Integra vs. Lexicon MC-12

[Badlyva]

Hello, I'm hoping to find some good advice out there regarding switching from a Lexicon MC12 to an Integra product, most likely a 80.1 pre/pro, because my Lexicon lost a side channel and needs a new power supply, among other possible problems.

I'm running a Marantz dv7600 into the Lex with optical audio and component video, to a B&K av2600 for the surrounds and rears, B&K st3140 to the L R and C, and an RBH SA 400 to two subs. All speakers are Snell in-wall. I considered having the MC12 repaired, but can expect a cost of around 1200.00, which led me to shop-- especially since the older MC12's don't give me an easy runway to HD via HDMI. I have a Sharp XVZ12000 MkII projector which can do 720p or 1080i that I'm going to keep for now, but would like to bring up to its full detail by adding HDMI and a BDP.

Sound is very important to me, though I'm only using this setup for movies-- so 2CH performance doesn't mean much to me here. I have an opportunity to buy a B-Stock MC-12HD with full warranty for less than $6000.00, but I'd like to NOT spend that kind of money. Unless there's just nothing that comes close to touching it.

I'm worried I'll be disappointed with the sound from the Integra, but I'm intrigued by all of the positive reviews and chatter about the DHC 9.9. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with both products?

I've also run a Lexicon DC-2 processor in that setup and was very happy with it. Until it crapped out. I'd be happy if the Integra's sound was comparable to even the DC-2.

Any advice you have for me I'd greatly appreciate. Many thanks in advance.

 

[rmk]

Lexicon makes some nice processors. I had an RV8 v2 several years ago and the Logic7 was the best option at the time for surround effects.

I have had Integra (DTC 9.8) for the last couple of years and just upgraded to the DHC 80.1. In your situation, I would go for the Integra and upgrade your projector for the same $ as that MC-12HD. I am very happy with the sound of the Integra and with all the features and flexibility it is a truly great Home Theater processor.

 

[Josuah]

I picked up a Marantz AV8003. I'm very pleased with the sound quality. I do use the Audyssey processing, so I have my PS3 output PCM instead of bitstream.

 

[Badlyva]

Thanks for your input on this. I decided to go with the 80.1, and I'm adding an Oppo BDP83 and a new remote all for considerably less than the B-stock MC12-HD. Rmk, I'm going to run an hdmi cable back to my current projector and enjoy 720p for a while, as I quite like the Sharp and I'm confident the increase in definition will keep me pretty happy. Not to mention projectors seem to get better and cheaper every year by leaps and bounds, so putting that off a bit seems like an OK plan to me. Josuah, I've been happy with Marantz gear before, and the AV8003 was absolutely in the running. Thanks for the suggestion, and I'll bet it sounds excellent.

I'm excited to make the changes. I'll post my unscientific thoughts and impressions after I live with the gear for a while. Hoping to not look back on leaving Lexicon. Since I love to talk about this stuff-- any further thoughts on the Lex vs Integra question?

 

[Warpdrv]

I really enjoyed the Marantz upon audition, SQ was top notch - and I would have gone with it if I was running a 5.1 setup... but I was planning on a 7.1 setup and from what I understand, If you are setting up your system and running audyssey, the 8003 doesn't have the processing power to keep Audyssey enabled when wanting to engage PLX+2 for a 7.1 scenario... At any point you want to add processing to allow 7.1 - Audyssey (room correction) will be dis-engaged at that point... that was not acceptable for me if I wanted to run a full 7.1 scenario...


5.1 - no problem ------ but 7.1 puts the 8003 out of the picture in that case IMO.

Badlyva, keep us posted on your fact finding of the 80.1..... looking forward to it...

Warp

 

[Badlyva]

My wife-- bless her-- is skeptical anything can sound better than the Lexicon. She'll be a tough critic, and I've missed my opportunity for the cheap Lex. The stakes are higher now. Switcheroo happens this Thursday.

 

[MidnightSensi]

Lexicons are nice, but you feel so guilty after dropping five figures on a processor that you might as well go Integra. This is a fun hobby, but I prefer it to be fairly cheap, so you can enjoy it rather than worry about how much you ended up dropping on it.

 

[Badlyva]

Lexicons are nice, but you feel so guilty after dropping five figures on a processor that you might as well go Integra. This is a fun hobby, but I prefer it to be fairly cheap, so you can enjoy it rather than worry about how much you ended up dropping on it.

Yeah. It was tough, because the offer from Lexicon was pretty generous but really-- taking a chance on what seems to be a very well regarded processor, adding a BDP, 10M HDMI cable, and a new power conditioner to boot (replacing/upgrading an out of warranty Monster HT2500ii) seemed pretty clearly the way to go. For less than the Lex. I also have a feeling that the MC12-HD's will be heavily discounted soon enough if I want to retreat.

 

[Badlyva]

Early impressions

Now I know why people spend the big bucks on Lexicon. Bringing cost into the equation, is it 5 times better than the 80.1? No way. Twice as good? No. Clearly better? I think so, but we're talking an 8-8.5 out of 10 to the Lex's 9. But B's are somehow vastly different than A's, aren't they?

So far I think the Integra has an excellent product in the 80.1, and I dare say I'm not going to look back too longingly at the Lexicon. But I was surprised to find just how refined, defined, rich, natural, and believable the sound from the Lex was. I think it's more than just the machine itself as well-- their Logic 7 listening mode was fantastic, and I wish it was available for non Harman processors.

So this came as somewhat a pleasant surprise, as I've always truly liked the Lex, and don't mind singing its praises even after its demise.

Now for the 80.1. First impressions, and part of why I think this comparison is going to develop over some time, is that the 80.1 is simply a different processor. And I like it. It's funny, I think I can tweak my way into a sound that rivals the Lex very closely, but I found I could dial in some speaker distances, set the MC12 on Logic7 and forget it, and I feel I'm going to have to fiddle with listening modes and Audyssey calibrations (on my third) a bit more with the Integra. I can say that BD audio performance from the BDP83 and through the 80.1, pure or processed, is a joy to hear, and brings a dimension, more direction, and shiny crispness to surround effects that I'm afraid I'll come to like better than the Lex, but the lex never did (and never will be able to lacking hdmi1.3) have the chance to play that source.

Speaking of sources, I'm amazed to see just how competent my old Marantz DV7600 was, in sound and picture. I thought BDs would fairly handily dispatch their DVD counterpart films, but in comparing a couple of pixar films between the formats I found the Marantz to be a very close second. I know my projector limits me to 720p, and 1080p would smack down DVD's nicely, but I was still surprised-- as the higher definition is clearly, well, higher definition-- at how well the Marantz presented the absolute best its format had to offer.

More later!

 

[Badlyva]

Good gracious, get the Audyssey Pro calibration. The MC-12 never sounded like this.

 

[Badlyva]

I realize it's not a fair fight as I never did a serious calibration with the Lex, but.... These are some sonically stunning results.

 

[Warpdrv]

Its amazing what a good quality room correction can do these days, it begins to really level the playing field. Before I got the Anthem D2v, any receiver I used as a preamp just made nothing but a mess in my difficult room. ARC drastically changed that for me, and is a pretty powerful processor for both video and great DACs for audio... Its quite a bit more expensive, do I recommend it to others - yes, but the Integra's certainly provide darn good bang for the buck thats for certain. Glad your enjoying the upgrade.

If your looking for 2 channel improvement, I have seen lots of folks pick up some external DACs to add into the mix...
I have experience first hand the results from adding a good external DAC.

 

[Badlyva]

Its amazing what a good quality room correction can do these days, it begins to really level the playing field. Before I got the Anthem D2v, any receiver I used as a preamp just made nothing but a mess in my difficult room. ARC drastically changed that for me, and is a pretty powerful processor for both video and great DACs for audio... Its quite a bit more expensive, do I recommend it to others - yes, but the Integra's certainly provide darn good bang for the buck thats for certain. Glad your enjoying the upgrade.

If your looking for 2 channel improvement, I have seen lots of folks pick up some external DACs to add into the mix...
I have experience first hand the results from adding a good external DAC.

I had no idea. I very carefully did the out-of-the-box 8 point calibration with the included mic and was very happy-- so much so that I figured I'd go the extra mile and spring for a 'pro' calibration. I was floored. The soundstage, impact, etc in films was pretty much twice as good IMO. It was like a new preamp.

I started to look at the D2v's but figured I'd play in the price minor leagues for a while. I'm extremely happy I chose the Integra route so far, but hear nothing but good stuff about the Anthem and it's on my short list of next stops. Our little recession has immunized me a little bit from upgrade-itis, but the more I live with this room the more I appreciate an excellent HT experience-- and the deeper I want to go.

Back out of the clouds, that integra really does put some spring in my system's step. Kudos in particular to its bass management results: I can crack the slab in there and not have to fumble for the remote. Smooth, big, and utterly under control.

Are you an installer, enthusiast, or both?

 

[solly_46]

Integra 80.2

I also owned the Lexicon MC12 and know own the Integra 80.2. I don't feel the Integra is in the same league as the Lexicon, but for the money can't beat it.

My question to you is, have you tested your Oppo 83
using bitstream versus PCM? if so would did you perfer.

I own a PS3 and am waiting for the Oppo 93 to come out.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think you will love the sound of the Integra.

You will not notice any difference in sound quality especially in Direct or Pure Direct mode.