Gary Steel
LOCAL IMPORTER ORANGE Road has announced Harman International’s new surround processor, the Lexicon MC-14, a high-end preamplifier/processor designed to deliver extraordinary audio and video quality.
This successor to the well thought-of Lexicon MC-12 is a 7.1-channel system with extensive connectivity and control features, making it ideal for most sophisticated high-end home theatre installations and multi-room entertainment systems.
“The MC-14 delivers the very best from the widest range of programme sources including computer-based audio and media servers, and is sure to satisfy the most demanding home theatre enthusiasts and audiophiles,” says the president of Harman’s Lifestyle division, Michael Mauser.
Designed as the optimal pairing for Lexicon’s RX-7 and ZX-7 multi-channel amplifiers, the MC-14 offers an extensive complement of digital and analogue audio and video connections. It provides source inputs for Blu-ray, satellite, game, media, DVR, TV, CD and an audio component with two XLR (balanced) inputs, along with a USB port for direct connection to the audio output from a computer or music server. It has nine digital audio inputs, six stereo analogue and 7.1 analog inputs, balanced and single-ended audio outputs and a headphone jack. Video connectivity includes eight HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs and additional video inputs. The MC-14 is designed to operate seamlessly with other audio/video components thanks to its Ethernet and RS-232 ports, IR input and trigger inputs and outputs.
Engineered to provide unsurpassed audio and video performance, including compatibility with digital and computer audio sources, the MC-14 utilises audiophile-grade Crystal Semiconductor D/A converters, discrete Class A audio circuitry, separate power supplies for the analogue and digital sections and premium internal components to convey music and movie soundtracks with superlative clarity, dynamic impact and realism. It’s compatible with Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and other Dolby Digital and DTS formats. A bypass mode provides an all-analogue signal path for audiophiles who want to hear the most from analogue music sources.
The Lexicon MC-14 offers multi-room operation, with independent playback of two different A/V sources in two different rooms. It provides a full complement of adjustments to optimise its audio output to any system and room. It includes bass management for all programme sources and types of speaker setups, level and delay adjustment for each channel, a selection of DSP surround-enhancement modes for 2-channel music sources and many additional features.
Although sophisticated in its capabilities, the MC-14 is designed for ease of setup and operation. The front panel has a large four-line display and the unit is supplied with a full function remote control.
The Lexicon MC-14 Surround Processor is available to order now at a retail price of NZ$18,000.
