The AVP definitely sounds better. I auditioned the DC-1, DC-2, AVP and EAD. I ultimately went with the EAD Ovation, but it has some caveats. Everything is done in the digital domain and the video switching does not have component and is not that great either. In my case I don't use the video switching at all, and this unit is not used for 2 channel audio--only HT. Since you will probably be using the unit for both HT and music the AVP is a better choice. All volume control is in the analog domain and there is an analog bipass circuit. The AVP is better on HT than the Lexicon (at least in my experience). It's smoother and more refined--the speaker location was not as readily apparant on the AVP than the Lexicon. On music this difference is even bigger. I could live with the AVP for music, but I don't think I'd be happy with the lexicon (I'm speaking of 2 channel here). I listen to a lot of vinyl and the bipass on the AVP would be essential to me. If your only source is CDs this might not be as big a concern--but I would still favor the AVP, it's just more natural sounding. Is it worth $2000--we'll you know the answer to that--only you can decide. If you plan to keep this unit a long time--I would go with the extra $ myself, but there is one final caveat that you might consider--new formats. I have the EAD which is offering 8.1 channel upgrades--I'm not jumping at it--because I have no where to put more speakers and amplifiers and there really isn't software out there for this format. I'm not very concerned about the new formats--in fact for smallish (17x18 foot) theaters--5.1 channels is enough for me. So there's my 2 cents--hope it helps.
