[Phil A]

http://www.twice.com/article/472357-Lexicon_Readies_12_4_Channel_Pre_Pro.php

[kingdeezie]

Interesting, but a little sad. I know that Lexicon likes to believe it is crafting for the high end, but why are all of these companies getting into digital dick measuring contests?

I don't see a need for 12.4 channels in most people's living rooms or HT rooms.

I would rather see Lexicon charge 15,000 dollars for a HT processor that also plays music and two channel well.

The closest that any HT processor or preamp has come is the Classe processors, but even then, most reviews would agree that you pay 10K, but only get the performance of a 5K standalone two channel preamp.

Instead of continuously needlessly increasing the amount of speaker channels that one can spew into their listening room, lets get a great two channel processor and HT preamp in one unit so some of us can consolidate a little.   

[Phil A]

Interesting, but a little sad. I know that Lexicon likes to believe it is crafting for the high end, but why are all of these companies getting into digital dick measuring contests?

I don't see a need for 12.4 channels in most people's living rooms or HT rooms.

I would rather see Lexicon charge 15,000 dollars for a HT processor that also plays music and two channel well.

The closest that any HT processor or preamp has come is the Classe processors, but even then, most reviews would agree that you pay 10K, but only get the performance of a 5K standalone two channel preamp.

Instead of continuously needlessly increasing the amount of speaker channels that one can spew into their listening room, lets get a great two channel processor and HT preamp in one unit so some of us can consolidate a little.

I agree.  I have several systems in the house.  The main one is 6.1 and the basement is 8.1 (height channels and rear center).  That is exactly the reason I sold my Bryston SP1.7 last fall from the main system, bought a couple of year old Integra pre/pro that sounds great on movies (better than the SP1.7) and get a separate 2-channel preamp with HT Bypass.  I didn't see the need to spend $10k for constantly changing technology that would make a large part of the purchase obsolete in a relatively short period of time.  I spent a whole $600 on my Integra pre/pro used.  I'm fine with HDMI 1.3 in the main system (my projector is HDMI 1.2). 

If I do 3D, it's going to be in the basement system.  I didn't go super high end when I put a projector down there 3.5 years back.  The main room is too bright for daytime TV and the basement system gets used more in the winter for weekend sports and the 720p projector is fine for now.  I'm watching what comes out of CEDIA and if I decide to upgrade it will likely by next year.  I don't mind having something a bit different in the basement system as it gives me an excuse to use it more.

[ctviggen]

Interesting, but a little sad. I know that Lexicon likes to believe it is crafting for the high end, but why are all of these companies getting into digital dick measuring contests?

I don't see a need for 12.4 channels in most people's living rooms or HT rooms.

I would rather see Lexicon charge 15,000 dollars for a HT processor that also plays music and two channel well.

The closest that any HT processor or preamp has come is the Classe processors, but even then, most reviews would agree that you pay 10K, but only get the performance of a 5K standalone two channel preamp.

I don't know, I love my Proceed AVP.  I haven't performed a head-to-head with my Dodd tube battery pre, though (it would take too much work to do that right now).  But the Proceed sounded great before I got the Dodd.  Sadly, Proceed is no more and doesn't support Blurays. 

I now have a 7.x channel system, only because the room I have is so long (in order to have sound behind the second "row", you'd not have "side" channels; you really need rear and side channels).  I was thinking about 9.x, but can't really see the need. 

[Phil A]

I had a Proceed AVP before my Bryston SP1.7 (which I sold last fall).  Yes it is a shame they don't support stuff.  I had the HPA (upfront) and BPA amps too at one point in additional to a PMDT (unfortunately Harman has a history of getting rid of brand - i.e. Citation, and not supporting stuff - I've seen posts about people being sent to repair shops by the company for HPA amps they don't support repairs on and there is much older equipment that is easier to get taken care of).  It is a very nice preamp that is particularly good about taking digital inputs and making them sound nice.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Twelve point FOUR? 
Wow. Nice.

But if only they could lead me to the section of the store where 12.4 discs were sold. 
In my opinion, there aren't enough movies I'm interested in to do a 7.1 system in my room. And I've already got the receiver to do 7.1.
There just isn't enough material.

Hell, I'd be thrilled to see 5.2 support. 

Bob