Nathan.
i would perhaps take issue with the MC1 outperforming the (newer) Tags.
Anyone with experience of some of the higher end processors would (in general) say the MC1 was NOT worthy of the 5500 price tag.
When i bought my original av32r, it was from a friend who had just purchased the Tag having owned the MC1 for quite some time, when we demo'ed the two at his house (side by side) so to speak we both agreed that we prefered the MC1 to the "vanilla" (as it was then before i added 24/192khz dac's, 7.1 board, PL2, DTS-ES discrete etc) av32r, but and i hasten to add BUT, that the preference was based on really quite "small" differences. This rather enforced MY opinion (and reinforced my second hand info) that the 250% increase in cost betwwen the two units was in NO way relative to their respective performances.
Hence i had the choice to buy either his new av32r or the older MC1 as he was not at all "bothered" as to which he kept (ah - to be well at heel eh?).
Needless to say i took the TAG.
I have been informed (Stuart. M. Robinson) that Lex do indeed refine their Logic 7 and i would indeed agree it is the match of PL2 IMO, although whether they have finished with these "up-grades" for the MC1 i am not at this time aware.
i would say that the new dual sharc equipped Tag's are very much the match of the MC1. The additions of TMREQ move the potential MUCH further along IMHO."
As to whether DTS-ES discrete, PL2, THX2, refined bass management and boundary control are "gimmicky" are at the least a matter of opinion.
The quality of processing for these extended surround modes etc in no way detracts from vanilla 5.1 processing.
I sincerely hope that this is NOT interpretted as a "mines bigger than yours" type of thing, but can i say that with all due respect you seem to have the slightest "Rotel-o-phobic" slant, and i would take issue with your generalisation of MC1 is better than "XXX".
P.S do you actually use the bass limiter function ? whilst this has a place in life, is it not directed to the "Yamaha" end of the subwoofer market.
I have often wondered as to who would have a several thousand pound whatever and connect a PDR10 or the like requiring such a filter to it.
Regards/Respectfully.
Steve.
P.P.S My Tag was returned 3 days later and has been "uber" enjoyable.