UltimateAVmag.com: Buyer's Guide: Surround Preamps/Processors: Ultimate Choice

	UAV's Current Top Picks. These components offer the Ultimate in pure performance in each product category.


	Integra Research RDC-7.1 $5,500 as reviewed; (base price $4,000, final price dependent on configuration options) Output channels: 7.1-channels, single-ended (two sets), and balanced Decoding: DD, DD EX, ProLogic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix/Neo:6/DTS 24/96 Ins and outs: (As configured for review) Six each coax and toslink digital audio, two i.LINK IEEE 1394, two HDMI, three component video, two 7.1-channel analog, one MM phono, RS-232, two 12V triggers Highlights: (As configured), flexible and upgradeable modular design, THX Ultra2, HDMI and component video switching, 24/192 D-A conversion, multi-source/multi-zone, backlit programmable remote with LCD screen. The Skinny: Integra Research's RDC-7.1 is innovative in virtually every respect, and is loaded with the kind of meaningful features and smart technology that are found in very few products, which are far more expensive. The RDC-7.1 is built on a completely open, modular card-based architecture that allows for practically limitless configuration flexibility and customization, and also allows for upgrades and avoided obsolescence. And when consumers order an RDC-7.1 they can configure it on the web to their tastes and then roll into their IR dealer with their "build number" to go over the config and order it. As neat as all that is, it would be window dressing if the performance wasn't there, which it is in spades. The sound is open, detailed, uncolored, spacious and precise. The RDC-7.1 is a mighty achievement.
	Lexicon MC-12 $8,995 single-ended; $9,995 balanced Output channels: 7. 3-channels (seven main channels, three subwoofer outputs) Decoding: DD, DD EX, ProLogic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix/Neo:6/DTS 24/96, Logic 7 plus five other proprietary Lexicon DSP surround modes Ins and outs: Six coax and six toslink digital audio, one AES/EBU, Four component video, RS-232, eight S-Video, three 12V triggers Highlights: THX Ultra2, Logic 7 driven Headphone L7 listening mode, 24/96 A-D and 24/192 D-A conversion, multi-source/multi-zone, broadcast grade component video switching with 150MHz bandwidth, internal expansion slots for future applications (like HDMI switching?), backlit remote with LCD screen. The Skinny: Lexicon's MC-12 is standard-setter in terms of offering the ultimate in flexibility and configurability, and yet making the interface simple, uncluttered and easy to use. While many controllers out there offer the full suite of surround processing and post-processing options from Dolby, DTS and THX, Lexicon has its own suite of round-breaking DSP processing modes available for use with cinema and music sources. Chief among those is LOGIC 7, which can expand stereo sources to 7-1.channels with convincing and shocking precision, but can also artfully expand 5.1-channel soundtracks to 7.1-channels for larger rooms. Included in this vast array of inputs and outputs were two firsts for Lexicon: multichannel analog pass-through and component video switching. The MC-12 also has expansion slots, and as I write this Lexicon has announced the MC-12 HD, which includes updated software and processing and HDMI switching. And of course, Lexicon is with its customers for offering upgrades when new products or features are available, securing customers' investment. As JB said, after experiencing the MC-12, what more could you want?