parasound, even if they are not having problems with it.

Parasound definitely seems to be stepping up to the plate here.

I will be purchasing the C2!

Terry St · 05-05-2003, 02:42 PM

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But I wasn't offering a feature comparison. I was talking about flexibility and configurability. Undoubtedly there are other processors that are the MC-8's equal in that area (and the AVM20 may well be one of them). But it's hard to imagine one that's more so, what with the MC-8's 13 video inputs, 8 digital inputs, one or two 6-channel analog inputs (at the user's option), the ability to assign any of these in any combination to any one of 8 devices, plus a second zone, and the inclusion of every major home audio format currently available, plus Lexicon's proprietary formats.

For comparison, the AVM20 has 16 video inputs (7 S-Video, 7 Composite, 2 Component), 11 digital inputs (7 Coax S/Pdif, 3 Toslink, 1 AES/EBU), 1 6-channel analogue input (no option for two), ditto for the assignability of inputs and support for 9 sources. (each of which can be renamed, so, for example, you're not stuck with selecting Tape for your vintage 8-track!) Three zones. The upgraded unit has support for all the latest 7-channel formats, DPL2, legacy DPL1 mode, a couple of custom anthem proprietary formats, but obviously none of Lexicon's proprietary formats. (e.g. Logic7) In addition, it has balanced 2-channel inputs, in case you have a high end stereo transport, and balanced outputs, including outputs for a second center channel and a second sub. (These are nice if you have long interconnects.) I believe the MC-8 has balanced outputs as an option. If you compare the balanced MC-8 to the AVM20, and just do a raw plug count, the MC-8 has 76 plugs (including 10 balanced outs) versus the AMV20 that has 105 plugs (10 balanced outs, 3 balanced ins)

In any case, I'm not trying to compare all the features of these two processors. They both do so much that very few people are likely to use all of their functionality. However, the AVM20 appears to be targetted a bit above the MC-8, at least in terms of connectability.

One AVM20 feature that I do use, and didn't see in the MC-8 manual, is the acadamy mono mode. I watch a lot of really old movies, many of which were dumped to DVD without correcting the acadamy mono curve of their theatrical release. If you know what I'm talking about, you'll know that these soundtracks were made to play on very different equipment, and do not sound as intended when played without correction on modern gear. (High frequencies in these tracks are greatly emphasized, making them sound very shrill and harsh.) This mode tames such tracks. The difference is anything but subtle. Of course, you wouldn't want to use this mode on a track that has been corrected, and most are these days. It is really legacy support for the old and obscure titles. Still, if you have a lot of older releases of obscure and old films in your collection, this may be a handy feature. I'm sure the Lexicon has plenty of features the AVM20 doesn't. If you don't actually demo both, you should at least download both unit's manuals and see which has more features you think you would use.

Michael Reuben · 05-05-2003, 02:51 PM

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One AVM20 feature that I do use, and didn't see in the MC-8 manual, is the acadamy mono mode.

Lexicon's Mono Logic mode has an academy filter setting that can be switched on or off. Mono Logic has had that setting for many years, but the MC-12 was the first unit to make Mono Logic directly available for DD sources. (Earlier versions would only work with PCM or analog sources; I ran a separate connection from my DVD player's analog outputs just to have the mode for older films.)

M.

Ted Pugh · 05-05-2003, 03:29 PM

Has anyone listened or demoed the Classe SSP60. I have started hearing alot of good things concerning this unit. The only problem there are very few dealers. I have had a few who have told me that this product beats the Lexicon MC8 hands down. What does everyone think? I am trying to demo this unit this week.

Ted

Michael Reuben · 05-05-2003, 03:59 PM

Looks like a nice unit. Let us know how the demo goes!

At this level of component, I've never understood how people can say that one beats another "hands down". But as always, it depends on the features one cares about. For my purposes, any unit that doesn't have Logic7 in its full, current implementation is fatally lacking, no matter what its other virtues may be.

M.

Ted Pugh · 05-05-2003, 05:27 PM

Michael,

Do you by chance own the Lexicon MC8 or any brand of Lexicon? I am seriously considering the MC8 eventhough it is a little more than I would like to spend. I am putting one through its paces on Wednesday. I would love to buy this unit and not have to worry about my pre/pro for may years to come. What do you think?

Ted

Terry St · 05-05-2003, 06:45 PM

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Lexicon's Mono Logic mode has an academy filter setting that can be switched on or off. Mono Logic has had that setting for many years, but the MC-12 was the first unit to make Mono Logic directly available for DD sources. (Earlier versions would only work with PCM or analog sources; I ran a separate connection from my DVD player's analog outputs just to have the mode for older films.)

Yep. I noticed that in a subsection after I wrote my previous message. The Lexicon does indeed have an acadamy mono filter. It's just a bit deeper into the sub-menu's so it was harder to find.

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At this level of component, I've never understood how people can say that one beats another "hands down". But as always, it depends on the features one cares about. For my purposes, any unit that doesn't have Logic7 in its full, current implementation is fatally lacking, no matter what its other virtues may be.

This is the right attitude to take. For some, Logic7 is a major factor. I've tried it, and while it certainly did some impressive things, I'm a bit of an origional theatrical presentation nut, so I usually listen to mono and stereo signals in mono and stereo.

Michael Reuben · 05-05-2003, 06:55 PM

Ted --

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Do you by chance own the Lexicon MC8 or any brand of Lexicon?

Yes, I do own an MC-8, and I've commented on its virtues in several messages earlier in this thread.

M.

Ted Pugh · 05-05-2003, 11:27 PM

Michael,

What speakers, amp are you running with your MC8. I currently own Def. Tech BP2002TL's for fronts, CLR 2500 Center and the BPVX for rear surrounds. Is the Lexicon MC8 overkill with these speakers or will it dramatically improve my sound. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ted