Lexicon MC-1, Classe SSP-50 or Krell HTS

If you are sold on one of these three processors because of the price, I would have to recommend them in this order: Krell, Classe, and Lexicon last. One other processor you might try, as it is used for around $2700 is the Bryston SP-1. Arguably one of the best for 2ch music. Good luck.

A couple of years ago, I was in the market for a processor under $10K. I considered the Theta Casablanca with superior cards option, Proceed PAV and surround piece (sorry I forgot the name of it), Proceed AVP, both Krell units, the Lexicon DC-1, EAD Signature, and the Classe' SSP-50. I spent months comparing the units' features and auditioning as many as I could. I was mostly interested in sound quality; I wanted a zero compromise "audiophile"-grade 2-channel pre with the ability to produce top notch DD and DTS performance. In the end, I chose the SSP-50. The only thing that seemed to come close was the EAD Signature (followed by the SSP-25 which I auditioned after my selection) but at that time, the EAD had some glitches. Surround performance was similar among the processors, however the Classe' stood out as the best 2-ch pre I've ever heard -IMHO.

There are some drawbacks with the '50; while it has top-notch audio performance, its video performance is by far the worst! I have a 10yr old Pioneer receiver with much better video performance! Luckily, my Sony XBR TV has enough inputs to accommodate my video sources - otherwise I would rate the Classe's video performance as unacceptable.
(Video sources should be plugged directly into the TV or monitor for best performance, anyway)

If audio performance is all you're looking for, by all means, give the SSP50 an audition (if possible). If you plan on using the pre as a video switcher, it may be wise to make another selection.

At only $2K!?!?!?!?!?!!!!, you can't go wrong with any of your $6500 MSRP choices!
Good luck.

Thanks Argonaut,
Actually I can get the SSP-50 for 1850, and I also have a Sony XBR 36". So I will plug my video sources directly into my TV. I have a few other options, that I have also been looking at but, can't quite get that good of a price on these units, B&K ref 30 for 1795, Integra Research RD-7 for 2200, Proceed AVP for 2300, Proceed PAVw/DAP for 3250, Bryston SP-1 for 2500, Classe SSP-50 for 1850, Krell HTS fro 2225, Lexicon MC-1 2000, and finally the Parasound 2500u for 1950. These were the ones that I looked at and narrowed it down to the Classe, Lexicon, and Krell. I have recently found alot of info saying the Lexicon is a great HT performer but doesn't do well with 2 channel audio. So now my top choices are Classe, Krell, and the B&K ref 30 or the Integra research.

If you find a Krell HTS for ~$2K, I would ask what is wrong with it... the cheapest I have seen this processor for is $3K on the used market... I just bought one new for $4K.

The Krell is a fantastic HT processor but its 2 channel doesn't match its HT performance. I use mine strictly for HT and pass its front channel outputs to an input on my preamp.

If warranty is important to you, if I remember correctly the warranty will be void on Krell if you buy it 2nd hand.

You might also consider the Myryad MDP500. Stereophile gave it an A rating, but I haven't heard it personally.