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The Lexicon MC-8 V2 / MC-8 Balanced V2 is an updated version of the original MC-8 surround preamplifier/processor, adding newer Dolby and DTS decoding, Lexicon's automatic calibration, and LIVE surround processing while retaining the core MC-8 architecture and sound quality. It remains a 7.1-channel digital audio/video controller based on the MC-12 platform, with two zones, eight configurable analog inputs, and eight channels of output, making it suitable for advanced home theater systems that do not require HDMI. The Balanced V2 variant provides balanced XLR audio outputs for all main-zone channels and Zone 2, in addition to the standard unbalanced RCA outputs, improving noise rejection and integration with high-end amplifiers. Processing is handled by four 32-bit Analog Devices SHARC DSP engines plus a separate Cirrus Logic DSP engine, and ten 24-bit/192 kHz DACs, offering substantial processing power and reference-level audio performance. Supported surround formats include Lexicon's LOGIC7 decoding (latest revision for V2), Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic II / IIx, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES Discrete and Matrix, DTS Neo:6, core DTS, THX Surround EX, and THX Ultra2 post-processing/certification. The unit offers eight highly flexible analog input pairs configurable as eight stereo inputs, five stereo inputs plus one 5.1-channel input, or two stereo inputs plus two 5.1-channel inputs, with optional full analog bypass for stereo sources. Digital audio connectivity includes four coaxial and four optical inputs plus an S/PDIF coaxial output assignable to Zone 2, while video switching provides three full-bandwidth component inputs plus S-video and composite inputs/outputs. Additional features include two independent zones, rear-panel RS-232 connectivity, 12-volt trigger outputs, IR input, and internal expansion slots for potential hardware upgrades. The MC-8 V2 / MC-8 Balanced V2 does not provide HDMI, modern lossless codecs, or network features, but is regarded by enthusiasts as a high-end home theater preamp/processor with excellent surround processing and strong sound quality.
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The T175HD's signal-to-noise is 95 dB against the MC8 V2's 108 dB, its weight 8 kg (18 lbs) against 10.7 kg (24 lbs), and its width 435 mm against 440 mm. Both share thd (0.008%).
The AVM-30's signal-to-noise is 106 dB against the MC8 V2's 108 dB, its thd 0.006% against 0.008%, its weight 12.7 kg (28 lbs) against 10.7 kg (24 lbs), and its width 438 mm against 440 mm.
The AVP700's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the MC8 V2's 108 dB, its thd 0.003% against 0.008%, its weight 8.3 kg (18 lbs) against 10.7 kg (24 lbs), and its width 430 mm against 440 mm.
The AVP-8000's signal-to-noise is 105 dB against the MC8 V2's 108 dB, its thd 0.005% against 0.008%, its weight 13.5 kg (30 lbs) against 10.7 kg (24 lbs), and its width 434 mm against 440 mm.
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