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XMC-2
Mar 22, 2021 13:31:11 GMT -5
Post by dxtrem3fx on Mar 22, 2021 13:31:11 GMT -5
Hello All, I was thinking of replacing my Yamaha RX-A3070 AVR with the XMC-2. But I want to make sure the bugs are worked out before I drop $3k on a processor. I currently have the Emotiva 11 channel amp. I'm either going with the EMC-2 or a Marantz 7706. I just want it to work when I turn it on. So any current owners of the XMC-2 that would shed some light on current experiences, has firmware updates fixed the issues I've been reading about?
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Mar 22, 2021 16:59:50 GMT -5
The experiences are a mixed bag.
If you are looking for something that just works, you are probably better off with a Marantz. It may not be the best sounding but the trade off is that it’s probably more reliable.
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Mar 22, 2021 17:08:15 GMT -5
I have zero issue with my XMC-2; it just works. Granted, I don't use ARC or CEC, all my HDMI sources are relatively new and compliant, I use an off-the-self remote rather than trying to write code or use someone else's to be able to use my phone, tablet, watch, computer, etc, and I'm not doing anything with it that would fall under DYI.
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klinemj
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XMC-2
Mar 22, 2021 18:26:19 GMT -5
Post by klinemj on Mar 22, 2021 18:26:19 GMT -5
Mine works great also. I don't use ARC or CEC, and my HDMI devices are also relatively new. I use a Harmony remote and it works great.
The only issue I have had is in running Dirac. There's a distinct sequence I have learned needs to be followed in connecting and starting up the switch, the XMC-2, and the "ednib" box. If I follow it, all is fine and DIRAC finds the XMC and runs great. If I don't follow it, mine never works right. The key is that I do not connect the ednib to the switch or power it up UNTIL the XMC-2 is powered up and I confirm it has an IP address. After that, I can connect and power up the EDNIB and then everything works great. Simple, effective, but I have to do it that way. Emotiva says I "should not have to", but...I do have to.
Mark
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Post by thezone on Mar 22, 2021 18:30:52 GMT -5
I don't have any issues with mine whatsoever including on the new 2.2 FW. The SQ on this thing is def what I would consider "High End" and the ability to run two subs, one for Bass management for music and one for LFE I don't think there is another processor on the market that is that innovative and forward thinking.
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XMC-2
Mar 22, 2021 19:18:50 GMT -5
Post by dxtrem3fx on Mar 22, 2021 19:18:50 GMT -5
Thank you all for the information. How about ease of use? I'm not the most tech savvy person in my older age, at lest not like I used to be. I don't even know what EDNIB is. Does it do eARC? I will be using this to watch cable tv, xbox and movies via DVD or streaming. I like the price way better than the Marantz an the 16 channel seems like it should be way better than the Marantz. I'm currently running 5.2.4 Klipsch speakers.
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Lsc
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XMC-2
Mar 22, 2021 21:54:32 GMT -5
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Post by Lsc on Mar 22, 2021 21:54:32 GMT -5
Thank you all for the information. How about ease of use? I'm not the most tech savvy person in my older age, at lest not like I used to be. I don't even know what EDNIB is. Does it do eARC? I will be using this to watch cable tv, xbox and movies via DVD or streaming. I like the price way better than the Marantz an the 16 channel seems like it should be way better than the Marantz. I'm currently running 5.2.4 Klipsch speakers. You don’t have to be tech savvy to use the XMC2 or any other pre pro. It’s all very simple after a small learning curve. No eArc. ARC doesn’t work well which I’m sure Marantz will be perfect on. EDNIB is just something that needs to be on when you do Dirac. It translates Dirac’s lingo into the processor’s lingo during the upload process. My only concern for you is that the XMC2 will brick during a firmware update and you will experience some weird slow down. Other new owners have experienced it. I have not but it’s hard to recommend a product when it’s a mixed bag. No DLBC and no official announcement either on it. So I’m not sure if they will ever deliver it or if it’s in progress or what the collaboration with Dirac is on it.
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Post by rbk123 on Mar 23, 2021 7:35:21 GMT -5
Lots of people have lots of problems, but mine is in the just works camp. The return period is key for you, so don’t dawdle and be ready to hook it up and use it a lot. High caliber cables are a must.
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cawgijoe
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XMC-2
Mar 23, 2021 9:45:11 GMT -5
Post by cawgijoe on Mar 23, 2021 9:45:11 GMT -5
I'm in the just works camp like rbk123. Use it everyday. I have not had a firmware update problem. I'm on firmware 2.2. Once you understand how the menu system works, ease of use should not be an issue. The only area requiring a learning curve will be with Dirac especially if you are used to just plugging in a mic cable into your receiver or pre-pro using a system such as Audessey. You will be using a computer or laptop to run the room correction. It's definitely more powerful and to me sounds better. I would suggest reading up on it prior to just jumping in.
You do have a 30 day return period, so be prepared to set it up right away and run it through it's paces. Follow the directions and reach out to Emotiva support for help (as well as here) if you run into issues.
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XMC-2
Mar 23, 2021 10:16:04 GMT -5
Post by ttocs on Mar 23, 2021 10:16:04 GMT -5
Thank you all for the information. How about ease of use? I'm not the most tech savvy person in my older age, at lest not like I used to be. I don't even know what EDNIB is. Does it do eARC? I will be using this to watch cable tv, xbox and movies via DVD or streaming. I like the price way better than the Marantz an the 16 channel seems like it should be way better than the Marantz. I'm currently running 5.2.4 Klipsch speakers. EDNIB= Emotiva Dirac Network Interface Box Also known as . . . LBB= Little Black Box It will need to be connected while using Dirac for measuring, but not needed after running the Dirac app. As was already said eARC is not possible now. ARC works just like it always has since I tried it the first time mid last year. Ease of activation of ARC seems to be system dependent, and I am confident it is directly related to the interaction with the tv. I've tried ARC with every Emotiva firmware update and it works the same with all that I've tried. But, every time my tv updates its firmware it stops working and I need to re-initiate ARC using a process that is successful only after unplugging the power cords for both the processor and tv for several minutes and also disconnecting all other HDMI cables. Some will say this is not "always" necessary, and they are right, but my discovery has shown that I get 100% success using my process so I don't waste time with a process that is less successful.
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Post by doc1963 on Mar 23, 2021 13:25:00 GMT -5
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that if your top priority is “ease of use” or “it just works… no matter what”, then your better choice between these two is the Marantz AV7706. Let me elaborate... There are members here that have no problems with their Emotiva “Gen3” processors (myself included), but there are just as many who do have problems without rhyme or reason as to why. There’s no denying that Emotiva’s processors can be “finicky” and you will have to possess some level of “tech savviness” to work your way through them. You will also need a certain level of patience if your problems are indeed firmware related and would require a patch to be written to address them. Regarding firmware… The firmware update itself is a manual process and, while not that difficult, will require some level of technical knowledge. But nothing more than being able to follow instructions, having access to a PC and knowing how to properly format a USB thumb drive for the firmware update. The rest takes place on the processor itself. On the other hand, the AV7706 has an automated process that is done directly on the processor through the internet. You’ll get an on-screen notification that a firmware update is available along with the details of what it addresses. All you’ll need to do is either accept or decline the update. You can also configure it to perform those updates automatically without prompting you. If you choose that method, you will be notified (on screen) that a firmware update has been applied along with the same details of what was addressed. As for stability, the AV7706 will certainly not be as finicky, is more accepting of ”problematic" source devices, and is less particular about what cables you’re using. In short… “ it just works”. For ease of use, functional reliability and overall “ family approval”, it does not get any better that this. While the XMC-2 has improved, and will continue to improve, it's not yet on the same level. As far as setup goes, on the AV7706 you’ll need almost zero knowledge in this area. Once you’ve made all of your connections (you do have to know what cable goes where) and turn it on for the first time, you’ll be promoted by an on-screen setup guide that will walk you through the entire process. Setup on the XMC-2, on the other hand, is a manual process that will require some forethought and understanding of your speaker layout, the processor’s menu system and Dirac Live (if you choose to use Dirac straight out of the gate). However, only a basic setup needs to be done (using a sound level meter) before you begin using your XMC-2. Dirac calibration can come later, if you prefer, once you’re more familiar and comfortable with the functions of the processor itself and understand the Dirac calibration process. Now... I’m an RMC-1L owner who fits into the “ it works for me” category. I’m also a long-time Emotiva processor user who, along the way, has also had to fall back to using a Marantz processor until the issues with the Gen3 processors were worked out well enough for me to consider an upgrade. I've used an AV7703 and an AV8805 during the time between my former XMC-1 and current RMC-1L. So I can honestly say this… if you’re using this processor equally for music and home theater, then yes, the Emotiva wins handily for overall sound quality. Especially for music. However, if your only interest is home theater and casual TV viewing, I was hard pressed to tell much of a difference between them. If music matters to you, and you desire the uptick in sound quality, then by all means get the XMC-2 and get yourself up to speed on what you’ll need to know and be acceptant of the potential obstacles you might face. For a preface to those potential obstacles, take the time to browse the owners thread. You’ll only need to concern yourself with the later pages of that thread that originated after firmware version 2.1. See what might be there that relates to you. On the flip side of this, if I were a person who just wants to turn on my system, have it work every time (and not have to bother trying to figure out what happened or why when it doesn’t), then the Marantz would win. If I could be willing give up a bit of sound quality to achieve that goal, the Marantz would win. If I could accept the fact that, while Dirac is better, Audyssey is far easier to use (including setting it up using the MultEQ Editor app), the Marantz still wins. If I also owned a newer Smart TV and preferred to use the onboard apps porting the audio back to the processor via eARC (or even a reliable ARC connection), then there’s no contest, the Marantz wins hands down. But here’s the rub… If you can take my opinion for what it is (and is not) and look beyond what “might” happen (because there’s no way of knowing for sure), there’s a good chance that the XMC-2 will work just fine for you. If you want to give it a try for yourself in your own system, you have nothing to lose except the return shipping cost if it ends up that it doesn’t. I would be the first to tell you that Emotiva’s own support network is excellent and the support you’ll receive here from fellow owners in this forum is priceless. At the end of the day, any of these newer processors (that aren't a Marantz or Yamaha) will seem intimidating. But once you’ve peeked under the hood, you’ll be surprised to learn that they aren’t as “scary” as you might think. What’s more, they ALL have bugs, warts and gremlins. So, ultimately, evaluate what’s most important to you. Then choose wisely...
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cawgijoe
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XMC-2
Mar 23, 2021 13:36:40 GMT -5
Post by cawgijoe on Mar 23, 2021 13:36:40 GMT -5
Well, Doc has summed up what I think most of us tried to say. Well done!
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XMC-2
Mar 23, 2021 16:40:17 GMT -5
Post by dxtrem3fx on Mar 23, 2021 16:40:17 GMT -5
I appreciate everyone taking the time to post their thoughts and experiences with the product and or products. doc1963 a super informative post, and I appreciate the time spent on it. I tried to use REW on my Yamaha to get my system calibrated, but I can't even get test tones from my PC to my receiver. I was going to pay a couple of experts to tune existing HT and MiniDSP for my subs. We couldn't get the test tones from my pc to my Yamaha to work. So that stopped us dead in our tracks. DIRC is on par with REW and a challenge to use if you do not know what you're doing. Now it's just up to me to figure out how involved I want to be in my system. Of course, I want the best sound from movies and music, but do I want to spend the amount of time needed trying to figure out DIRC and calibrating my system with an external mic, which I already have. What's the deal with the cables and the EMC2? Will I need to spend a ton of money on expensive cables? I've already spent tons of money on my HDMI cables.
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Mar 23, 2021 17:15:55 GMT -5
Besides the Emotiva XPA-11 power amp, tell us what TV or projector(brand/model) that you have, as well as all of the sources(brand/model) that you will be using.
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XMC-2
Mar 23, 2021 17:48:52 GMT -5
Post by dxtrem3fx on Mar 23, 2021 17:48:52 GMT -5
I have the following equipment. AVR Yamaha RX-A3070 - going away with new EMC-2 if I decide Sony XBR-65X930D Sony UBP-X800 DVD Xbox one x project scorpio XBOX QTY of 4: Klipsch RP-280FA Front LR and Rear LR Klipsch RP-450CA center channel QTY 2 Klipsch SPL-150 SUBs Emotiva 11 Channel GEN 3 Amp Emotiva CMX-6 Power strip
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Post by rbk123 on Mar 23, 2021 20:26:30 GMT -5
What's the deal with the cables and the EMC2? Will I need to spend a ton of money on expensive cables? I've already spent tons of money on my HDMI cables. A ton of money - no. Quality cables can be inexpensive and poor cables can be pricey, so do not use $$ as your measuring stick. There’s a recommended cable thread around here somewhere.
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Post by thezone on Mar 24, 2021 4:28:09 GMT -5
Might I suggest that as you have eluded before that "I'm not the most tech savvy person in my older age" that perhaps room correction software is not your thing, in which case the eliminates the complexities of Dirac v Audyssey. I don't run any room correction, to me the XMC-2 together with my equipment and room sounds awesome. I believe its overkill but that's just my opinion. And as I said earlier, hook up one sub for bass management and one for LFE and you'll never look back. Forget minidsp, again overkill and an enthusiast tool. (IMO)
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Mar 24, 2021 7:34:27 GMT -5
I appreciate everyone taking the time to post their thoughts and experiences with the product and or products. doc1963 a super informative post, and I appreciate the time spent on it. I tried to use REW on my Yamaha to get my system calibrated, but I can't even get test tones from my PC to my receiver. I was going to pay a couple of experts to tune existing HT and MiniDSP for my subs. We couldn't get the test tones from my pc to my Yamaha to work. So that stopped us dead in our tracks. DIRC is on par with REW and a challenge to use if you do not know what you're doing. Now it's just up to me to figure out how involved I want to be in my system. Of course, I want the best sound from movies and music, but do I want to spend the amount of time needed trying to figure out DIRC and calibrating my system with an external mic, which I already have. What's the deal with the cables and the EMC2? Will I need to spend a ton of money on expensive cables? I've already spent tons of money on my HDMI cables. Dirac is much easier than REW. It’s not that difficult and if you have issues the good folks at Emotiva technical support can help you. HDMI - just need 2.0 high speed capable or 2.1. They run $10-20 max at Amazon
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cawgijoe
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XMC-2
Mar 24, 2021 7:38:59 GMT -5
Post by cawgijoe on Mar 24, 2021 7:38:59 GMT -5
I appreciate everyone taking the time to post their thoughts and experiences with the product and or products. doc1963 a super informative post, and I appreciate the time spent on it. I tried to use REW on my Yamaha to get my system calibrated, but I can't even get test tones from my PC to my receiver. I was going to pay a couple of experts to tune existing HT and MiniDSP for my subs. We couldn't get the test tones from my pc to my Yamaha to work. So that stopped us dead in our tracks. DIRC is on par with REW and a challenge to use if you do not know what you're doing. Now it's just up to me to figure out how involved I want to be in my system. Of course, I want the best sound from movies and music, but do I want to spend the amount of time needed trying to figure out DIRC and calibrating my system with an external mic, which I already have. What's the deal with the cables and the EMC2? Will I need to spend a ton of money on expensive cables? I've already spent tons of money on my HDMI cables. Dirac is much easier than REW. It’s not that difficult and if you have issues the good folks at Emotiva technical support can help you. HDMI - just need 2.0 high speed capable or 2.1. They run $10-20 max at Amazon You can also get good cables at Monoprice if needed.
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XMC-2
Mar 24, 2021 9:38:56 GMT -5
Post by dxtrem3fx on Mar 24, 2021 9:38:56 GMT -5
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