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MC-1 First Impressions (Longish)
Posted by Steven Parry [IP: 209.165.6.253] on June 29, 1999 at 09:52:08
Using Mozilla/4.5 [en] (Win95; I):
After a long wait due to a misunderstanding (my dealer didn't realize we had to send my DC-1 in for Lexicon to inspect before I could get my MC-1, since they didn't want to sell my unit) I finally got my MC-1 yesterday and installed it into the system. I have to preface by saying I also added the new WattaGate 380 outlets and a Monster HTS-2000 power conditioner, with all equipment plugged into it, along with a Clean Line Junior filter into the companion outlet. I use the MC-1 with Harmonic Technology Truth Link Audio, Monster Video 3 and SV1000 video cables, ATI 1505 amp with B&K ST140 for the rear channels, and Tara Labs TFA Return speaker wire to Aerial 10T's and CC3, with built in large spekers for surround, though I have a set of Aerial SR3's that I am installing for the side channels once I run the wires. Sub is a Hsu 1225HO, DVD player Toshiba SD3109 connected with Harmonic Tech Analog and Illuminations D-60 digital. Anyway, the MC-1 sounds better than the DC-1. I don't know which of the above changes caused it, but this setup is much quieter than with the DC-1, and the sound is very smooth and grainless by comparison. The sounds really pop out at you which I think is due to the lower noise floor. The other area I really notice a difference is in the bass, which finally sounds decent in my large room; I have the 10T's running full range, the CC3 set small crossed at 120hz and the four surrounds set small crossed at 40hz. We watched Goldeneye last night and it was very impressive. The new display is nice, the remote very ergonomic and improved, with two levels of control along with a zone 2 mode. The unit is styled a bit better, and control "touch" is improved, though the unit is still very understated given its cost. Still wish the RCA jacks were a touch further apart between the left and right channels as tightening my Harmonic cables is a bit difficult. Overall, the MC-1 is a big leap forward sonically, and the video switching looks good enough that I am running all sources through it now. Count me as a satisfied owner. If you are still trying to decide whether to trade, do it, and I think that the improvement is very obvious on the video, audio and theater sides of the equation. Oh and do check out the above mentioned AC items I mentioned. You could get a WattaGate 380, Monster HTS 2000 and Clean Line Junior for $285 total and I guarantee the improvement will be worth the money spent! Will let you know more as I get more time to listen, especially once the SR3's get installed...
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