Buy an xmc-1 now ?

[dinoprada]

I'm new to emotiva products but wanted to buy a xmc -1 however there seems to be an issue with the fact it does not ship at the moment with hdmi 2.0b

I've also read that the new xmc - 1 will be out soon which leaves me in a dilemma

I do care about Dirac and want the full version I don't care about atmos and I need to future proof for hdmi 2.0b as I looking to buy a new 4k TV & Blu Ray player


The current xmc-1 is $2000 plus shipping and taxes to the U.K. It comes in at £2500 sterling give or take

If I buy now I'm assuming another £500 down the line for the hdmi board to be upgraded and deliver to the USA and back to the uk

If that's it I could swallow it but what else will the new xmc - 1 have that I won't get with the current model ?

I don't really want to wait 4-6 months for emotiva to release their new product but at the same time I don't want to waste lots of money and kick myself if a better product for the same cost is coming out

[garbulky]

Sorry if this sounds harsh. But if you want to be sure, wait till you are sure. Buy it when it's ready.

[klinemj]

dinoprada

It truly is a toss-up.

On one hand, you get a guaranteed price now. On the other hand, the new board is coming. One thing to consider is that they have said the new HDMI board will be user-installable. If it is, then you won't have to ship it back and forth assuming you feel comfortable installing the board. Frankly, it looks like some case screws, some cables on the board to disconnect and reconnect, and some screws that hold the board in place. If you have the slightest ability to mod a PC, it seems easy.

The only downside risk is that Emotiva may never come out with the new board. That said, many thought they would never upgrade it beyond firmware, and they already have a new HDMI board available, yet it is. And another plus Atmos very clearly underway. If I were a betting man, I would bet on them to deliver, and my only question is timing. Net, I would buy to ensure the overall unit price, then upgrade and install myself.

Mark

[doc1963]

I agree with garbulky, if you haven't the immediate need (since you also haven't made the 4K UHD investment yet) why not wait another 30 days and see where you're at... IMO, the term "future proof" is greatly exaggerated since, in reality, what you buy today is considered "yesterday's technology" within a year. Ultra HD hasn't yet reached "critical mass" and we're already hearing 8K and HDMI 2.1 are looming. What's next...

If you "really" cannot wait, you do have options. Go ahead and buy the current XMC-1 and pay for the upgraded board when it becomes available (it will be user installable) or look at another processor. The Anthem AVM-60 is an excellent alternative, but costs more, exceeds your current needs and can never be upgraded. Or, you can go the cheaper route and purchase an MC-700 when they come back in stock. If you know how to use (or are willing to learn) REW, the MC-700 "can" be an excellent, and far more economical, choice.

I use an XMC-1 along with an XSP-1 as a "hybrid" system. I'm beginning to look at the HT AV processor as a disposable commodity and have considered scaling back to a MC-700 myself. For me, 3 Ultra HD inputs are enough and I don't "need" to spend 3 grand to get great sound from a movie soundtrack. That's something worth considering...

[Loop 7]

I plan to buy an XMC-1 used after the RMC-1 is released.

[Loop 7]

Mar 31, 2017 17:50:19 GMT -5 doc1963 said:

...I'm beginning to look at the HT AV processor as a disposable commodity and have considered scaling back to a MC-700 myself. For me, 3 Ultra HD inputs are enough and I don't "need" to spend 3 grand to get great sound from a movie soundtrack.

It's actually tough to disagree with you. I'm using two of the four HDMI inputs on my UMC-200 and I'm stuck in the ice age of 1080p/5.1 so it does become tough to justify a continual cycle of processors.

I would like an XMC-1 but only at a great price which explains my patience.

[rbk123]

Another pro for buying now is you get to use it and enjoy it for all those months until the upgrade comes out (could easily end up being longer than 4-6 mo's). If that's no big deal, then Garbulky's advice would seem more inline with your situation.

[creimes]

Buy now and enjoy the XMC-1 and Dirac, it's a great processor and I miss mine dearly.

[vcautokid]

Totally correct. As long as the technology develops, and Hollywood remains paranoid about their property, HDMI and HDCP will remain a moving target to keep up with. I had a nice discussion with my boss about that, and told him 1080P will be standard definition to most very soon as 4K, and the not too distant HDR schemes become more reality. Also 8K next logical progression will require more yet again.

Interesting note is the limited amount of 4K broadcasts. Based on the latest meeting of Broadcasters, HDR 1080P will be their big heavy for now. That is where they'll get the biggest bang for their buck. 4K is too cost prohibitive at this time. Eventually broadcasts will be 4K, though not right away.

The main takeaway for now is stay as current as your relevant technology needs, and if 4K playback is an immediate reality for you, or if you are waiting for a bit.

So if you are excited about 4K and need that native 4K broadcast, or playback. HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 will be your calling card. For now anyway.

[dinoprada]

Thanks very much for all the replies

Yes it's a mine field at the moment with 4k the changing
Spec and such the implantation of possible 8k in the not too distant future making sure my processor and TV can handle HDR which is why I want 4k I'm only using it on a 65" screen from 7ft away so the increase resolution is not a big deal

The buying and upgrading of the hdmi boards is not an issue I'm willing to do that pay the cost etc

Like I said I have no need for atmos

The anthem is out of my price point as will be the new RMC

So it's literally a toss up between the xmc - 1 now or
Or holding on for the new model

I heard the new model will offer Dirac at 96k as well as reference channels for l/C/R

Then there is the balanced outputs issue

I only listen in 2.1 for stereo streaming music via Spotify it's mostly movies 90% of the time the processor will be used for on a 5.2 setup

I don't really understand what having Dirac at 96k as apposed to the current bit rate will bring ?

Also having balanced outputs on all channels what does that mean / do for sound quality and the way I will be using the xmc - 1 ?

Same question again for having reference on l/C/R
as opposed to current xmc-1 on just L/R

[cawgijoe]

ATSC 3.0 is coming. We will within a few years see over the air 4k broadcasts. This will include HDR and from what I have read, 3D.
In fact LG is getting ready to release TV sets with ATSC 3.0 tuners for the Korean market as they are ahead of us.

When it's time, you will need a new TV or converter box to get 4k OTA. ATSC 1.0 will continue in parallel in the meantime.

The tech is there, but just like when HD was introduced, it all comes down to money. Stations will need new broadcast equipment which costs money.

I'm currently enjoying 4k Netflix on my 65" Samsung, but the thought of free OTA 4k is exciting.

[cwt]

Apr 1, 2017 1:31:51 GMT -5 dinoprada said:

Or holding on for the new model
I heard the new model will offer Dirac at 96k as well as reference channels for l/C/R
Then there is the balanced outputs issue
I only listen in 2.1 for stereo streaming music via Spotify it's mostly movies 90% of the time the processor will be used for on a 5.2 setup
I don't really understand what having Dirac at 96k as apposed to the current bit rate will bring ?
Also having balanced outputs on all channels what does that mean / do for sound quality and the way I will be using the xmc - 1 ?
Same question again for having reference on l/C/R
as opposed to current xmc-1 on just L/R

Important to distinguish between the XMC1 + hdmi 2.0b board and the XMC2 which is likely a long while off as all talk is currently on the RMC-1 Dino . The current XMC1 as well as the XMC2 have all channel fully balanced outputs . This is good for long runs of cables to power amps with balanced inputs ; unbalanced can pick up noise over longer distances . If you have short runs unbalanced well shielded rca's does fine though..

The difference is the extra "quad differential" balanced input to output channel circuitry on the XMC2 . The 2ch l/r balanced outputs on the XMC1 is important for those who have /want top notch 2ch analog playback . Spotify ? that's not you ; nor me

I imagine the XMC2'S extra common mode noise cancellation would be handy for those who have individual monoblock power amps that are also quad balanced ; as some emo ones are I believe . Whether that's audible is an open question at this point.

Its a bit contentious as to whether dirac at 48 or 96khz is ok ; if you download hi rez tracks at these higher rates or are content with bd tracks @ 24/48 is a matter for you

Also with the XMC-2 you are paying for a minimum extra 4 balanced ceiling channels for atmos;dts-x .. Which makes it an easy choice as you don't need atmos I can appreciate the smaller rooms you have in old blighty compared to ours in Aus btw , 7.1 is a staple

[fbczar]

Apr 1, 2017 1:31:51 GMT -5 dinoprada said:

Thanks very much for all the replies

Yes it's a mine field at the moment with 4k the changing
Spec and such the implantation of possible 8k in the not too distant future making sure my processor and TV can handle HDR which is why I want 4k I'm only using it on a 65" screen from 7ft away so the increase resolution is not a big deal

The buying and upgrading of the hdmi boards is not an issue I'm willing to do that pay the cost etc

Like I said I have no need for atmos

The anthem is out of my price point as will be the new RMC

So it's literally a toss up between the xmc - 1 now or
Or holding on for the new model

I heard the new model will offer Dirac at 96k as well as reference channels for l/C/R

Then there is the balanced outputs issue

I only listen in 2.1 for stereo streaming music via Spotify it's mostly movies 90% of the time the processor will be used for on a 5.2 setup

I don't really understand what having Dirac at 96k as apposed to the current bit rate will bring ?

Also having balanced outputs on all channels what does that mean / do for sound quality and the way I will be using the xmc - 1 ?

Same question again for having reference on l/C/R
as opposed to current xmc-1 on just L/R

I think CWT has the right idea. If you are only going to listen to Spotify there is no advantage to anything above the XMC-1. Same with Dirac at 48/24. Bluray is 48/24 and only high res files can take advantage of 96/24 so you cannot do better with movies and Spotify than the XMC-1. As to balanced outputs, you must have fully differential amplifiers to take advantage of them. So if you do not have fully balanced amps don't worry about balanced outputs. If ATMOS does not matter the only reason to consider anything above the XMC-1, in your case, is 4K television and the convenience of internal switching. If I were in your shoes and I could save considerable money with the XMC-1 vs something else I would save the money. However, if I were listening to high res files or DSD I would upgrade or wait on something new.

[dinoprada]

Thanks guys so it seems for me and my uses the xmc -1 is perfect

The only issue being the HDMI board which I can order or upgrade anyway and hopefully emotiva will continue this upgrade path when it goes to hdmi 2.1 ?

I can't see a reason to wait for the xmc - 2 then

Unless anyone can think of a particular reason for me and my circumstances I should wait? it looks like I should buy now 🤗



I dont have long runs of cable my power amp a tag is connected next the current receiver in the rack

I don't listen to hi res files

I don't have mono blocks

I don't want atmos and if I did they are going to have an upgrade board anyway

What I want is a processor that will blow my onkyo 818 and aud x32 out the water for sound quality

😁

[fbczar]

Apr 1, 2017 12:16:36 GMT -5 dinoprada said:

Thanks guys so it seems for me and my uses the xmc -1 is perfect

The only issue being the HDMI board which I can order or upgrade anyway and hopefully emotiva will continue this upgrade path when it goes to hdmi 2.1 ?

I can't see a reason to wait for the xmc - 2 then

Unless anyone can think of a particular reason for me and my circumstances I should wait? it looks like I should buy now 🤗



I dont have long runs of cable my power amp a tag is connected next the current receiver in the rack

I don't listen to hi res files

I don't have mono blocks

I don't want atmos and if I did they are going to have an upgrade board anyway

What I want is a processor that will blow my onkyo 818 and aud x32 out the water for sound quality

😁

You will be amazed by the sound of the XMC-1 as is. There are ways around the need to upgrade the HDMI board, but the cost is reasonable so .....

[dinoprada]

Thanks fb

So the consensus seems to be buy now

Anyone care to disagree before I place my order

I'm pretty excited to hear what Dirac can do 🤗

[creimes]

I stick with my thoughts that the current state of the XMC-1 with Dirac was outstanding in my room and the best my setup has sounded, Dirac worked wonders for me and my room.

[dinoprada]

Just bought my xmc-1 with full Dirac

🤗🎉

[cawgijoe]

Apr 1, 2017 14:53:35 GMT -5 dinoprada said:

Just bought my xmc-1 with full Dirac

🤗🎉

Congrats! I love mine.

Read the manual while you are waiting for it so you are ready for set up when it arrives.

[Lsc]

Apr 1, 2017 13:16:35 GMT -5 dinoprada said:

Thanks fb

So the consensus seems to be buy now

Anyone care to disagree before I place my order

I'm pretty excited to hear what Dirac can do 🤗

Too late for me to chime in . I don't disagree especially given Emotiva's release cycle.

I do plan on holding off on upgrading my XMC-1 until after the XMC-2 is released. It's easier to wait when you have one (like you do now). After all it's only money right? For you I'd look to upgrade by just buying the XMC-2 should you fee like it's worth it and selling the XMC-1 before sending it overseas for upgrades.

Congrats!