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Post by everytuesday on Sept 16, 2021 20:44:39 GMT -5
Monoprice is a bit complicated. First, they do not manufacture the HTP-1. The HTP-1 was a collaboration between Momentum Data Systems and ATI. MDS handled the digital hardware development and provides all software support. ATI handled the basic platform design, designed the analog stages and does the final assembly. Monoprice provides their name, a storefront and basic frontline "non-technical" customer support. They also provide warranty support. ............ Good luck to you... Thank you so much for the in-depth replay - it was super helpful.
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Post by millst on Sept 17, 2021 0:30:16 GMT -5
It's amazing to me that we have different user experiences. I just don't understand why some units work fine...no need to power cycle every few hours....turn it on and it just "works"....no pops with latest firmware....Dirac works fine once you know how to run it....yes it's more complicated than the mainstream units, but it's also more powerful. I'm sorry for your issues, but I just wanted possible new owners to realize that not all of us have all these mentioned problems. As to ASR...I've tried to listen carefully for sound issues and can't hear any. It's either inaudible or my hearing is not that good. I've put that review on the backburner.
I'm not that surprised. These pre-pros have so many features. Some people use Dirac, others use manual EQ or nothing at all. Some people, like me, still have an HDMI 1.4 TV. Pretty sure the majority of people don't touch the network interface except maybe for Dirac calibration. Think about standby mode, ARC, triggers, different surround modes, and so on. So many possible combinations and we haven't even gotten to what devices it is connected to or what kind of cabling configuration.
Ugh, enough ASR....dead horse.
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Post by routlaw on Sept 17, 2021 8:34:26 GMT -5
@ pzzr I don’t have any experience with roon so I can’t answer that but surely someone else on here can
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Post by AudioHTIT on Sept 17, 2021 9:41:06 GMT -5
@ pzzr While I'm still in the early setup and dialing in stage with my RMC-1L likewise my setup is rather simple in that I use only a projector so the need for VRO, CEC and other items just are not necessary. It is worth mentioning though the onboard DAC's in the RMC/XMC-2 are really really good. Thus far they sound or perform differently than my Holo Spring DAC which is R2R ladder but much to my surprise I'm very impressed so far. The point being you might find yourself not using your Oppo 205 for an outboard DAC. I've pretty much decided to sell my XSP-1 Gen 2 pre-amp given the quality of the RMC-1 and may end up eliminating the the Holo Spring. Only time will tell. It will be awhile before fooling around with Dirac as I want to get all the basics dialed in first. Never even used it with my XMC-1, go figure. My Oppo is my Roon device, does the XMC-2 do that? I’ll go look…. There are no streaming functions in any of the G3P. There was once a comment that some streaming could be added to any of the models, and the expansion slots certainly make it possible for the RMC-1, but I’d say either are unlikely. The current network capabilities of the G3P are limited to Remote Control, and Dirac setup.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Sept 17, 2021 11:16:54 GMT -5
I haven’t followed this thread that closely but I’ll now weigh in. My RMC-1 does sound great in both stereo and HT. They are striving to make it better daily IMO. Quirks? Some have reported some and some have had more. I like mine. One more thing to think about, I’ve never found better support for anything I’ve ever purchased. Just my two cents.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Sept 17, 2021 15:04:29 GMT -5
@ pzzr While I'm still in the early setup and dialing in stage with my RMC-1L likewise my setup is rather simple in that I use only a projector so the need for VRO, CEC and other items just are not necessary. It is worth mentioning though the onboard DAC's in the RMC/XMC-2 are really really good. Thus far they sound or perform differently than my Holo Spring DAC which is R2R ladder but much to my surprise I'm very impressed so far. The point being you might find yourself not using your Oppo 205 for an outboard DAC. I've pretty much decided to sell my XSP-1 Gen 2 pre-amp given the quality of the RMC-1 and may end up eliminating the the Holo Spring. Only time will tell. It will be awhile before fooling around with Dirac as I want to get all the basics dialed in first. Never even used it with my XMC-1, go figure. My Oppo is my Roon device, does the XMC-2 do that? I’ll go look…. If you use Oppo as your Roon endpoint, you don't need to worry about the XMC-2 being a Roon endpoint. Just use the Oppo and output it to the XMC-2 (digital or analog). If you wanted to get rid of the Oppo, the XMC-2 is not currently a Roon Endpoint, but there are many inexpensive options...like a Raspberry Pi. With that, you can use the XMC-2's DAC or another outboard DAC. Mark
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pzzr
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Post by pzzr on Sept 17, 2021 19:13:55 GMT -5
My Oppo is my Roon device, does the XMC-2 do that? I’ll go look…. If you use Oppo as your Roon endpoint, you don't need to worry about the XMC-2 being a Roon endpoint. Just use the Oppo and output it to the XMC-2 (digital or analog). If you wanted to get rid of the Oppo, the XMC-2 is not currently a Roon Endpoint, but there are many inexpensive options...like a Raspberry Pi. With that, you can use the XMC-2's DAC or another outboard DAC. Mark Yeah the Oppo is the endpoint, I was thinking of minimal connections, so not having to connect to the Oppo then the processor, just on principle. No big deal, but doesn’t the XMC-2 come with a Raspberry Pi for the Dirac hook up? Would that work? Only on the basis of trying the XMC-2 DAC in comparison to the Oppo. Based on what I’ve read the SQ improvement from the Marantz to the XMC-2 would be noticeable, I’m not sure how noticeable the difference would be between Oppo and XMC-2 DAC’s.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Sept 17, 2021 20:34:32 GMT -5
If you use Oppo as your Roon endpoint, you don't need to worry about the XMC-2 being a Roon endpoint. Just use the Oppo and output it to the XMC-2 (digital or analog). If you wanted to get rid of the Oppo, the XMC-2 is not currently a Roon Endpoint, but there are many inexpensive options...like a Raspberry Pi. With that, you can use the XMC-2's DAC or another outboard DAC. Mark Yeah the Oppo is the endpoint, I was thinking of minimal connections, so not having to connect to the Oppo then the processor, just on principle. No big deal, but doesn’t the XMC-2 come with a Raspberry Pi for the Dirac hook up? Would that work? Only on the basis of trying the XMC-2 DAC in comparison to the Oppo. Based on what I’ve read the SQ improvement from the Marantz to the XMC-2 would be noticeable, I’m not sure how noticeable the difference would be between Oppo and XMC-2 DAC’s. Yes, some have used the Pi for other purposes, you could replace the Micro SD card with a ‘Roon Endpoint’ card, and just swap them when you needed to run Dirac.
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pzzr
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Post by pzzr on Sept 18, 2021 8:13:24 GMT -5
It’s looking like a straight shootout between the DACs in the XMC-2 vs the ESS9038PRO in the Oppo, which should be fairly straightforward to compare. Either way I’m pretty sure they won’t be the weak link in the system Anecdotally, I was my local store yesterday and they played an MQA disc of Patricia Barber on the D’Agostino Momentum Integrated into Wilson Sabrina speakers. Mind blowing!!!!!!!! Of course, for upwards of $40K for CD player, amp and speakers it should be, but still…..WOW.
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Post by ttocs on Sept 18, 2021 8:48:30 GMT -5
It’s looking like a straight shootout between the DACs in the XMC-2 vs the ESS9038PRO in the Oppo, which should be fairly straightforward to compare. Either way I’m pretty sure they won’t be the weak link in the system Anecdotally, I was my local store yesterday and they played an MQA disc of Patricia Barber on the D’Agostino Momentum Integrated into Wilson Sabrina speakers. Mind blowing!!!!!!!! Of course, for upwards of $40K for CD player, amp and speakers it should be, but still…..WOW. I've not heard the OPPO 205 so can't comment on it, but I compared the OPPO 105 to the XMC-1. They were both great quality, but different in tonality with the OPPO being darker. I preferred the XMC-1, so I never used the analog outs of the 105. Since getting the XMC-2 it's a more stark difference vs the OPPO 105 and quite easy to hear differences, so it's an easy choice to stick with the XMC-2. I'd expect the comparison of XMC-2 and OPPO 205 to be closer. And, as you say, no weak link here, just a case of which flavor you prefer. At AXPONA 2019 I heard Wilson Alexx powered by D'Agostino Relentless, and Wilson Subsonic (2) powered by D'Agostino Momentum. On Friday, fabulous!!!! On Saturday, not. Something changed and I was no longer embarrassed with my system at home because it sounded better than the Saturday AXPONA demo. Whew! Just pointing out that setup is king, and always will be. Same equipment in the same room and me sitting in the same spot with two very different outcomes. On Friday I didn't want to leave, and on Saturday I couldn't leave soon enough. They shoulda left it alone.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Sept 20, 2021 7:31:26 GMT -5
If you use Oppo as your Roon endpoint, you don't need to worry about the XMC-2 being a Roon endpoint. Just use the Oppo and output it to the XMC-2 (digital or analog). If you wanted to get rid of the Oppo, the XMC-2 is not currently a Roon Endpoint, but there are many inexpensive options...like a Raspberry Pi. With that, you can use the XMC-2's DAC or another outboard DAC. Mark Yeah the Oppo is the endpoint, I was thinking of minimal connections, so not having to connect to the Oppo then the processor, just on principle. No big deal, but doesn’t the XMC-2 come with a Raspberry Pi for the Dirac hook up? Would that work? Only on the basis of trying the XMC-2 DAC in comparison to the Oppo. Based on what I’ve read the SQ improvement from the Marantz to the XMC-2 would be noticeable, I’m not sure how noticeable the difference would be between Oppo and XMC-2 DAC’s. The XMC-2 does indeed come with a Pi. The MicroSD card in it would have to be removed and replaced with one having the right code on it for making it a Roon endpoint (DietPi or other code freely available). You could use a USB out of the Pi to the XMC-2's USB input. Mark
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pzzr
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Post by pzzr on Sept 20, 2021 7:55:55 GMT -5
Ok thanks. Something to try out…I doubt it’ll be a big difference, but worth playing around with. The Reference Stereo mode bypasses any and all processing, including subs, correct? The output is ‘pure’ analog to Mains only? No correction/filters/dsp of any kind?
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Post by routlaw on Sept 20, 2021 8:28:45 GMT -5
That is correct, pure analog in reference stereo mode.
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Post by everytuesday on Sept 21, 2021 1:44:15 GMT -5
I guess monoprice htp-1 is making my decision for me. Their website now says new in-stock units won’t be available until 12/31/22 - wow. I wonder if that’s similar for Anthem now.
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Post by doc1963 on Sept 21, 2021 3:29:59 GMT -5
I guess monoprice htp-1 is making my decision for me. Their website now says new in-stock units won’t be available until 12/31/22 - wow. I wonder if that’s similar for Anthem now.Yep… If you’re considering an Anthem, the best thing you could do is to visit your local Anthem dealer and ask when they would realistically expect to receive stock for a new purchase. The “boutique brands” are scrambling right now to meet even the most modest demand… EDIT: I just noticed the “year” in that ETA date for the HTP-1. Wow… I can almost guarantee you that “parts” changes are also coming.
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pzzr
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Post by pzzr on Sept 21, 2021 8:17:00 GMT -5
Any of you guys using projectors, and the corresponding long HDMI run? I’m sure there’s a thread on that, but in case it’s a ‘quick’ answer:) I think the cable I’ve been using is 35’. Up until recently it’s been fine, but since the Marantz started giving me trouble the projector hasn’t had a picture. Troubleshooting HDMI isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse, though. I know it’s a tricky subject.
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Post by ttocs on Sept 21, 2021 8:34:17 GMT -5
Any of you guys using projectors, and the corresponding long HDMI run? I’m sure there’s a thread on that, but in case it’s a ‘quick’ answer:) I think the cable I’ve been using is 35’. Up until recently it’s been fine, but since the Marantz started giving me trouble the projector hasn’t had a picture. Troubleshooting HDMI isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse, though. I know it’s a tricky subject. My HDMI cable is 50' and was fine for my Epson 5040UB. Sold the 5040UB, but the cable is still in place, and it worked just fine with the XMC-2. The cable was able to pass the 4K - so called - along with 12bit color @ 60Hz.The 5040UB did "Faux-K", which means it could take a 4K signal but it didn't display a complete 4K image, sort of halfway between 4K and 1080P. edit: OOPS. I said @60hz, but it's only 24Hz with 12bit color.
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Post by routlaw on Sept 21, 2021 9:29:36 GMT -5
Any of you guys using projectors, and the corresponding long HDMI run? I’m sure there’s a thread on that, but in case it’s a ‘quick’ answer:) I think the cable I’ve been using is 35’. Up until recently it’s been fine, but since the Marantz started giving me trouble the projector hasn’t had a picture. Troubleshooting HDMI isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse, though. I know it’s a tricky subject. I recently acquired the Epson 5050UB projector, and the RMC-1L. My HDMI cable is somewhere between 15-20 feet but don’t recall the exact length but have had no issues at all. Bluejeans Cable provides an excellent tutorial on the HDMI cables they use at the length below. It’s true the Epson projectors are not using 4K pixel chips but in this case it doesn’t matter they still receive a full blown 4K signal in either SDR or HDR in all of its various iterations. What the projector does with this signal has nothing to do with the signal transmission along the path from from source to PJ. It is worth pointing out that many reviewers have noted or observed better detail or resolution with this pixel shifting technology than some of the true 4K PJ’s. This is due in part to the superior lens with the 5050 and 5040 compared to others. There is at least one regular contributor on the AVS forum who has owned several JVC projectors but has now “downgraded” to the Epson 5050 with no regrets what so ever and to hear him tell it has no plans of going back. Veering off topic a bit but thought it worthwhile to point out. hope this helps. www.bluejeanscable.com/store/hdmi-cables/hdmi-cable.htm
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pzzr
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Post by pzzr on Sept 21, 2021 9:39:11 GMT -5
Guess I should have mentioned, mine is a Sony VPW285ES 4K. It’s been working since I installed it, it’s only recently when I (think) I lost all HDMI output for a few days from the Marantz that I’m doubting it.
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Post by davidl81 on Sept 21, 2021 10:29:30 GMT -5
Guess I should have mentioned, mine is a Sony VPW285ES 4K. It’s been working since I installed it, it’s only recently when I (think) I lost all HDMI output for a few days from the Marantz that I’m doubting it. I have the 385 Sony projector and a 35’ cable from my RMC-1. I am able to get 4K, 60Hz, HDR, full color depth with it. I had a lot of trouble with cables before this one though. www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=14467
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