twistedcrankcammer Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 It has been a few years since I followed real heavily on gear. I am getting ready to purchase a new 7 channel surround sound processor. I want to know who makes the best processor out there that is also exceptional and stands out in two channel as well as 7 channel stereo. I am already very happy with my amplification that I have, so I am looking for a processor. I don't want to spend more than about $3,000 on a processor. So far I have been looking at Krell and some Lexicon, and really like what I see in the Lexicons. Any input in sound quality between the two?? Any recomendations for other contenders in this price range?? Sorry if this double posts.... Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadDad Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm a little biased in my thinking but try looking at a used Meridian568.2 Save some coin and still have a great surround processor. I havean older 561 and it havs served me well for over 10 years. Meridian'sgear is very pricey when bought new sometimes upwards of 20K for someof the new units but they're not that much of an improvement for theprice. The 568.2 still has DTS, 7.1 runs at 96khz..... champangetaste at a beer budget. BadDad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 INTEGRA DTC-9.8 http://www.hometheatermag.com/preampprocessors/508integra/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhenry Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 What kind of amp(s) do you have? I'm not sure if it helps to match brands, but it probably doesn't hurt. On the other hand, I can make a strong reccomendation for B&K. I would say it would rank up there as some of the best equipment available at any price. It's not cheap but it's also not overly expensive. I've heard $60,000 McIntosh systems that my system would embarass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twistedcrankcammer Posted August 31, 2008 Author Share Posted August 31, 2008 What kind of amp(s) do you have? I'm not sure if it helps to match brands, but it probably doesn't hurt. On the other hand, I can make a strong reccomendation for B&K. I would say it would rank up there as some of the best equipment available at any price. It's not cheap but it's also not overly expensive. I've heard $60,000 McIntosh systems that my system would embarass. I have four old Nakamichi PA-7s in very good condition presently. I have always been happy with the PA-7s, but after I buy a processor, I may buy a used 2 channel Krell amp with 200 watts per channel, to compare the two. I am a big believer in multiple amps over multi-channel amplification. Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfogg Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Lexicon, their processing does things for 7 channel systems that nobody else does. Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jheis Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Don't know if it is the "best," but B&K just released their new Reference 70. I'll second bhenry's B&K recommendation & concur on using multiple amps. I running a B&K Ref 50 with four B&K ST-125.2 amps in my main system of LaScalas, Cornwalls, & Heresys. Sounds good to me! James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Another fine processor in the Integra price range is the NAD T-175. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twistedcrankcammer Posted September 1, 2008 Author Share Posted September 1, 2008 Perhaps I should clarrify what I am looking at, and I want to compare too. I want something used, that is just a few years old or less, that I can get for arroud $3,000 used because somebody is loosing their butt in this economy. I will paste a picture of the same model Lexicon I was looking at, with a MSRP of $13,995. One just sold on ebay slightly used from a 100% feedback seller for $3,065!! As soon as you buy a processor, it will become old techknowlogy as fast as a computer. I hated the sound of the "Pushy Button" Kenwoods of the day. I don't need, or want 1000 hookups I will never use like on that Integra unit. NAD is good gear, but I want no compromise great gear with build quality that is on another plane. I am looking into the used Meridian gear as suggested. I would much rather have the best guts then the most functions. The Nakamichi PA-7s were over $2,000 each back in 1989. A used Krell amp that can be had for arround $2700 used is a $10,000 amp new. Below is the processor I am considdering, and would like input on comparable models I should look for in this price range on the used market. Thanks for being patient and helpful...... Roger Site Map Categories Motors Express Stores Advanced Search Buy Sell My eBay Community Help ##1## ##2## Back to list of items Listed in category: Electronics > Home Audio > Processors Lexicon MC-12HDB EQ Surround Processor Item number: 220274764051 You are signed in Watch this item in My eBay This item has been added to My eBay for Guests. As a guest, you can: Track up to 10 items on this computer in My eBayReceive an email reminder for this item a few hours before it ends 1 of 9 Supersize Current bid: US $4,037.00 Reserve not met Your maximum bid: US $ Place Bid > (Enter US $4,087.00 or more) price: US $6,999.99 Buy It Now > End time: Sep-02-08 22:00:00 PDT (1 day 12 hours) Shipping costs: Free UPS Ground Service to United States Ships to: United States Item location: Mount Joy, PA, United States History: 12 bids High bidder: l***l( 144) You can also: Bid with Bid Assistant Get SMS or IM alerts | Email to a friend Listing and payment details: HideShow Starting time: Aug-28-08 22:00:00 PDT Starting bid: US $100.00 Duration: 5-day listing Payment methods: PayPal See details Meet the seller Seller: vooght( 58) Feedback: 100 % Positive Member: since Mar-05-01 in United States See detailed feedback Ask seller a question Add to Favorite Sellers View seller's other items Contact the seller instantly Buy safely 1. Check the seller's reputation Score: 58 | 100% Positive See detailed feedback 2. Check how you're protected Up to $200 in buyer protection. See eligibility Description Item Specifics - Item Condition Condition: New Product Type : Processors Number of Channels : 7.1 WE ARE VOOGHT AUDIOVIDEO A CUSTOM HOME THEATER AND SURROUND SOUND SALES AND INSTALLATION DEALER IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. WE PURCHASED THIS UNIT IN HOPE OF SELLING THE LEXICON LINE. HOWEVER, WE HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT THERE IS NOT MUCH OF A MARKET IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA FOR THIS CALIBER OF COMPONENTS. THEREFORE, WE ARE SELLING THIS UNIT OFF. THIS UNIT IS BRAND NEW AND COMES WITH A 3 YEAR MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. THIS PROCESSOR IS LEXICON'S TOP OF THE LINE RETAILING FOR $13,999.99. OUR RESERVE IS MUCH LOWER THAN THAT OF COURSE. ANYBODY INTERESTED IN THIS PROCESSOR KNOWS WHAT IT IS. THESE ARE THE ACTUAL PHOTOS OF THE UNIT FOR SALE. IT COMES WITH ALL THE PIECES SHOWN IN THE PICTURES INCLUDING BOXES, ALL MANUALS, REMOTE CONTROL, POWER CORD, AND BATTERIES. THE UNIT HAS NOT BEEN USED, THEREFORE, DOES NOT HAVE THE V1.21 UPGRADE FROM LEXICON. THIS UPGRADE OFFERS HDMI VERSION 1.3 SWITCHING AND 1080p VIDEO THROUGH THE HDMI INPUTS AND OUTPUTS. THIS UPGRADE IS AVAILABLE FREE THROUGH LEXICON'S WEBSITE. THE WINNING BIDDER CAN DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE THEMSELVES, OR IF THEY REQUEST, WE CAN DOWNLOAD AND UPGRADE THE UNIT FOR YOU PRIOR TO SHIPMENT FREE OF CHARGE SO THE UNIT WILL BE UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST VERSION FROM LEXICON. PAYMENT VIA PAY PAL ONLY. NO INTERNATIONAL SALES OR SHIPPING. SHIPPING WILL BE FREE IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. VIA UPS GROUND, OR IF YOU WISH, ITEM CAN BE PICKED UP AT OUR LOCATION. HOWEVER, ITEM MUST BE PAID IN FULL VIA PAY PAL AND FUNDS CLEARED. (USUALLY TAKES A FEW DAYS) PLEASE NOTE: MICROPHONE KIT IS SOLD SEPARATELY. IF YOU WISH TO PURCHASE IT, LET US KNOW AND WE CAN GIVE YOU PRICING AND AVAILABILITY. ANY QUESTIONS YOU CAN CONTACT US THROUGH EBAY'S EMAIL, OR CALL US DIRECTLY AT: (800) 545-7160 OR LOOK FOR US ON THE WEB AT vooghtav (you know the rest) AND CONTACT US THROUGH THAT AS WELL. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BIDDING!!! Select a picture Larger Picture 00186 Shipping and handling Ships to United States Country: Show all available Shipping and Handling To Service Insurance Free United States UPS Ground 1 to 6 business days* Loss/Damage protection included up to $100 Country: Show all availableUnited States Shipping and Handling To Service Insurance FREE United States UPS Ground 1 to 6 business days* Loss/Damage protection included up to $100 *Sellers are not responsible for service transit time. This information is provided by the carrier and excludes weekends and holidays. Note that transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods. Return policy Return policy not specified. Read item description for any reference to return policy. Payment details Payment method Preferred/Accepted Buyer protection on eBay Accepted Up to $200 in buyer protection. See eligibility Learn about payment methods Help Take action on this item Item title: Lexicon MC-12HDB EQ Surround Processor Place a bid Current bid: US $4,037.00 Your maximum bid: US $ (Enter US $4,087.00 or more) Place Bid > You will confirm in the next step. Buy It Now price: US $6,999.99 Buy It Now > You will confirm in the next step. eBay automatically bids on your behalf up to your maximum bid. Learn about bidding. Purchase this item now without bidding. Learn about Buy It Now. 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sfogg Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Roger, Are you sure it was a MC-12HD that sold for $3k and not a MC-12? Ifyou can get a MC-12HD used for $3k BUY IT! Last I looked that is aboutwhat a MC-12 (v5 software) sold for. The difference between a MC-12 andMC-12HD is the MC-12HD has the 6 HDMI inputs on it, the MC-12 does nothave those. The MC-12 is what I was thinking of foryour budget of $3k. With v5 software it has processing for 7 channelsystems that no one else has.Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twistedcrankcammer Posted September 1, 2008 Author Share Posted September 1, 2008 Roger, Are you sure it was a MC-12HD that sold for $3k and not a MC-12? If you can get a MC-12HD used for $3k BUY IT! Last I looked that is about what a MC-12 (v5 software) sold for. The difference between a MC-12 and MC-12HD is the MC-12HD has the 6 HDMI inputs on it, the MC-12 does not have those. The MC-12 is what I was thinking of for your budget of $3k. With v5 software it has processing for 7 channel systems that no one else has.Shawn Shawn, It was an MC-12HD, I had a watch on it, but descided to put my question to the forum befor pulling the trigger, to see if there was something out there similar in this price range used that I should look at. It sold for $3,065. There is a MC-12 on now with an opening bid of $2000. Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougdrake Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Do you need it to handle the high-res surround formats (DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD), or are they not of interest, or perhaps your hi-def video source will decode and pass as PCM? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I had your same logic on the multi channel amplifiers since I ran 4 Yamaha MX-1000U's, then 2 DBX BX-3MkII's (2,3,4 channel configurable amps) and eventually 2 rare DBX Configurable BX-I's ($5000 each) but I found a 7 channel amp that had the same performance as all of the above in a single chassis. The Sherbourn 7/2100A which is a true 7 channel mono block amplifier rated at 200W x 7 @ 8ohms and 300W x 7 @ 4 ohms. I wanted something newer that was repairable since DBX consumer has been out of business since 1990 and there is no longer a Nakamichi Service Center either and parts are scarce so it may be time to move onto other amplification. I have been very, very pleased with the Sherbourn's performance and customer service is top notch I spoke with the owner of the company directly prior to my purchase and that is not common in this day and age. Great amplifier for the price and built like a tank at 120lbs with dual power cords so you don't need a 30A service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j-malotky Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 If you can get a Lexicon go for it. Lexicon makes the best processors hands down. JM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyKlipschFan Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I am pretty convinced this is the way to go.. With ARC too! http://statement.anthemav.com/HTML/Products/D2/D2.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 I am pretty convinced this is the way to go.. With ARC too! http://statement.anthemav.com/HTML/Products/D2/D2.html He'll be hard pressed to find one for 3K. I wouldn't sell mine for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEAR Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 The best is beyond the mortal's wallet,made by Mark Levinson. A multi box pre/pro (separate switching!). The best by human standards is the Lexicon pointed by a few,an all around outstaning performer from a huge name in HT...Lexicon. After you have Krell ,Anthem D2 and a few upscales units...but the Lexicon is worth each penny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 The best is beyond the mortal's wallet,made by Mark Levinson. A multi box pre/pro (separate switching!). The best by human standards is the Lexicon pointed by a few,an all around outstaning performer from a huge name in HT...Lexicon. After you have Krell ,Anthem D2 and a few upscales units...but the Lexicon is worth each penny. Maybe, if your only concern is audio. When you put video into the "picture" then the D2's stock goes way up. The Anthem's audio is no slouch however, especially with ARC. (Fanboy post). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfogg Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 "Maybe, if your only concern is audio. When you put video into the "picture" then the D2's stock goes way up." The D2s built in video processing is nice and a good option for those looking for an all in one setup. I took the seperates approach and use the Lexicon for audio processing and a Lumagen Radiance for the video processing. My UT integrates the two together to act as one and even puts the Lexicon's front panel display up on screen through the Radiance even though no video is passing through the Lexicon. Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 The D2s built in video processing is nice and a good option for those looking for an all in one setup. I took the seperates approach and use the Lexicon for audio processing and a Lumagen Radiance for the video processing. My UT integrates the two together to act as one and even puts the Lexicon's front panel display up on screen through the Radiance even though no video is passing through the Lexicon. Shawn Nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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