What’s The Story Jerry ?

 Lexicon MC12B Music & Cinema Processor

As an owner of a Lexicon MC12B, I can share my experiences of using this audio/video processor in a 5.1 home theater system with other high end audio components and speakers. The MC12B is a state of the art surround sound processor and video switching controller that centrally controls and distributes a home theater systems audio and video functions. The beauty of the MC12B is it was designed with the ability to expand the hardware and processing software to stay up to date with new technology in audio and video trends and add longevity to the components use. Some highlights and spec of the processor include- LOGIC7, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic, THX Ultra Certified, THX Surround EX, DTS ES Discrete, DSP, 24bit/96khz processing, 24bit/192khz D/A converters for each channel and multiple input and output functions. The MC12 has a distinctive look with the carved aluminum face and blue LCD display built into a substantial one piece top and sides enclosure. The settings and menus can be programmed from either the remote control or the front panel of the unit. As new surround sound mode enhancements are made the software updates will be available to download from a computer through the RS-232 connection on the unit.

In this home audio system setup the video section of the MC12B is not used, and most audiophiles and home theater owners with a Lexicon would use the video switch inputs and outputs of the MC12. I use the unit only for processing audio programming and as a preamp for connecting the inputs of the other components- DVD, satellite, tuner and SACD player. I installed a Marantz VS3002 HDMI switch which has 6 inputs and 2 outputs having the capability to send the video signal to 2 displays like a projector or LCD and TV. So in this system the HDMI inputs on the new model MC12 HD processor won't be connected. The MC12B and HD have three totally independent output zones so to assign the same program or 3 different programs of music to multiple areas of your home simultaneously. Setup of the zones an all processor options are done using the remote control and viewed on the units LCD display.

The new model MC12HD has the same front face as the 12B and is available with live EQ built into the unit from the factory. The microphone kit is needed to program and balance the room giving the user the ability to make any listening room virtually acoustically balanced. When setup the microphones send the actual sound back to the processor and compensate for the room deficiencies to correct the output. Other features are six HDMI inputs and one HDMI outputs to accept newer cable connections and configurations. Now the big question, spend $4300 upgrade the processor or purchase a new Lexicon MC12 HD for $13,000?

Crown Audio ITech 6000 Power Amplifier Review

I have owned Crown power amplifiers since the days of the DC300, using them for live sound, stereo systems and home theater applications. This is a short review of using the ITech 6000 Series power amp in home audio theater applications. Most audiophiles would grin at the thought of using a Crown ITech 6000 in an upscale home theater or home stereo system. The reviews and test of this amplifier is based on the installation in a home audio system and found to perform quite well. I have followed Crown’s technology in audio amplifiers for nearly 40 years and continue to try new products that Crown Audio offers, in this case the ITech6000. I was a little reluctant about selecting the ITech Series amplifier for my home audio system when it was first introduced. I setup my home audio theater system to duplicate near perfect live sound quality as the rest of the system is powered by three Crown Studio Reference 2 amplifiers and what better way to do this than to use the same brand of amplifiers used for live music and by recording studios around the world.

This is a high power amplifier with 2500watts per channel @ 2ohms, 3000watts per channel @4ohms and 1500watts per channel @8ohms. I am running two channels at 4ohms so approx 6000watts of sub bass wattage total. After testing, I went into the menus and made some modifications for each channel. The amp has custom programmable crossover settings which I bypassed to use the raw crossover frequency from the Lexicon MC12B sub output signal.

Crown ITech6000 2 Channel Power Amplifier Features and Specs

Onboard DSP provides signal processing- compression, limiting, filters, crossover… 24-bit, 96 kHz A/D- D/A converters, IQ Network and TCP/IQ. Push button DSP presets simplify setup.

Global Power Supply- works on any voltage- 5 power cords supplied for International connection.

Power- up to 8 kW continuous and 10 kW peak in a 2U rack space, highest output in Industry.

Front Panel-  control screen displays advanced diagnostics and status, controls set from front panel. Indicators include- power, data, bridge, ready, signal, clip, thermal and fault for each channel.

Input Connectors- analog – A3 pin female XLR for each channel and digital AES/EBU, analog and digital thru connectors.

Load Impedance- safe with all types of loads- Stereo- 1/2/4/8/16 ohms, Bridge Mono- 2/4/8 ohms.

Speaker Output Connectors- Two pairs high-current 60A- color coded 5-way binding posts for bare wire/spade lugs or banana plugs and two high-current 50A Neutrik Speakon

Protection- management controller with two discrete thermal zones having variable-speed forced air cooling.

Construction- front panel cast aluminum, dimensions- 19”W x 3.5”H x 16.2” D. weight 28lbs out of box

Crown amplifiers have been considered top of the line for many years and “the industry standard” for recording studios and live sound applications. In past years, thru the 60’s to 90’s, Crown manufactured audiophile quality amplifiers and many audiophiles used these amps in their home stereo systems like the DC300, D-150, DC300A, D-150A, D60, D75, PS200, PS400 and lastly the Studio Reference Series. The Studio Reference Series amplifiers were the last model of amplifiers produced by Crown for the audiophile. I am sure there are many dedicated Crown owners like me that felt they were pushed off the edge when Crown became a subsidiary of Harman International. With Harman’s takeover, Crown would stop producing high end home & studio quality power amplifiers and shift the production of audiophile products to Harman International’s other brand names- Mark Levinson and Lexicon. The new name for Crown would be Crown Audio.

Speaker Cables and Speaker Wire

Home theater audio equipment reviews of new products for home stereo and surround sound systems protect your system with a quality power conditioner for better sound and reception on dishnetwork satellite or cable TV. Information and reports on electronics like power amplifiers, DVD players, turntables, amplifier, speakers, speaker cables, input cables, audio components and how good is your speaker wire for your subwoofer. Hook up the rear, front and center channel speakers with quality speaker wire. Your amplifiers power must be clean to the system for the best sound in an audiophile setup. Some of the best products for consumers for value and quality are made in the U.S. America and a little expensive but worth it. Test results for cheap cables, expensive, high end equipment tested in the consumer reports show the reviews of the new products or product at consumer electronics show. Audio controls may be run through the computer hardware using software and the motherboards cpu from intel, processor to run the video cards and other audio components. Hook up a new dvd players along with plasma tv setup speakers and subwoofers in your home with cables to recievers and projectors by using the proper tools for electronics installations of appliances. Find the best prices and search the testing reports then tryout or samples and take digital cameras. Setup the computer to operate the home theater and make the connection with cat5 to the internet televisions if you listen to mp3 players get advice and video games. Home theater speaker systems and sound systems with Pro audio gear to play guitars and vintage guitar playing at the music store. Jerry's audio is the place for all  pro gear with a large selection of loudspeakers, raw frame speakers and drums. Get the best prices on vintage tube amplifiers and power amps replacement speakers from Altec Lansing, JBL, EV, TAD, Crown, horns  drivers, rare, used, musical instruments, Gibson, Fender, sell, buy. Recommend the best choice for personal taste in sound.