Lexicon rt-10 front photo

Lexicon Announces Universal DVD-Audio/SACD Player

Exclusive: Lexicon is to unveil a universal DVD-Audio and SACD player, one of the first high-end multi-channel designs and the company’s first source component at CES on Thursday 9th January.

The RT-10, which will be priced at $3,495 (US MSRP) when it becomes available in February 2003, will be on display in Lexicon’s suite, H28122 at the Hilton location, during the course of CES.


We are proud to be introducing our first DVD player. It adds value to our existing line of Digital Controllers and Power Amplifiers.”,

said Lexicon’s Andrew Clark, Vice President of Marketing for the Harman Speciality Group, talking exclusively to High Fidelity Review.

Previously, ‘audiophile’ consumers had little choice when it came to supporting both DVD-Audio and SACD, either purchase a mid-level universal player from the likes of Marantz or Pioneer, or opt for two, separate high-end machines, an option which introduces its own problems, as most receivers/processors are only able to support one external multi-channel analogue source. With the introduction of the RT-10, Lexicon have brought to market an integrated solution for the discerning listener who does not want to be restricted to a mass-market solution or just one high-resolution format.

We didn’t want our customers to have to worry about formats. They can simply purchase the music they like and rest assured that it will play in the RT-10.”,

said Andrew Clark.

Lexicon rt-10 front photo

Lexicon RT-10 frontview

Lexicon’s literature emphasizes this point, it states that the RT-10 is “…a reference-quality universal disc transport designed to play virtually any of the 5” optical media discs available today.” As such it supports CD (including CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, Video-CD and S-VCD), DVD (including DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R, and DVD-RW), SACD (both stereo and multi-channel) and MP3 files burnt to CD-R or CD-RW.

The RT-10 has three S/P-DIF digital audio outputs, one AES/EBU, one coaxial electrical, and one Tos-Link optical for external decoding and processing of Dolby Digital, DTS and PCM sources with output sample rates up to 96kHz where copy protection allows. Six analogue RCA outputs, together with a second set of front L/R RCA terminals, enable the playback of SACD and DVD-Audio discs, the RT-10 boasting 24-bit 192kHz digital-to-analogue converters for all channels, including centre, surrounds and subwoofer. For use with the analogue outputs, standard bass-management and time alignment options are provided.

One significant feature, especially important for owners of Lexicon’s MC-12 and forthcoming MC-8 processor, is however, noticeably absent. Unlike DVD-Audio and SACD players from the likes of Pioneer, Meridian and others, the RT-10 does not offer a digital output, proprietary or standardised, for either high-resolution format. High-resolution digital interfaces are becoming more commonplace between transports and players from the same manufacturer, especially with the introduction of IceLink IEEE-1394 technology from Texas Instruments, so the decision is a puzzling one.

Andrew Clark explains;

We feel it is important to support an industry-wide standard for a high-resolution digital connection. All of the proprietary schemes that have been developed so far tend to confuse the market. Now that it appears that Firewire will emerge as an industry-wide standard, we will evaluate the possibility of utilizing it in future products and upgrades.

DVD-Video performance has not been overlooked; the RT-10 uses a Pure Cinema™ component video output, 12-bit 108MHz digital-to-analog converters and professional grade BNC-style component video output connectors (RCA component outputs are also provided). Pure Cinema automatically converts the frame rate of film sources, which are recorded at 24 frames per second, to 60 frames per second (NTSC) for improved picture quality. For overseas regions, RGB is also offered via a standard Euroconnector (SCART) terminal. All markets are afforded Y/C (S-Video), composite video outputs and a D1-D2 terminal, of particular use to Far Eastern customers.

Specifications:

  • Discs Supported: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R, DVD-RW, SACD,CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD (v2.0, MPEG 1), S-VCD (IEC), and MP-3.
  • Audio Outputs: 4 × stereo pairs (RCA). 2 × front, 2 × surround, 1 × center and 1 × subwoofer.
  • Digital Audio Outputs: 1 × AES/EBU (XLR), 1 × Coaxial (RCA) and 1 × optical (Toslink). All conform to IEC-958 and S/P-DIF standards.
  • Audio Digital-to-Analog: 24-bit 192kHz Conversion.
  • Audio Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/- .5dB) -1.0dB at 50kHz, reference 1kHz (front L/R outputs).
  • Audio THD + Noise: 0.004% at 1kHz.
  • Audio Dynamic Range: 100dB.
  • Audio Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB.
  • Audio Channel Separation: 100dB.
  • Audio Output Level: 2.0V maximum.
  • Video Outputs: 2 × component video (1 × RCA, 1 × BNC), 1 × S-video, and 2 × composite video (RCA). 1 × Euroconnector w/RGB (SCART) for export model.
  • Video Digital-to-Analog: 12-bit 108MHz.
  • Video Conversion (10-bit 54MHz for A/V Euroconnector).
  • Video Bandwidth: 6MHz.
  • Video Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 75dB (Y output).
  • Video Output Level: 1.0V peak-to-peak.
  • Video Output Impedance: 75 Ohms.
  • Trigger Input: 12V DC; detachable screw terminals.
  • IR Input: 3.5mm T/R/S.
  • D1/D2: 14-pin D connector.
  • Power Requirements: 120VAC, 50-60Hz (USA model), 230VAC, 50-60Hz (export model).
  • Power Consumption: 20W.
  • Dimensions: 17.3”w × 3.7”h × 12.2”d (440 × 94 × 310mm).
  • Weight: 17.2lbs (7.8kg).
  • Rack Mounting: Optional brackets are available for mounting unit in a standard 19” equipment rack.
  • Operating Temperature: 5 to 35 °C.
  • Relative Humidity: 85% maximum without condensation.
  • Remote Control: Hand-held, battery-powered infrared remote control unit.
  • Batteries: Two AA.

Lexicon also announced the MC-8, a replacement for the company’s highly successful DC-2 and MC-1 processors. The MC-8 is based upon the MC-12 platform, but is more affordable due to a more limited set of features. The MC-8 does, however, offer a true analogue bypass for two- and multi-channel sources, component video switching, Lexicon’s proprietary surround modes (including Logic 7®, Panorama and others), support for DTS, Dolby Digital and PCM sources (up to 96kHz) with DTS ES and Dolby Digital EX processing. The MC-8 is THX Ultra II certified.

For more information on the Lexicon MC-8 and all other new product announcements, see SMR Home Theatre’s comprehensive CES show coverage (coming soon) and the official Lexicon support forum.