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Post by bolle on Oct 30, 2016 6:58:10 GMT -5
Hello,
I just received my XMC-1 this week here in Germany. The package arrived in good condition and today I finally got to opening it and replacing the UMC-200.
I must say that I am at least a little bit underwhelmed with the build quality of the XMC-1:
- There are residues from manufacturing (anodisation) present on the front plate edges - There are various fingerprints on the front plate - The front plate isn´t aligend properly with the chassis. The chassis seems to be "skewed" to one side, so its sides are not in parallel with the front plates edges. - The volume control feels very cheap, isn´t properly centered and there is a slight nick in the anodized surface already. - The power button on the front of the unit feels very cheap and is rattling when you touch it.
Is this the normal build quality of the XMC-1 or did I just get a bad unit? In fact the build quality of my UMC-200 as well as my Nakamichi AV-1 is superior in my eyes. Returning is also quite problematic being an overseas customer - so I am little bit disappointed at the moment. Frankly speaking, I expected more, especially with the unit being assembled in the USA.
So do your XMC-1 has similar flaws? Just curious.
Well I hope the sound quality will make up for it.
Best regards
Fabian
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Oct 30, 2016 7:03:25 GMT -5
Is this the normal build quality of the XMC-1 or did I just get a bad unit? So do your XMC-1 has similar flaws? That is not typical of any Emotiva product I have owned or my XMC-1. My XMC did have a loose screw inside, but with guidance from Emotiva, I easily removed that. I have heard some say the volume knob does not feel as substantial as they would like, but I have not heard of any nicked or loose to the point of rattling. Mark
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Post by bolle on Oct 30, 2016 7:24:34 GMT -5
Thanks for the swift reply Mark.
I only had 2 Emotiva products so far, the UMC-200 and a Sherbound PA 7-350, but neither had such problems, that´s why I am curious.
BR
Fabian
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Post by modicen on Oct 30, 2016 8:28:39 GMT -5
Sounds like you got a refurbed unit and not a brand new one. My XMC-1 looks flawless and sounds incredible. I would definitely call Emotiva about this.
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Post by wilburthegoose on Oct 30, 2016 8:53:57 GMT -5
^^^ Me too. The unboxing of my XMC-1 was a great experience, and it looked flawless.
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Oct 30, 2016 9:22:46 GMT -5
No such problems with mine. The volume control is also a push switch that acts as the muting control.
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Post by vneal on Oct 30, 2016 9:31:12 GMT -5
I have only 1 Emotiva unit but my brother in law has about 10 of the latest products and my experience is the build quality is as good as any unit made. Something is up
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Post by 405x5 on Oct 30, 2016 9:53:11 GMT -5
When I unpacked my XMC1. Everything was perfect. Very impressive double boxing (a relief after watching the delivery guy travel up my driveway with the unit precariously perched on his shoulder).
Build quality was equal and in some aspects superior to my former processor that carried a significantly higher price tag.
Volume control perfect though I use only remote control 99 percent of the time. Misunderstanding the mute function I think is why some diss the knob at times
Bill
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Post by 405x5 on Oct 30, 2016 11:35:52 GMT -5
Is this the normal build quality of the XMC-1 or did I just get a bad unit? So do your XMC-1 has similar flaws? That is not typical of any Emotiva product I have owned or my XMC-1. My XMC did have a loose screw inside, but with guidance from Emotiva, I easily removed that. I have heard some say the volume knob does not feel as substantial as they would like, but I have not heard of any nicked or loose to the point of rattling. Mark Loose as in extra? Bill
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Oct 30, 2016 11:46:33 GMT -5
Hello, I just received my XMC-1 this week here in Germany. The package arrived in good condition and today I finally got to opening it and replacing the UMC-200. I must say that I am at least a little bit underwhelmed with the build quality of the XMC-1: - There are residues from manufacturing (anodisation) present on the front plate edges - There are various fingerprints on the front plate - The front plate isn´t aligend properly with the chassis. The chassis seems to be "skewed" to one side, so its sides are not in parallel with the front plates edges. - The volume control feels very cheap, isn´t properly centered and there is a slight nick in the anodized surface already. - The power button on the front of the unit feels very cheap and is rattling when you touch it. Is this the normal build quality of the XMC-1 or did I just get a bad unit? In fact the build quality of my UMC-200 as well as my Nakamichi AV-1 is superior in my eyes. Returning is also quite problematic being an overseas customer - so I am little bit disappointed at the moment. Frankly speaking, I expected more, especially with the unit being assembled in the USA. So do your XMC-1 has similar flaws? Just curious. Well I hope the sound quality will make up for it. Best regards Fabian Looking at my XMC-1 bought April of 2015 and other Emotiva gear I can offer my my views. For me, I have no qualms with how it looks or performs. That said, to validate to your concerns, I found this; - There is no residue or finger prints (other than my own prints) on my unit. If there were when I got it, I simply wiped them off and called it done. - The front plate is not consistently flush with the sides (what I interpret as "parallel"). The top right of the case is sub flush to the trim/face plate by 0.5mm and the opposite side of the case is proud by 0.25mm. The bottoms seem to be flush to my measurements. - The volume knob is lighter to the touch and moves more freely than on my XSP-1 or my Pre-1. Because it's recessed, I was not able to measure around the openings without using my taper gauge (which may have caused a nick as you have reported). However, using a level I confirmed that it appears to be pointed slightly down when viewing in the profile, but otherwise fine from the birds eye. That being said, there is no interference or rubbing that would affect performance. And, to the casual observer, the slight downward angle is not noticeable. - The power button is loose and rattles when I touch it. But, in comparison with my XPA-2 (c. 2009), XPA-5 (c. 2010), ERC-3 (c. 2014), XSP-1 (c. 2013), it is no better or worse as they all do that.
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Post by vcautokid on Oct 30, 2016 12:09:56 GMT -5
I must join in here, and say all of my Emotiva Audio Products have been quality, and substantial Audio Components. XPA-2...built like a brick....well you know. USP-1 was perfect in every way. No flaws at all. ERC-1 was every bit as great in the build quality. My current XMC-1 and Stealth, and Airmotiv speakers carry on the tradition of Emotiva Audio great quality of build. Pure excellence.
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Post by panchakshari on Oct 30, 2016 12:30:18 GMT -5
Hi Bolle.. Iam in India and got my XMC-1 from one of reseller from Bombay, which is 1000miles from my place.. when I receive my device, there is no issues..But, once I get XPR-5 from one of my USA friend, that time my amplifier came with some issues like you.. Iam feeling that, it may be open by custom's people at Airports..pls check once..
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Post by 405x5 on Oct 30, 2016 13:10:13 GMT -5
Hi Bolle.. Iam in India and got my XMC-1 from one of reseller from Bombay, which is 1000miles from my place.. when I receive my device, there is no issues..But, once I get XPR-5 from one of my USA friend, that time my amplifier came with some issues like you.. Iam feeling that, it may be open by custom's people at Airports..pls check once.. I thought the same later after my own post. Who knows in today's world with random security checks and so forth. Seems highly unlikely that unit could have left the factory in anything less than perfect condition. Bill
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Oct 30, 2016 15:55:51 GMT -5
Yes...extra. It was rolling around and the only way I knew it was there was from the rattle. Mark
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Post by bolle on Oct 30, 2016 16:38:32 GMT -5
- The volume knob is lighter to the touch and moves more freely than on my XSP-1 or my Pre-1. Because it's recessed, I was not able to measure around the openings without using my taper gauge (which may have caused a nick as you have reported). However, using a level I confirmed that it appears to be pointed slightly down when viewing in the profile, but otherwise fine from the birds eye. That being said, there is no interference or rubbing that would affect performance. And, to the casual observer, the slight downward angle is not noticeable. - The power button is loose and rattles when I touch it. But, in comparison with my XPA-2 (c. 2009), XPA-5 (c. 2010), ERC-3 (c. 2014), XSP-1 (c. 2013), it is no better or worse as they all do that. Thank you for the feedback. What you described regarding the power button is exactly what I mean. I personally don´t own ANY other device (PC, Hifi, whatever) with such a loose power button. This is not the build quality I am expecting of a unit in this price segment. The same applies to the volume knob. I currently have a Onkyo TX-SR 806, a Pioneer A-77x, a Nakamichi AV-1 and a Dantax Pro 2035 here. All of them, even the el cheapo Dantax have a volume control which doesn´t feel as flimsy as the one of the XMC-1. The one of the Nakamichi for example is also lighted and has the same double functionality as a push button. It is centered better, feels sturdier and much nicer to handle. The Nakamichi AV1 cost me 199 pound - new. Sorry, but for me build quality and "haptic" are important factors for my user experience and I really expected more from the XMC-1 in this department. I still look forward to the SQ and DIRAC but for now my "unpacking happyness" got a dent. Regarding the "skewing" I tried to make some pictures. There you can see that the case and the front plate aren´t well aligned. This also doesn´t stay the same on the sides but the distance changes going from top to bottom. Regarding the anodisation residues I wouldn´t be able to identify those but I had a friend here today who does such stuff for a living and he said what I first thought as watermarks are residues from anodisation. No big deal but normally this shouldn´t be the case anymore after final QC. Therefore I also did choose the double titel of the thread.
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Post by millst on Oct 31, 2016 10:27:52 GMT -5
Yeah, mine is skewed, but not nearly as much. Maybe a mm or less difference between the sides. Agree that the volume control isn't very substantial compared to others, but it works fine and I rarely use it anyway. I don't recall any fingerprints, smudges, residue, etc. That would be disappointing in a new product.
-tm
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Post by Dan Laufman on Oct 31, 2016 19:02:39 GMT -5
Well, where to begin... I'm not sure why you feel this is the customer service portal, but so be it.
Anyone that has seen our assembly process and QC know units don't leave here with scratches of fingerprints on them. I can't defend myself from around the world when the unit is not here.
The volume control is not billet and it is tied to an encoder shaft and does have a small amount of give.
The power button does float, but that is how is is designed to operate. It does not "rattle".
The anodizing issue reported are not seen from the pictures sent.
I'm sorry we have disappointed you. Not sure why this one would have these issue out of the thousands that have been delivered with essentially zero QC issues as far as it relates to build quality and the types of obvious finish issues you are reporting.
The appropriate path is to contact sale@emotiva.com and we'll arrange a prompt refund. I don't see any point in replacing the unit as I'm sure you will not be pleased with it either.
Again, our apologies. Dan
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Oct 31, 2016 19:13:48 GMT -5
Well, where to begin... I'm not sure why you feel this is the customer service portal, but so be it. Anyone that has seen our assembly process and QC know units don't leave here with scratches of fingerprints on them. I can't defend myself from around the world when the unit is not here. The volume control is not billet and it is tied to an encoder shaft and does have a small amount of give. The power button does float, but that is how is is designed to operate. It does not "rattle". The anodizing issue reported are not seen from the pictures sent. I'm sorry we have disappointed you. Not sure why this one would have these issue out of the thousands that have been delivered with essentially zero QC issues as far as it relates to build quality and the types of obvious finish issues you are reporting. The appropriate path is to contact sale@emotiva.com and we'll arrange a prompt refund. I don't see any point in replacing the unit as I'm sure you will not be pleased with it either. Again, our apologies. Dan Mr. Dan, Thanks for showing up here on your forum, much appreciated! That said, stuff happens and the appropriate place to discuss ANY issue is with Emotiva not here unless a point of LAST resort! Most of us know that the unit being discussed is NOT SOP for Emotiva. If I sound like a fanboy, too bad! This is just not how you and your team do business! Sometimes we may vent that we don't like this or that about what y'all do and how y'all operate but its not our business and our ARSSES on the line, we all vote with our dollars and y'all know that. Please drop in more often! Not just for PR but because you love this stuff as much as we do! Peace, Nick
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Oct 31, 2016 19:27:40 GMT -5
Well, where to begin... I'm not sure why you feel this is the customer service portal, but so be it. Anyone that has seen our assembly process and QC know units don't leave here with scratches of fingerprints on them. I can't defend myself from around the world when the unit is not here. The volume control is not billet and it is tied to an encoder shaft and does have a small amount of give. The power button does float, but that is how is is designed to operate. It does not "rattle". The anodizing issue reported are not seen from the pictures sent. I'm sorry we have disappointed you. Not sure why this one would have these issue out of the thousands that have been delivered with essentially zero QC issues as far as it relates to build quality and the types of obvious finish issues you are reporting. The appropriate path is to contact sale@emotiva.com and we'll arrange a prompt refund. I don't see any point in replacing the unit as I'm sure you will not be pleased with it either. Again, our apologies. Dan I am one of those that have seen the production facility and process a number of times. It's very clean and well lit area and the different products in varying stages of completion have shown no signs of fingerprints or residue that I've ever seen. Work areas are also kept spotless and orderly. Yes, the volume control is a bit loose feeling but it's the design of the XMC-1 and every one I've seen has the same feel to it. The power button is like those on all the other Emotiva equipment I've had. I wonder if the unit was opened for inspection at customs to account for the fingerprints as noted elsewhere in the thread.
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Oct 31, 2016 19:56:23 GMT -5
Well, where to begin... I'm not sure why you feel this is the customer service portal, but so be it. Anyone that has seen our assembly process and QC know units don't leave here with scratches of fingerprints on them. I can't defend myself from around the world when the unit is not here. The volume control is not billet and it is tied to an encoder shaft and does have a small amount of give. The power button does float, but that is how is is designed to operate. It does not "rattle". The anodizing issue reported are not seen from the pictures sent. I'm sorry we have disappointed you. Not sure why this one would have these issue out of the thousands that have been delivered with essentially zero QC issues as far as it relates to build quality and the types of obvious finish issues you are reporting. The appropriate path is to contact sale@emotiva.com and we'll arrange a prompt refund. I don't see any point in replacing the unit as I'm sure you will not be pleased with it either. Again, our apologies. Dan I am one of those that have seen the production facility and process a number of times. It's very clean and well lit area and the different products in varying stages of completion have shown no signs of fingerprints or residue that I've ever seen. Work areas are also kept spotless and orderly. Yes, the volume control is a bit loose feeling but it's the design of the XMC-1 and everyone I've seen has the same feel to it. The power button is like those on all the other Emotiva equipment I've had. I wonder if the unit was opened for inspection at customs to account for the fingerprints as noted elsewhere in the thread. My visit about two months now was very similar to your experience "geebo". The production room where the XMC-1 is made was spotless and quite orderly(personally I could take a few pointers from their production crew in cleanliness). I know the picture I've posted is upside down, but if you click on it, it will show a nice orderly rack of XMC-1's in their beginning stages. Attachments:
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