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Post by talkinghead on Jul 16, 2014 16:19:57 GMT -5
In order to provide complete bass management in the analog domain, a device would have to have a full set of analog bass management circuitry (for a surround pre/pro this would have to be in addition to the digital bass management, which is necessary for surround sound). The XSP-1 certainly would do an excellent job of providing this functionality, but you may not need something that complicated to do the job. Also, since using a sub requires low-pass filters for the subs, and high-pass filters for the main channels, it really cannot be considered to be a purist mode ( ALL filters produce phase shift and other alterations to the audio signal). HOWEVER, there are other alternatives, depending on exactly what your needs are.... If your main speakers are really full range, and you are dead set on analog bass management, and your subs have their own low-pass filters (which many do), then you can just connect the subs to whichever set of main outputs on the XMC-1 you aren't using for your main amps, and use the crossover controls on the subs to limit their high-frequency response to match with your mains. If your subs lack their own low-pass filters, you could still do this, but add a set of passive low-pass filters between them and the XMC-1 (HLabs makes decent little passive crossover "bullet" adapters for about $30 a pair - which you can buy at Parts Express.) But, before I'd even consider doing something like that, I'd try the XMC-1 in direct mode - where you still get bass management. The XMC-1 has a ridiculously good sounding digital signal path, and I'm not at all convinced that letting the XMC-1 do digital bass management would really produce a significant loss of audio quality (remember that adding more equipment and interconnects to the signal path, even equipment as good as the XSP-1, will produce some slight loss of signal quality). The XMC-1 really is that good; I would try it before going out and adding more equipment to your signal path (and deleting more money from your wallet) Yes I had also wanted to be able to use my subwoofers in the pure analog mode. My plan B was to connect the subwoofer to an Sonance AL2/S and connect both LF & stereo output from the XMC-1 to the Sonance and send 12V to the Sonance to switch between stereo & LF. In that way I can have my subwoofers connected in the pure analog mode and use the subwoofers crossover plus PEQ. But I think before I do something like that I will try and run the XMC-1 in direct mode, but it really doesn't feel right to do the AD/DA on my vinyl rig.
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Post by elwicksto on Jul 16, 2014 16:27:29 GMT -5
my questions are about hdmi out and hdmi audio out:
a) are both hdmi video outputs active at once, or only one at a time? i.e. can you drive 2 displays @ one time without a splitter?
b) for digital sources (esp hdmi) can you, at the same time, drive the normal audio outputs (amps or powered speakers), and also emit audio on the hdmi outputs? so the audio source can be heard on a speaker (or in my case an audio out) on a display. (i've got 2nd display by my drum kit for rock band, and want to monitor audio there, independent of the speaker audio) (my marantz av7005 will _only_ drive one digital out at a time)
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Post by rickhawk on Jul 16, 2014 16:29:16 GMT -5
Thanks Keith. My source is a BDP-93 which is not the audiophile model so even if the XMC did exactly what I wanted I would probably still need to add a better dac to notice a difference. Even so I do notice an improvement when I use analog from the Oppo to my old Yamaha receiver in Pure Direct mode except for the loss of the subwoofer in that situation.
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Post by resonance on Jul 16, 2014 16:53:31 GMT -5
Kiethe thanks for your patient and informative replies. I am not a fanboy I just appreciate emotiva bringing excellent pre-proes to the market that people that are not laywers or doctors can afford. And along with that compete with the overpriced hyped equipment of Lexicon, Krell, and Anthem. I have an Anthem pre-pro that was 4k eight years ago and sonically the Sherwood 7030 sounds much better. Not only that but the Anthem would cause my Rotel amp to go into protection and shut down channels.
Not to make a big deal of the XMC debacle but people give Emotivia a break for providing excellent audio that competes with the much higher priced audio at a decent price. Sure it took a lot longer than anyone anticipated and I think Emotivia learned from it and will never give dates again or say what is being planned so lets move on and enjoy the music, and a movie, thats why we all enjoy the hobby.
Not sure if I will move from my 7030 to the XMC or not. Sure the second delay when playing a cd is a not ideal but its not enough to appreciate the sound.
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Post by hifiaudio2 on Jul 16, 2014 17:06:52 GMT -5
Hi Keith I want to ask this again as Bootman asked as well and I fear it will get buried and forgotten. Is there an expectation that the XMC together with an upcoming app will be a true music streamer from a NAS? So I could sit in my theater chair and fire up the app and view cover art and select songs with no display on the same way I can with the app that Marantz provides right now?
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Post by Bonzo on Jul 16, 2014 17:13:01 GMT -5
In order to provide complete bass management in the analog domain, a device would have to have a full set of analog bass management circuitry (for a surround pre/pro this would have to be in addition to the digital bass management, which is necessary for surround sound). I'm really not trying to be a downer here, really I'm not, and, I'm not currently one of these people because I don't do much vinyl (currently) and my current speakers are full range with subs built in, BUT, run on sentence as it may be, I certainly hope and expect that this in fact would be something Emotiva would add to the future RMC-1 (or what ever it's designation is), because, more run on sentence, this is definitely something many analog loving vinyl freaks will demand. Not want, demand. And demand with tight wallets by not giving Emotiva their money for the XMC-1. Well I applaud your honesty here. I half expected a "well now is your chance to buy an XSP-1", as in that's why Emotiva didn't put all the goods in the XMC-1. But you said the accurate things, and I appreciate that.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Jul 16, 2014 17:20:47 GMT -5
If your main speakers are really full range, and you are dead set on analog bass management, and your subs have their own low-pass filters (which many do), then you can just connect the subs to whichever set of main outputs on the XMC-1 you aren't using for your main amps, and use the crossover controls on the subs to limit their high-frequency response to match with your mains. If your subs lack their own low-pass filters, you could still do this, but add a set of passive low-pass filters between them and the XMC-1 (HLabs makes decent little passive crossover "bullet" adapters for about $30 a pair - which you can buy at Parts Express.) I understand what you are saying about the digital sub MGMT, but - still...why do A/D if I don't really have to? I'm not really warm to that idea at all. On your proposal to "connect the subs to whichever set of main outs on the XMC-1 you are not using for your main amps", so...you are saying to connect (for example) my FR/FL main amps to the Balanced FR/FL output, and then connect the sub(s) to the RCA's. Right? So...I get how in 2 channel this would allow me to run my mains in full range (which I desire) and use my sub's x-over to manage it. BUT...if I want to listen to multichannel - then I would have to unplug my sub(s) from the FR/FL main outs on the XMC and plug them into my sub outs on the XMC. Right? If so...total non-starter. I'm not going to switch back and forth the wiring. I hope the RMC-1 (or whatever it's called) has another option once it comes out. Ideally, I would want this option so I could replace my XSP-1 and my DC-1 with a single unit that sounds totally amazing and doesn't do unneeded A/D conversions. Mark
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Post by Bonzo on Jul 16, 2014 17:47:07 GMT -5
On your proposal to "connect the subs to whichever set of main outs on the XMC-1 you are not using for your main amps", so...you are saying to connect (for example) my FR/FL main amps to the Balanced FR/FL output, and then connect the sub(s) to the RCA's. Right? So...I get how in 2 channel this would allow me to run my mains in full range (which I desire) and use my sub's x-over to manage it. BUT...if I want to listen to multichannel - then I would have to unplug my sub(s) from the FR/FL main outs on the XMC and plug them into my sub outs on the XMC. Right? If so...total non-starter. I'm not going to switch back and forth the wiring. And THIS is why Emotiva is planning on making subs, so you can buy 2 more for surround sound!!!! In a way that's not totally a bad plan though. It's sort of like what I have now actually. My speakers have the built in subs. I do my CD listening with it all set to 2 channel full range, no sub, speaker wire only. Then I adjust the volume of the subs (knob on back of the speaker) to blend perfect with music. Music only, set it once and forget it forever. Then, I also have my sub RCA cables sent out to the sub input. When watching TV or a movie, the pre-amp outputs a signal to the sub, and my speaker "figures it out." It then turns on the filter for the lows from the speaker wire, and uses the sub input to run the lows. In this way I can, if I want, have my pre-amps subwoofer outputs turned up a bit so there is more boom with movies. If you did this, the first 2 subs would still be working for movies, just at a "perfect for music" level. Need more oomph, add 2 more subs from the subwoofer output. Hmmmmmmmmm.......see, I like options.... This sounds like deja vu. I think that's what many people were hoping for. But one thing, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the XMC-1 contains the same DAC circuitry that the DC-1 does, not even for the "deluxe" analog 1 inputs. This is something I figured they would also add to the RMC-1 as one of it's upgrades. I guess we'll see but again this is one of those fuzzy areas where they brag about the DC-1 and brag about the XMC-1. If they don't have the same guts then there has to be differences. Which is better is the question.
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Post by talkinghead on Jul 16, 2014 17:47:51 GMT -5
If your main speakers are really full range, and you are dead set on analog bass management, and your subs have their own low-pass filters (which many do), then you can just connect the subs to whichever set of main outputs on the XMC-1 you aren't using for your main amps, and use the crossover controls on the subs to limit their high-frequency response to match with your mains. If your subs lack their own low-pass filters, you could still do this, but add a set of passive low-pass filters between them and the XMC-1 (HLabs makes decent little passive crossover "bullet" adapters for about $30 a pair - which you can buy at Parts Express.) I understand what you are saying about the digital sub MGMT, but - still...why do A/D if I don't really have to? I'm not really warm to that idea at all. On your proposal to "connect the subs to whichever set of main outs on the XMC-1 you are not using for your main amps", so...you are saying to connect (for example) my FR/FL main amps to the Balanced FR/FL output, and then connect the sub(s) to the RCA's. Right? So...I get how in 2 channel this would allow me to run my mains in full range (which I desire) and use my sub's x-over to manage it. BUT...if I want to listen to multichannel - then I would have to unplug my sub(s) from the FR/FL main outs on the XMC and plug them into my sub outs on the XMC. Right? If so...total non-starter. I'm not going to switch back and forth the wiring. I hope the RMC-1 (or whatever it's called) has another option once it comes out. Ideally, I would want this option so I could replace my XSP-1 and my DC-1 with a single unit that sounds totally amazing and doesn't do unneeded A/D conversions. Mark Mark, that's what my plan B can do automatically, you send both stereo RCA & RCA LF to an external RCA switch that are controlled from trigger out from the XMC-1 eg. the Sonance AL/S or similar. It's maybe not the prettiest solution but I can use the subwoofers in both modes automatically.
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Post by Bonzo on Jul 16, 2014 17:51:30 GMT -5
]Mark, that's what my plan B can do automatically, you send both stereo RCA & RCA LF to an external RCA switch that are controlled from trigger out from the XMC-1 eg. the Sonance AL/S or similar. It's maybe not the prettiest solution but I can use the subwoofers in both modes automatically. I like my 4 sub idea better. See my post above.
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Post by dc2light on Jul 16, 2014 17:52:04 GMT -5
I have an XSP-1 that I use in Direct Mode with the balanced inputs. Will the XMC-1 perform as good (or better??) with the balanced input in the Reference Stereo mode?
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Jul 16, 2014 17:56:31 GMT -5
This is an absolute must and I'm glad Emotiva has "seen the NO lights". But can you turn off all the other blue "halo" lights also? The halo lighting around the volume knob dims in the same increments as the front display, so yes it also completely turns off. The power/standby button dims in increments with the front display, but it doesn't completely go "off", it is an ever-so-slight blue when the front display is completely off, but hardly noticeable when the setting is on 0%, and that is in a dark room setting. The dimmer settings are 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% 80% & 100%.
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jlafrenz
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Post by jlafrenz on Jul 16, 2014 17:58:16 GMT -5
I have a simple question. The FM antenna jack. Most AVRs jack is not a screw on, but push on for your antenna cable (RG6) and you need an adapter (Radio Shack) to be able to use it. A screw on where you would use a standard F connector would be great. Does the XMC-1 have a screw on connector for FM? I did confirm that it is a screw on connector.
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Post by Thunderduck on Jul 16, 2014 17:58:39 GMT -5
"XMC-1 IR Remote Control Codes Information in this section is still pRElIMINARy. The final version will contain a list of the IR Remote Control codes - for use with harmony and other universal remotes."
Above from preliminary manual. Will any remote codes be included for cable company remotes like those used by Fios and Comcast for example?
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Post by talkinghead on Jul 16, 2014 17:59:59 GMT -5
]Mark, that's what my plan B can do automatically, you send both stereo RCA & RCA LF to an external RCA switch that are controlled from trigger out from the XMC-1 eg. the Sonance AL/S or similar. It's maybe not the prettiest solution but I can use the subwoofers in both modes automatically. I like my 4 sub idea better. See my post above. Yes I have thought about that too, then I can adjust the stereo subs perfectly and have two for LF/movies.
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jlafrenz
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Post by jlafrenz on Jul 16, 2014 18:00:43 GMT -5
]There is the ability to select inputs individually or link them to an input. When in the input menu, there is an option to choose which audio input you would like to use. This ties it to the input buttons on the remote and front panel. I think you misunderstand what I'm asking. I assumed they could be linked to the physical "buttons" on the front panel and remote. That's not really what I'm asking. What has had me and many others here wondering for a long time has to do with the input layout on the back. If you look at the picture of the back, in the digital input section there are 7 total inputs. 3 RCA, 3 toslink, and 1 XLR. The RCA and toslink are "stacked" in their orientation, and simultaneously numbered 1 2 3. Are there only 3 assignable inputs amongst the 6 physical inputs, or are there 6 independent assignable inputs? Appearances wise this isn't clear. Same goes for the "IN 1" section. Is it 1 input with 2 different style connections, or can the 2 input styles actually be assigned to different equipment? Great. What about the naming? You can change the name of the inputs and it is done very nicely. You have the ability to highlight over each letter of the word that you are trying to spell out. Once you are on a letter the rest of the alphabet is shown vertically so you can simply scroll through it and know which way you need to go to get the letter you desire.
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Post by Bonzo on Jul 16, 2014 18:03:09 GMT -5
I like my 4 sub idea better. See my post above. Yes I have thought about that too, then I can adjust the stereo subs perfectly and have two for LF/movies. It's only floor space and money, floor space and money.
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jlafrenz
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Post by jlafrenz on Jul 16, 2014 18:04:05 GMT -5
my questions are about hdmi out and hdmi audio out: a) are both hdmi video outputs active at once, or only one at a time? i.e. can you drive 2 displays @ one time without a splitter? b) for digital sources (esp hdmi) can you, at the same time, drive the normal audio outputs (amps or powered speakers), and also emit audio on the hdmi outputs? so the audio source can be heard on a speaker (or in my case an audio out) on a display. (i've got 2nd display by my drum kit for rock band, and want to monitor audio there, independent of the speaker audio) (my marantz av7005 will _only_ drive one digital out at a time) There are 2 HDMI outputs, but at this time they will mirror each other. There is not independent zone 2 display. The capability is there, but need to be addressed via firmware. If you have the unit on, it will output audio to your amplifier. Once it is turned off it will route to the TV. Your question is if you are using the amplifier on one output does sound still pass to the display on the second HDMI out. I will have to move a second TV over to test this, but will add it to my list.
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Post by solidstate on Jul 16, 2014 18:06:59 GMT -5
I'd like to get 100% confirmation on the inputs and how selectable they are. #1. How many selectable inputs are there? Are inputs linked or totally separate? For example, there are 3 RCA and 3 toslink digital inputs, but they appear to be arranged as if they are linked, as in, use one or the other. So are there 3 selectable inputs, or are all 6 totally independent? Same example could be used on the analog input #1. Is it 1 selectable input and you use the RCA or the XLR, or can both be totally independently selectable? For example, could you hook up an ERC-3 via the XLR for CD's, and then hook up an Oppo to the RCAs for SACD and DVD-A? Bottom line, of the 22 (going off of memory here) total physical inputs, how many are independently selectable, 22 or less, like 18? #2. The front panel has 8 direct access input buttons. The remote has 7. How do you access the rest of the inputs? #3. And one other I don't think I've asked before, are they fully nameable? Using the ERC-3 / Oppo example above, can the 2 inputs be named something like Emotiva CD Player and Oppo SACD/DVD-A as seen on the front panel screen? If so, and this is really trivial of me but I'm asking just for the hell of it, how many characters long can the name be? Thank you! Cheers --- Bonzo Great questions but I see no reason why your transport would use a bus other than HDMI.
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Post by solidstate on Jul 16, 2014 18:09:33 GMT -5
I'd like to get 100% confirmation on the inputs and how selectable they are. #1. How many selectable inputs are there? Are inputs linked or totally separate? For example, there are 3 RCA and 3 toslink digital inputs, but they appear to be arranged as if they are linked, as in, use one or the other. So are there 3 selectable inputs, or are all 6 totally independent? Same example could be used on the analog input #1. Is it 1 selectable input and you use the RCA or the XLR, or can both be totally independently selectable? For example, could you hook up an ERC-3 via the XLR for CD's, and then hook up an Oppo to the RCAs for SACD and DVD-A? Bottom line, of the 22 (going off of memory here) total physical inputs, how many are independently selectable, 22 or less, like 18? #2. The front panel has 8 direct access input buttons. The remote has 7. How do you access the rest of the inputs? #3. And one other I don't think I've asked before, are they fully nameable? Using the ERC-3 / Oppo example above, can the 2 inputs be named something like Emotiva CD Player and Oppo SACD/DVD-A as seen on the front panel screen? If so, and this is really trivial of me but I'm asking just for the hell of it, how many characters long can the name be? Thank you! Cheers --- Bonzo There is the ability to select inputs individually or link them to an input. When in the input menu, there is an option to choose which audio input you would like to use. This ties it to the input buttons on the remote and front panel. The other inputs can be selected by a toggle up/down on the remote or via the menu using the OSD. Does this mean it has audio matrix switching between HDMI sources? IE I can have HDMI video output from HDMI input 1 with audio being from HDMI 2 etc? Also would you be willing to shoot video of the UI and publish it to YouTube etc? I'd love to see video of the UI.
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