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Post by Tom Ascher on Jan 14, 2017 15:59:38 GMT -5
I've been looking for comments comparing the sound quality of the MC-700 and the XMC-1. Since the MC-700 is so new, so few people actually have, I thought I'd ask the question here. Barring "features" is there any difference in sound quality? That is if you use both as straight preamps without DIRAC or any other frequency shaping, would they sound the same? Appreciate any information! Tom Ascher
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Post by hosko on Jan 14, 2017 16:08:31 GMT -5
Why would you use the XMC1 without Dirac or any frequency shaping?
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emovac
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Post by emovac on Jan 14, 2017 16:48:27 GMT -5
I don't own either, but there should be some differences between those two models. Different architecture and DSPs to start with. How you intend to use the Prepro is in part of the selection process.
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Post by petew on Jan 14, 2017 16:50:28 GMT -5
Welcome Tom
What's your associated gear?
I have not owned either processor. Going from 1999 era Rotel prepro to a used Outlaw 990 processor was a significant jump. The move from the 990 to my current UMC-200 was not as much of a leap. Dolby prologic was much improved, but not much difference with the basic unprocessed sound. I guess my point is, modern well designed processors sound good.
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Post by Tom Ascher on Jan 14, 2017 17:07:31 GMT -5
I've ordered an XMC-1 rather than the MC-700 because of concern it will take too long to get an MC-700. But now concerned that I may be wasting money and maybe I should have waited for the MC-700. My present system involves an Outlaw 975 prepro feeding into a Wyred4sound MMC-5 channel amplifier. I have 5 speakers I built myself using Scanspeak Illuminator components. Also a HUE subwoofer. The sides are 2- way based on the NADA design using beryllium tweeters and Scanspeak midwoofers. The new L/R fronts are 3-way Scanspeak speakers also with beryllium tweeters, which I also built myself, and have terrific sound, but with a little bit of a bass hump. I need to filter out the bass hump which I plan to do using Parametric Equalizers, which I understand both the MC-700 and XMC-1 have. I'd feel reassured if I knew that the XMC-1 had somewhat better sound than the MC-700!
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Post by garbulky on Jan 14, 2017 17:34:59 GMT -5
I don't know what to tell you regarding the MC-700 as I haven't heard it. I found the XMC-1 to sound decent in fully balanced mode. I heard it with and without DIRAC and in direct mode. I found myself preferring the sound without DIRAC. In terms of it functioning as a DAC, I've mostly had experience with two channel DACs and compared to them, I wasn't thinking that it was quite in the same league. But there's no denying that it did sound good and compared to the fewer multichannel units I've heard, imo it sounded somewhat better.
I don't know if you know this yet but the XMC-2 is upcoming with HDMI 2, and upgraded DAC chips (I think) and atmos support. It will probably cost a bit more than the XMC-1.
For my needs, if I was going to go multichannel, maybe I might choose the MC-700. The price difference for the XMC-1 is rather steep. 2k is a lot of money for me and I would rather spend it on two channel components. But then again, if it didn't cut the sound quality mustard, then it wouldn't matter to me that the MC-700 was cheaper. It would go back. So then again there's that.
I imagine the sound quality should be pretty close to the XMC-1 though I have not heard it. You appear to have some high quality speakers and subwoofers. So that does change things too when considering source components. Good luck!
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Post by vneal on Jan 14, 2017 17:44:20 GMT -5
Offer them both for free and I think 100% would choose the the XMC-1. I see features as being the difference' The MC700 does seem to be the benefactor of trickle down technology
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emovac
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Post by emovac on Jan 14, 2017 18:24:31 GMT -5
I don't know what to tell you regarding the MC-700 as I haven't heard it. I found the XMC-1 to sound decent in fully balanced mode. I heard it with and without DIRAC and in direct mode. I found myself preferring the sound without DIRAC. In terms of it functioning as a DAC, I've mostly had experience with two channel DACs and compared to them, I wasn't thinking that it was quite in the same league. But there's no denying that it did sound good and compared to the fewer multichannel units I've heard, imo it sounded somewhat better. I don't know if you know this yet but the XMC-2 is upcoming with HDMI 2, and upgraded DAC chips (I think) and atmos support. It will probably cost a bit more than the XMC-1. For my needs, if I was going to go multichannel, maybe I might choose the MC-700. The price difference for the XMC-1 is rather steep. 2k is a lot of money for me and I would rather spend it on two channel components. But then again, if it didn't cut the sound quality mustard, then it wouldn't matter to me that the MC-700 was cheaper. It would go back. So then again there's that. I imagine the sound quality should be pretty close to the XMC-1 though I have not heard it. You appear to have some high quality speakers and subwoofers. So that does change things too when considering source components. Good luck! garbulky - I am considering the XMC-1 leap. Are you using Dirac LE or full? Also, how soon is Emotiva looking to release the XMC-2. Is MQA decoding in the equation? Thanks.
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Post by garbulky on Jan 14, 2017 19:18:32 GMT -5
garbulky - I am considering the XMC-1 leap. Are you using Dirac LE or full? Also, how soon is Emotiva looking to release the XMC-2. Is MQA decoding in the equation? Thanks. I don't have it. Heard it at a friends house. I think it's the LE version. I'm not saying that it's not good. I heard a noticeable difference with DIRAC engaged. I simply preferred the direct non dirac version.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Jan 14, 2017 20:06:45 GMT -5
garbulky - I am considering the XMC-1 leap. Are you using Dirac LE or full? Also, how soon is Emotiva looking to release the XMC-2. Is MQA decoding in the equation? Thanks. I don't have it. Heard it at a friends house. I think it's the LE version. I'm not saying that it's not good. I heard a noticeable difference with DIRAC engaged. I simply preferred the direct non dirac version. Hey garbulky , are you discussing my XMC-1 and your experience with it?
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Post by Loop 7 on Jan 14, 2017 20:08:44 GMT -5
My present system involves an Outlaw 975 prepro feeding into a Wyred4sound MMC-5 channel amplifier. I assume you really like the W4S MMC-5? I had the 2 channel version and thought it was extremely good. Wyred4Sound permanently changed my mind on Class-D.
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Post by Tom Ascher on Jan 14, 2017 20:25:28 GMT -5
I became converted to Class-D many years ago. Had a $5,000, 150 pound Mark Levinson that I sold and switched over. Wouldn't go back. The W4S is in MHO the current best iteration. I'm still awaiting an answer from someone who actually owns an MC-700 to comment on sound quality vs. the XMC-1. Without a clear answer, looks like I will stay with my order for the XMC-1 as I'm impatient, concerned it would take too long to get an MC-700. I turned 81 last year and no longer buy green bananas!
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Post by creimes on Jan 14, 2017 21:45:04 GMT -5
The XMC-1 was/is the best processor I have owned to date, Dirac for me was really really good as I liked the way it flattened the frequency, it does take a bit to get used to but I really enjoyed it, I currently have the Marantz AV7702 and I'm not the most impressed by it, I haven't had a chance to have a good run with Audessey yet but out of the box it sounds lifeless compared to the Sherbourn 7020 it replaced.
Having owned the XMC-1 but not the MC-700 I can say I really enjoyed my time with XMC but single income household I had to sell it, I want one back but I don't have the Canadian funds to afford to do so, for the price you can get the XMC in the US IMO it's a no brainer and I'm sure you will really like it as well.
Chad
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Post by emovac on Jan 14, 2017 22:55:50 GMT -5
My present system involves an Outlaw 975 prepro feeding into a Wyred4sound MMC-5 channel amplifier. I assume you really like the W4S MMC-5? I had the 2 channel version and thought it was extremely good. Wyred4Sound permanently changed my mind on Class-D. +1 on W4S I have a W4S STI-500 and W4S MC7x250. Five years of flawless Class D performance. Also have the W4S DAC2 with clock upgrade. Products are well made.
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Post by Lsc on Jan 14, 2017 23:34:52 GMT -5
I became converted to Class-D many years ago. Had a $5,000, 150 pound Mark Levinson that I sold and switched over. Wouldn't go back. The W4S is in MHO the current best iteration. I'm still awaiting an answer from someone who actually owns an MC-700 to comment on sound quality vs. the XMC-1. Without a clear answer, looks like I will stay with my order for the XMC-1 as I'm impatient, concerned it would take too long to get an MC-700. I turned 81 last year and no longer buy green bananas! Sorry. I don't own the MC-700 and don't plan on buying it. I did own a UMC-200 (predecessor to the MC-700) and now have the XMC-1. The difference between my two processors weren't close and I'm sure it'll be the case with the MC-700. You made the right choice. But I bet theMC-700 is a hell of a bargain at $599 too though.
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Post by harlan on Jan 16, 2017 16:54:48 GMT -5
The MC 700 just starting shipping on Thurs/Friday. My guess is the first units will be in consumers hands today. I would have mine tomorrow but Emotiva required a signature .
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Post by rbk123 on Jan 16, 2017 20:43:50 GMT -5
I'll let you know after I swap out my un-Dirac'd XMC-1 with the MC700 shortly upon receipt. I haven't set up Dirac with the XMC as it's in my secondary system where the MC will reside so I didn't want to mess with it only for it to go away.
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jautor
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Post by jautor on Jan 17, 2017 11:40:45 GMT -5
The MC 700 just starting shipping on Thurs/Friday. My guess is the first units will be in consumers hands today. I would have mine tomorrow but Emotiva required a signature . Note that you can register with UPS and pre-authorize a signature release for packages like this so you don't need to be home, and the package will be left per your instructions as usual... There's two levels for UPS: "signature required" and "Direct signature required". The first one (which is mostly what is used, and how Emotiva is shipping) can be signed for in advance - meaning you take responsibility for it being left. The second one requires an adult to be present to sign in person - which is the one you really need to be home for! Jeff
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Post by pmctexas on Jan 17, 2017 12:15:13 GMT -5
Mine is up and running. Not fully dialed-in but so far 4K/HDR works fine from my connected devices... I'm still trying to figure out how to rename my inputs...
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Post by leefdalucky on Jan 17, 2017 12:55:45 GMT -5
I became converted to Class-D many years ago.. Yep, me too. I can't wait to try this one out on my Rotel. Have you had a chance to listen to the NAD M27 or any of the nCore solutions? Mine is up and running. Not fully dialed-in but so far 4K/HDR works fine from my connected devices... I'm still trying to figure out how to rename my inputs... Looks like it's signature changing time. Let us know how it goes. Do you think there's any difference between the UMC-200 or even the UMC-1? Cheers!
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