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Lexicon MC-1 vs. high-end DAC

I currently have a transport feeding a Lexicon MC-1, use the MC-1's DACs to feed Krell amplification and then Dynaudio Contour 3.0 speakers. I'm curious how big a difference I will get out of adding an analog path for music playback - the MC-1 converts everything to digital and back again - and how high-end a DAC compared to the MC-1. I listen mainly to rock, pop and jazz. I've made changes to the system in the past that have been everywhere from jaw-dropping to un-noticeable, and I'm wondering where on that scale this type of change would get me.
kthomas
4 responses Add your response
beemer
444 posts
 
I have the Lex DC-1. I love it for HT use. I HAD to build a second two-channel system. I wish the Lex had an analog pass-through. Paul
alfonso
24 posts
 
there is a thread from 5-31 title lexicon dc-1 or theta casanova you should read.
jkphoto
167 posts
 
I agree with Mjaudio completely. The MC-1 is hands down the best unit for Home Theater (at any price IMHO). As a stereo pre-amp it is "Mid-Fi" compared to what a separate DAC/Pre will do for you. With the right DAC/Pre, change in sound should be closer to the "jaw dropping" end of the scale.
mjaudio
58 posts
 
While the MC-1 is awesome in home theater it is poor as a stereo pre-amp. I was really hoping Lexicon would improve stereo performance with the MC-1. You would be better off using an outboard DAC and pre-amp for stereo performance. I am using a Proceed AVP which uses the same dacs for the front L/R as the Mark Levinson dac. I had both the AVP and the MC-1 for a couple of months and the AVP blew it away in stereo. The MC-1 I still prefered for Home Theater though.
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