Has anyone heard the Lexicon MC-10 processor and can they describe its characteristics.


My Krell 4K Foundation processor needs repair, and that will take a while, if ever.  I am considering a Lexicon MC10 in the meantime.  I used to have Lexicons , (CP series, MV 5 and MC 12), before and thought they were musical, warm, transparent and provided excellent natural sound.  I do not have the ability to audition the MC-10 and before purchasing a new one on line from a dealer, I would hope a qualified critique of this piece could be shared here.  The rest of the system is Mark Levinson Reference Amps and Revel Salon 2 speakers.  Thank you in advance for all serious replies.
128x128robertwdavie
Um, so old. 

Consider an Anthem or Marantz. Plenty of those around in the used or refurbished market.
Please be aware that I have seen a number of Lexicon processors being sold without the remote.  If you don't have the remote, it's impossible to configure the unit.
Do you know if a Universal Remote will accommodate a Lexicon MV5 with the proper codes installed on the remote?

Thanks for the response Erik.  I tried the Marantz and found the sound to be shrill and cold.  Not musical at all like the older Lexicons I had used.  They seem to be a standard for the market these days.  I was hoping for something with warmth and power.
I'm not a Marantz fan per se, they are just readily available.

I have no such issue with my AVM 50. It sounds great.  I'm using it to feed my Luxman integrated, so I can assure you it does not have that shrill cold sound of some mass market units. I hope to upgrade to the latest when normal life resumes.
Well we will find out together . I just ordered one. I am replacing a Marantz 8805 that is currently in service. Initially , I just wanted to try Dirac as I keep hearing how much better it is. I did some research and every person I talked to said I was in for quite a surprise. Audio Advice, which sell both the units , told me

"The 8805 isn’t in the same class as the MC10. Like Comparing a Ferrari to a Honda Civic."  

Here's a little teaser ... 

https://youtu.be/UbKipNwY1iY

I appreciate your response.  I auditioned a Marantz for about 6 weeks and was counting the days until a replacement could be found.  It was harsh, cold and unmusical.  The Video was great, but I could not get past the sound.  I am waiting for Krell to repair my Foundation and have purchase a used Lexicon MV-5 to hold me over in the meantime.   My AV tech installed it this morning and the sound is awesome after listening to an ailing Krell for a month.
Good luck on your new purchase, I look forward to hearing your assessment.
@erik squires - the mc10 is the latest unit from lexicon makes zero sense (to me at least) why they went the opposite direction with the model number. 
I too am interested to hear about the lexicon.  I have an 8802A through Lexicon RX-7 Amps to Revel Studio2, Voice2 center and gem 2s w a pair of F212V2s and I just can’t get things to sound ‘right’ especially in the center channel it just seems so laid back. I don’t love the surround modes on the marantz either they can do weird things and the sound just feels off sometimes. Unbalanced. I like the voices  better from my other setup (marantz 7007 and pioneer elite Andrew Jones setup) which altogether cost less than the Voice speaker alone!
I have not but have an MC-12. I only responded because of a comment around remotes- a Logitech remote can be programmed to drive the MC-12. Good luck with the 10 if you decide to go that route. The 12 is exceptional.
I just pulled the trigger on a new MC-10.  Should be here in a few days for I will give a review on it.  Purchase was due to my Audiocontrol Maestro M8 audio board took a dive and do not believe it will be repaired anytime soon.
@motogp Any thoughts on the MC-10 yet? I am seriously considering one.  I'm bouncing back and forth between a discounted MC-10 at audio advisor or a new Anthem AVM 70.  
Here is an update from about a year ago, its a long story.
I purchased a Lexicon MV-5 as an substitute while my Krell was sent to the Krell headquarter for repair.  My audio technician and installer sent a detailed mail to Krell outlining every issue with the Foundation.  Krell called back and said they felt the 4K was performing properly.  There was no addressing the list of issues provided to them.  The unit was reset to factory standards and returned and set up in the system.  It performed as it did before it was sent to the Krell headquarters.  In other words, the base/subs play sometimes, not all the time.  Most of my music is streamed from an iPad to Apple TV.  While listening, and without warning, the subs will start playing, like the volume for the sub was turned from 0-10 blasting you out of the room.  The subs will play for 3-5 seconds then stop.   Other times, they will play for the entire song.  
In the meantime, I tried an Arcam AV40.  The tech/installer and I auditioned a few songs and videos, then went back to the Krell.  The Arcam video and sound were disappointing and underwhelming compares to the Krell.  I just wish that I could get the Krell to perform properly, when it does, it's exceptional.  The subs are top of the line B & W.
I have an MC-10 that replaced an Anthem AVM 60.  Firstly the AVM 60 was a great processor - no issues here.  That being said when I hooked up the MC-10 there was material improvement in sonics primarily detail and spatial imaging.  Bottom line is the DACs are top notch and better than what was in the Anthem.  The Lexicon costs more and you get what you pay for.

Aesthetically looks are great but who really cares.  The user interface is boring and the graphics looks 20 years old but again who cares.  Sonically in its price range the unit is elite for movies as well as 2 channel listening for a HT processor.  It was lovely with my Raspberry Pi streaming Tidal MQA.

Everyone is correct its based on the AV 860 platform but that was one of the best sounding processors Arcam ever made that puts the replacement AV40 to shame.

I suspect it best the AVM 70 and you would likely have to go to the AVM90 to get DACs that would compete or best the Lexicon.

I’ve recently went to a Datasat LS10 and may be listing my Lexicon shortly.  I acknowledge that my comments above are self serving however my comments are true and sincere.