2. home-theater
  3. 1011040749

New Bryston or Used Lexicon?

I have a chance to purchase a used Lexicon MC-1 (with the upgrade) from my local dealer. He wants $3500 (I have not made a counter offer) for the Lexicon. However for that kind of cash I could buy a new Bryston SP-1 unit and that makes things a bit more interesting. Like everyone else I must be frugal in these matters out of necessity. I use a Anthem MCA-5 amp and DefTech speakers all around along with two DefTech subwoofers.

This will be an upgrade from a Denon 3300 and the MCA-5 amp.

Any comments are welcome.
klhender
jorligan
2 posts
 
Other unit to consider would be a new Krell HTS ($3700 on closeout), a used Classe ssp-75 (around 3300 on EBAY), or the Anthem AV 20 (email me, I have a potential for $2200). The MC-1 is very good on surround but no so hot on stereo. I upgraded to a Krell HTS for the new dedicated theater and left the Lexicon in the other room.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
As you may be aware, Bryston builds the Lexicon pre/pro, so in a sense, it's all in the family. I own the SP-1, and give it a solid recommendation. The primary issue for you to consider is whether you are primarily interested in audio or HT. If your objective is to get a high-end audio preamp that also does an excellent job with HT, then I'd suggest the SP-1. On the other hand, if you are mainly looking for a HT surround processor that offers video switching capability (which the SP-1 does not), then you will probably want the Lexicon.

Bryston's objective in building the SP-1 was to meet the needs of audiophiles who also want to enjoy high quality HT sound. From my own experience, I'd say they met their goal and then some. Further, Bryston will make upgrades for the SP-1 as digital audio and HT formats change. Sometime early this year, Bryston is supposed to be offering a modification to the SP-1 that will add either DVD-A or SACD inputs.

Bryston's Web site has a good discussion of the design objectives of the SP-1 which I suggest you read. Here's the link: http://www.bryston.ca/sp1memo.html

If you'd like more specific input about the SP-1, please feel free to send me a personal E-mail. In addition, if you decide to buy the SP-1, I can provide you with the name and E-mail address for a dealer that discounts Bryston.

Best regards,

Scott
tomcat55
8 posts
 
I think some people got the info incorrect. Lexicon builds Bryston's pre/pros and Bryston build Lexicon's NT and newer amplifiers. With regard to stereo performance in stereo mode, the Lexicon may have the disdvange as already stated, however the Home Theater performance, flexibility, ergonomics, etc of the MC-1 is arguably the best complete processor under $3500.
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