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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 9, 2018 11:42:33 GMT -5
I'll say if there are accessible slots on the rear panel (as was shown at CEDIA 2017 I believe), and they're not user installable, then why bother, they have to be. The multi-port sub module seemed a popular idea, phono module would interest me. What do you mean why bother? To add more functionality that's why. They absolutely most certainly do NOT "have to be" user installable. Even if you have to send the unit back, that's better than not being able add the boards at all. If you want that, then just get an XMC-3. With the XMC-1 we can already send the unit back to get upgrades—HDMI, (hopefully) Atmos—presumably they could even do other upgrades back at the mothership (processor, DAC, whatever). What makes slots attractive is that they (should be) DIY—like your PC. Of course we’re both just speculating, but if the unit would have to go back to TN to add a module, why bother with the expense and complications of externally accessible slots? That’s a user convenience and safety feature? Doesn’t make sense to me to design a feature like this and not put it to full use (but of course plans often change from pencil to metal). I’d further like to see the slots follow a standard so that a little company like ... oh, “Bonzo’s Gonzo Gadgets” 😉 could make a niche product Emotiva might not see value in, or which might not be profitable for them. But Bonzo wants an S-Video Input for his VCR which includes upscaling to 4K (sorry couldn’t resist), he has leaned that there is a huge pent up market demand for this product, and he’s going to make a bundle 😀. Really (though unlikely), it would be cool to have an open standard slot for devices like this, maybe even one other vendors migh adopt as an industry standard (highly unlikely due to circuit and bus designs). A fun thought anyway.
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Post by Bonzo on Aug 9, 2018 14:10:45 GMT -5
but if the unit would have to go back to TN to add a module, why bother with the expense and complications of externally accessible slots? The slots are basically reservations for adding physical input and output plugs, whether they be RCA, XLR, USB, HDMI, Toslink etc etc. There has to be exterior room to accommodate those jacks. The modules are not just for upgrades like the XMC HDMI board, they are additional items that as of this time are still TBD (as far as we know). I think you are assuming for every module there will be a plug of some sort inside like a computer card. That would certainly be cool, but it may or may not be feasible depending on what each module might require. Digital modules could require entirely different connections than analog, or HDMI. It would be awesome if you could just plug them in and go. But I'm trying to be realistic here and give Emotiva the benefit of the doubt; to be understanding if it does have to go back. This is an awesome idea, and would be very cool, but in the electronics land of proprietary connections and features, ain't gonna happen. ☹️
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Post by Casey Leedom on Aug 9, 2018 15:43:12 GMT -5
And, as has already been mention by Dan Laufman himself, one possibility would be a Streaming Module. Such a module would have an Ethernet jack and a small computer to search as an Endpoint for the various Streaming Protocols like Roon, DLNA, Squeeze Client, etc. Casey
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Post by Bonzo on Aug 9, 2018 16:27:22 GMT -5
Here's a very crude photoshop of an analog module I'd like to see. - 1 Pair XLR Inputs - 8 RCA inputs, configurable as 4 stereo pairs, or 7.1 - 1 Pair RCA Record Outs And yes, I'd probably buy two of them!
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Post by fizban16 on Aug 9, 2018 19:31:11 GMT -5
Honestly, I just want an update. I have been set up for 7.2.6 since January. I initially said no to the 8805 because I honestly believe that the RMC-1 will be better, and it had the press release for the end of March. Recently my receiver went out, and although I found an obnoxious way to continue to limp along, I want to know what is going on. I could have been enjoying a relatively bug free 7.2.6 since February. What is happening? What are the delays? I would prefer to not miss out on another 6 months of 7.2.6 if this device will not release! Yes, I am frustrated. I still believe that the audio quality of the RMC-1 will be better than the 8805, but a year of missed opportunity is hard to swallow.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Aug 9, 2018 20:05:50 GMT -5
And, as has already been mention by Dan Laufman himself, one possibility would be a Streaming Module. Such a module would have an Ethernet jack and a small computer to search as an Endpoint for the various Streaming Protocols like Roon, DLNA, Squeeze Client, etc. Casey This is the one I want to see, but in a stand-alone case. I think, done right, that will sell quite well. If they can equal the sound of something like an utraRendu at 1/3 to 1/2 the price, that would be a game changer. Mark
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Post by liv2teach on Aug 10, 2018 3:03:58 GMT -5
Honestly, I just want an update. I have been set up for 7.2.6 since January. I initially said no to the 8805 because I honestly believe that the RMC-1 will be better, and it had the press release for the end of March. Recently my receiver went out, and although I found an obnoxious way to continue to limp along, I want to know what is going on. I could have been enjoying a relatively bug free 7.2.6 since February. What is happening? What are the delays? I would prefer to not miss out on another 6 months of 7.2.6 if this device will not release! Yes, I am frustrated. I still believe that the audio quality of the RMC-1 will be better than the 8805, but a year of missed opportunity is hard to swallow. I hear you....I finally decided to get a refurbished Marantz 8802a to use for home theater... I have a different system for two channel stereo... I figure that gives me about six months to see how things shake out here or what happens in the market place. Someone on here turned me onto accessories4less as a great source for low cost refurbished processors.... you might want to take a look.
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Post by cwt on Aug 10, 2018 3:41:57 GMT -5
but if the unit would have to go back to TN to add a module, why bother with the expense and complications of externally accessible slots? The slots are basically reservations for adding physical input and output plugs, whether they be RCA, XLR, USB, HDMI, Toslink etc etc. There has to be exterior room to accommodate those jacks. The modules are not just for upgrades like the XMC HDMI board, they are additional items that as of this time are still TBD (as far as we know). I think you are assuming for every module there will be a plug of some sort inside like a computer card. That would certainly be cool, but it may or may not be feasible depending on what each module might require. Digital modules could require entirely different connections than analog, or HDMI. It would be awesome if you could just plug them in and go. But I'm trying to be realistic here and give Emotiva the benefit of the doubt; to be understanding if it does have to go back. I would appreciate the option as AudioHTIT outlines it Bonzo ; whether that means less options per card to incorporate a built in interface is something that many may consider a good balance .. If integra can do it in the past [ slot in manually] its a worthwhile trade off - if at all So too integra offered both analog and digital cards in the same physical format [and even both digital and analog in one aes card] so nothing to worry about here.. A few of the options to maybe expect from the dtr10.5 manual; www.manualslib.com/manual/257459/Integra-Dtr-10-5.html?page=10#manual
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 10, 2018 9:25:15 GMT -5
The slots are basically reservations for adding physical input and output plugs, whether they be RCA, XLR, USB, HDMI, Toslink etc etc. There has to be exterior room to accommodate those jacks. The modules are not just for upgrades like the XMC HDMI board, they are additional items that as of this time are still TBD (as far as we know). I think you are assuming for every module there will be a plug of some sort inside like a computer card. That would certainly be cool, but it may or may not be feasible depending on what each module might require. Digital modules could require entirely different connections than analog, or HDMI. It would be awesome if you could just plug them in and go. But I'm trying to be realistic here and give Emotiva the benefit of the doubt; to be understanding if it does have to go back. I would appreciate the option as AudioHTIT outlines it Bonzo ; whether that means less options per card to incorporate a built in interface is something that many may consider a good balance .. If integra can do it in the past [ slot in manually] its a worthwhile trade off - if at all So too integra offered both analog and digital cards in the same physical format [and even both digital and analog in one aes card] so nothing to worry about here ... I can see Bonzo ’s point as well, it may be the rear panels are just reserving space. I hope not and would like to see some kind of connectivity associated with each panel, whether it be a slot that a module would plug into, or a connector on a board. The connector might make more sense as you could plug an Audio module in one place and video another (BGG needs a place for that S-Video port 😎). In any case I do hope a majority of them will be user installable. It seems a large percentage of HDMI V3’s were self installed, presumably because people didn’t want to be without their processors. I can also see however, some ‘revolutionary’ idea (like adding Atmos to the XMC-1) that might require a trip back to TN.
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Post by Bonzo on Aug 10, 2018 19:34:53 GMT -5
I would appreciate the option as AudioHTIT outlines it Bonzo ; whether that means less options per card to incorporate a built in interface is something that many may consider a good balance .. If integra can do it in the past [ slot in manually] its a worthwhile trade off - if at all So too integra offered both analog and digital cards in the same physical format [and even both digital and analog in one aes card] so nothing to worry about here ... (BGG needs a place for that S-Video port 😎). 😄 Ya know, I'm not sure I ever used S-Video. Composite for sure, but S-Video, don't remember. What would be nice on a flagship like the RMC is to have 3 HDMI outputs. That way if someone wanted old school video, or some other thing, they could uses a cheap converter box for the record out. Its already got 2 so how much could a third add to the cost. The 8802a has 3 HDMI outputs. That's how I will get a digital audio output, by using an HDMI to Toslink audio extractor. Not perfect but at least there is a work around.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 10, 2018 22:14:47 GMT -5
(BGG needs a place for that S-Video port 😎). 😄 Ya know, I'm not sure I ever used S-Video. Composite for sure, but S-Video, don't remember. I think I have a nice S-video cable WITH stereo RCA I can sell you ... you’ll be all set. 🤓
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 11, 2018 10:40:34 GMT -5
To put the slots back in context, is this still the best take on what we think the RMC-1’s rear panel will look like?
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Post by Bonzo on Aug 11, 2018 11:17:15 GMT -5
To put the slots back in context, is this still the best take on what we think the RMC-1’s rear panel will look like? View AttachmentYes. And did you see my picture above with a nice analog connection module inserted?
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Post by bblv on Aug 11, 2018 11:31:34 GMT -5
To put the slots back in context, is this still the best take on what we think the RMC-1’s rear panel will look like? View AttachmentYes, but I wouldn't be surprised if they adjusted the labeling for "Left Sub" & "Right Sub" to allude to being alternate outputs for "LM Height" & "RM Height" for the 9.1.6 crowd. I'm personally planning on using a MiniDSP for my LFE processing, so I only need one sub output from the RMC-1.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 11, 2018 17:21:32 GMT -5
To put the slots back in context, is this still the best take on what we think the RMC-1’s rear panel will look like? View AttachmentYes. And did you see my picture above with a nice analog connection module inserted? Yes, I’d probably use the Tape Out and maybe another Balanced In, but I’m good on RCA with the three base inputs. I’m only using 1 RCA now, and if they do a Phono module that could go away. That just got me thinking, it would be nice if they’d let you switch the Zone 2 out (switched / variable output / selectable input) to a Tape Out (always on / fixed out / follows main). I’d find that handy.
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Post by Bonzo on Aug 11, 2018 19:31:37 GMT -5
Yes. And did you see my picture above with a nice analog connection module inserted? Yes, I’d probably use the Tape Out and maybe another Balanced In, but I’m good on RCA with the three base inputs. I’m only using 1 RCA now, and if they do a Phono module that could go away. That just got me thinking, it would be nice if they’d let you switch the Zone 2 out (switched / variable output / selectable input) to a Tape Out (always on / fixed out / follows main). I’d find that handy. Your logic makes total sense. There is plenty of room so instead of just the Zone 2 out, they should also put a Zone 3 next to it. Label them however, but they would basically 2 outputs. Then inside, make BOTH switchable for variable, fixed, record output assignable (not stuck to follow mains), and record loop. Id rather have more analog inputs than a fixed phono module. The idea of being able to buy that separately as an outside unit (even a different brand) seems like a better idea to me. A built in streamer module sounds cool to me. And while I think the multi-sub output module thing sounds really cool, I would consider that much more a niche thing than me asking for 7.1 analog inputs. Sure there are people with 4 or more subs, but that is absolutely a niche. I do have to say, I'm still perplexed why it has a tuner. Save some space and money and pull that out of the stock unit. Use the space and money saved for something else. People who really want a tuner can buy it separately and plug it into one of the extra analog inputs on that module.
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Post by timmechengr on Aug 12, 2018 12:44:32 GMT -5
I do have to say, I'm still perplexed why it has a tuner. Save some space and money and pull that out of the stock unit. Use the space and money saved for something else. People who really want a tuner can buy it separately and plug it into one of the extra analog inputs on that module.
Removing the Tuner and/or Zone 2 RCA outs will take the RMC-1 off the table for me, and I'll have to go elsewhere.
I have an outdoor entertainment area with kitchen, fire pit, and TV sections. Two speakers are wall-mounted on either side of the TV with all cables and wires run in the walls into my system rack inside and connected through an amp to my XMC-1's Zone 2 outs. One HDMI is connected to my indoor TV while the other is connected to my outdoor TV. I also have a soundbar mounted under both TV's. Most of the time I'll listen through the soundbars when watching TV, but being in a major metropolitan area, the sports radio stations will broadcast our local team's games, and that's when I'll turn the soundbars off and play out through the system tuner to hear our local announcers during those games. When not watching TV and listening to mostly background music instead, again it's coming through the tuner. I can also play out through the CD player or my digital music player. Without the tuner or especially the Zone 2 RCA outs, I won't be able to do any of that. Trying to add an external tuner would mean having to buy a new rack as well because mine is full. I can spread out the shelves a little bit to make room for a taller RMC versus the XMC, but I definitely can't add another shelf for an external tuner.
I've been waiting (like most people here) for the RMC to come out so I can upgrade to HDMI 2.0 and Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. I can upgrade my XMC for the HDMI 2.0 and not lose my Zone 2 RCA outs, but upgrading to Dolby Atmos/DTS: X takes RCA outs and makes them digital. I don't have digital inputs on my amp just RCA and XLR.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 12, 2018 16:47:46 GMT -5
Id rather have more analog inputs than a fixed phono module. The idea of being able to buy that separately as an outside unit (even a different brand) seems like a better idea to me. To me it’s about cables, the fewer the better and less chances for noise to get into the system. So the Pro of a phono module is: a single cable from turntable to preamp, no XPS-1, no wall wort, possibly same performance (better?), user choice of other brands; Con is: less available distance between turntable and preamp, and (potentially) putting a very low level signal inside a processor’s noisey environment (It would take someone like Lonnie to explain whether he could match or exceed the performance of an outside device). You could also consider being ‘stuck’ with a phono module if you didn’t like it (limited resale), the same is true of any of the modules. And while I think the multi-sub output module thing sounds really cool, I would consider that much more a niche thing than me asking for 7.1 analog inputs. Sure there are people with 4 or more subs, but that is absolutely a niche. I don’t know about that, did you see how many pages ensued about how to configure the XMC’s subs, a lot of people like playing with subs, but how many people want to decode their multichannel Audio in their player? Especially with Atmos/DTS:X now being part of the mix, I’m happy to let the processor do the decode, but we each have our preferences. I do have to say, I'm still perplexed why it has a tuner. Save some space and money and pull that out of the stock unit. Use the space and money saved for something else. People who really want a tuner can buy it separately and plug it into one of the extra analog inputs on that module. I still occasionally use the tuner, but I’d prefer if it had HD and doubt it will, a (better) tuner module for those who want it makes sense, but I doubt it would ever get built. I’m guessing the built in tuner doesn’t add much cost or space, except the back panel which is dear.
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Post by donh50 on Aug 13, 2018 14:41:09 GMT -5
I do use the tuner fairly often, and have multiple subs as do a fair number of HT folk, so would not buy without those options available. I'd have to buy a tuner, a significant cost and I am not sure how many stand-alone tuners are around these days (do not really want to pay for a Magnum or similar). Having the processor at least time-align the subs is a big help, then I can tweak Dirac Live. Many folk seem to go the miniDSP route with multiple subs and at least that is a fairly inexpensive upgrade though is one more thing to buy, install, power, and learn, which is an easier pill to swallow when you haven't laid out $5k or whatever for the base processor. And its competition is likely to provide a tuner and at least two independent subwoofer outputs so that is a consideration.
I have not unboxed my turntable and probably won't at this point. The main reason to do so would be better mastering and thus better sound from the source (so vexing that many old LPs sound better than CDs due to that, it is nothing to do with the actual performance of the player, just lousy remastered CDs, IME/IMO). But I do not have a place for a TT anymore and have no longing to return to the endless tweaking and cleaning to get my records sounding their best. That said, I could live with an external phono box, might even be better since I could get the TT off to the side for access and run longer line-level cables to the processor. I did that years back using a custom (DIY) phono preamp to drive my main preamp.
I guess that leaves me with this ranking: 1) Tuner = must-have. 2) Multiple sub outputs = very much preferred but a reasonable work-around could be had with extra cost and time. 3) Phono preamp = not a big deal either way since the resurgence of vinyl means a lot of phono preamps are available from <$100 to >$10k and there are advantages in short cables to a remote pre-preamp.
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Post by davidl81 on Aug 13, 2018 14:59:40 GMT -5
On the tuner I see mentions of saving space and cost, but really how much cost is a digital tuner, +/- $25 I would guess. Space wise I would think its minimum.
One space where I see some wasted space are the digital inputs. I see no need for four optical and for rca digital inputs. Just two of each would be sufficient and you could condense those into a much tighter area if space was an issue. Overall though I think Emotiva has all the space they need on the RMC, it's just a matter of what inputs/outputs they think the majority of the user base wants.
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