Snofun3 -
The beauty of music is we all hear different things, and so much sounds better to one than another.
While the Classe, Anthem and Sunfire do represent fine values, the Theta, Meridian, Proceed smoke them in both surround processing and 2 channel. In fact, though Proceed is out of business, with the price of the AVP-S on the preowned market sitting at about $750 to $900, I challenge anyone to find a better 2 channel surround processor for anywhere close to the price of the Proceed.
The California Audio Labs SSP-2500 probably gives the AVP the best competition, but again, another OOB company. The Meridian probably comes the closest in performance and price, with the Theta following. Classe would be next, with the Sunfire/Anthem, IMO, above the Yamaha/Denon line, but just MARGINALLY above the likes of Rotel.
While many folks bash the Lexicon gear for the lack of musicality, I personally disagree. It is the the processor, as it relates to the rest of the gear. I have run Levinson 33's through an MC-12B to a pair of Cello Grand Masters with phenomenal results for 2 channel. Did it compare to my Levinson 32 or Levinson 40, not really, but it was damned good.
Folks need to try the Lexicon processor a bit more instead of listening and reading about those that do not feel they are 2 channel worthy.
I currently run the JBL SDP-40 (aka, Lexicon MC-12B) with Conrad Johnson Premier 8A's to a pair of JBL K2S9800SE with an Esoteric DV-50S. The results are fabulous.
Samuelvelma - My vote would be with the Proceed/Lexicon first, with the Meridian second and the rest fall as a 3rd choice.
IMO -
Dan
The beauty of music is we all hear different things, and so much sounds better to one than another.
While the Classe, Anthem and Sunfire do represent fine values, the Theta, Meridian, Proceed smoke them in both surround processing and 2 channel. In fact, though Proceed is out of business, with the price of the AVP-S on the preowned market sitting at about $750 to $900, I challenge anyone to find a better 2 channel surround processor for anywhere close to the price of the Proceed.
The California Audio Labs SSP-2500 probably gives the AVP the best competition, but again, another OOB company. The Meridian probably comes the closest in performance and price, with the Theta following. Classe would be next, with the Sunfire/Anthem, IMO, above the Yamaha/Denon line, but just MARGINALLY above the likes of Rotel.
While many folks bash the Lexicon gear for the lack of musicality, I personally disagree. It is the the processor, as it relates to the rest of the gear. I have run Levinson 33's through an MC-12B to a pair of Cello Grand Masters with phenomenal results for 2 channel. Did it compare to my Levinson 32 or Levinson 40, not really, but it was damned good.
Folks need to try the Lexicon processor a bit more instead of listening and reading about those that do not feel they are 2 channel worthy.
I currently run the JBL SDP-40 (aka, Lexicon MC-12B) with Conrad Johnson Premier 8A's to a pair of JBL K2S9800SE with an Esoteric DV-50S. The results are fabulous.
Samuelvelma - My vote would be with the Proceed/Lexicon first, with the Meridian second and the rest fall as a 3rd choice.
IMO -
Dan