LEXICON MC-1 VERSUS MERIDIAN 861

A good friend of mine wrestled with the exact same question a few months ago. He decided on the Classe, primarily because it did 2 channel SO much better. His explanation of why contained a detailed description of how the Classe is the only one with direct 2 channel analog throughput. I belive this means the other do a A-D, then a D-A conversion whenever a signal is run through it. Apparently, this process was detrimental to the sound, but removed when using the 2 channel throughput option. Perhaps this sis something you could look into. I know there are many dealers who will let you try it at home if you have the inclination.

The Ovation is from EAD, Enlightened Audio eadcorp.com

Another possibility. I use a Krell KRC-3 preamp which has one input as a "pass-through." So for pure audio, I go source to Krell to amp. (And Krell makes wonderful preamps). I hook my Lexicon to the pass-through input so home theater goes from Lexicon to Krell pass-through to amp. DON'T use Lexicon for direct audio since, as mentioned by others, it does A-D then D-A and the signal suffers audibly, even to my less than golden ears.

is it over the top to get a separate pre-amp for the 2 channel audio and then get a separate digital processor when using home theatre. This way, you do not have to compromise on the audio side when purchasing the right pre-amp (for an audio research DC-300). Then, also, one can focus on the technology when looking into the processor.

I have to agree with Bulldogger the Cal ssp2500 is by far the best unit I have heard so far... run don't walk to audition. excellent for 2 channel and 5.1!! Miles