jbryngelson
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Healthy Tweaking is good for the Hobby
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Post by jbryngelson on Jan 10, 2024 19:58:10 GMT -5
I have had the pleasure and pain of owning a XMC1 for quite some time. I now am considering an Anthem 70 vs the XMX2. What is the experience with the current firmware, Dirac usability, and overall performance of this unit? Thanks for your thoughts. Been through quite a bit but look to consolidate into my thread on opinions of the XMC2.
Jeff in Detroit
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Post by ttocs on Jan 10, 2024 22:55:09 GMT -5
Mine works fine. I have great success with Dirac, and FW3.2 is working fine. Sound quality is fantastic!
The AVM90 is the one I'd buy if I wanted an Anthem processor. It's got better parts in the audio path which make for better output vs the AVM70. Anthem ARC now has some cool stuff that sounds like it's close to what DLBC does, but I don't know if it's on both models or only on the AVM90. But I think you're still stuck using the Anthem mic, which is limiting because I'd like to be able to use a mic of my choosing. I have speakers and subwoofers with Anthem ARC built-in and am forced to use the Anthem mic so I have experience with the frustration in not being able to use my better mics.
The Anthem has assignable HDMI inputs, which is a great feature. The output channels are not assignable like they are on Trinnov.
Here's a review for the AVM90. Don't be confused when you hear the reviewer mistakenly say AVM70 when he means to say AVM90 when speaking about the 4 subwoofer outputs. Some people don't know how to review their own performance and edit.
With that said, I'd wait for the Plus models of Emotiva processors instead of getting a XMC-2. Like I said, mine works fine, I'm very happy with it. But at this point in time, if I had my old XMC-1, I would wait a few more months.
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Post by modicen on Jan 11, 2024 7:19:45 GMT -5
My XMC-2 is problematic to say the least. It works beautifully for a few days and then it’s hell for a few days. A hard restart usually takes care of the problems 99% of the times. I would go for the Anthem.
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cawgijoe
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"We made too many of the wrong mistakes." - Yogi Berra
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Post by cawgijoe on Jan 11, 2024 7:53:53 GMT -5
My XMC-2 has been solid for quite awhile now. It is used daily and works as it should. I don't have the "hell" mentioned by modicen.
Having said that, there is one bug and one issue to mention. They are well known.
1) The occasional mechanical high frequency noise when using certain streaming apps. Changing sound type usually fixes this.
2) The low volume issue when not using the amp...just TV speakers.
That being said, Anthem does make good products, though I do have a friend that dumped his Anthem receiver due to amp failure. They fixed it, but he lost confidence and sold it. He's got money and ended up with Trinnov.
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jbryngelson
Minor Hero
Healthy Tweaking is good for the Hobby
Posts: 18
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Post by jbryngelson on Jan 11, 2024 14:31:07 GMT -5
Appreciate the feedback. Glad to know there is a Happy XMC2 user with latest firmware out there. My XM1 experience has been a roller coaster of Love/Hate, usually resolved by a reboot, just looking to know others experience. THANKS
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jbryngelson
Minor Hero
Healthy Tweaking is good for the Hobby
Posts: 18
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Post by jbryngelson on Jan 11, 2024 14:34:09 GMT -5
My XMC-2 is problematic to say the least. It works beautifully for a few days and then it’s hell for a few days. A hard restart usually takes care of the problems 99% of the times. I would go for the Anthem. Same experience with my XMC1, reboots resolve odd sound in various mode behavior, but it frustrates to be sure. I also will find that I get a "Cant go louder than this" issue, but only after watching/listening for 20+Min, and reboot corrects. Other than these odd issues, the sound quality at initial go is fantastic. Love and Need the Balanced Differential output to my amps as they take advantage of a true differential balanced signal and drive both transformers in my amp on a proper loop! Great performance, unless...... then reboot. Wondering if I wait until the + models. Jeff in Detroit |
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Post by cwmcobra on Jan 11, 2024 14:37:46 GMT -5
I am another happy XMC-2 user. I keep it in Low Power Standby mode, so it takes a couple of minutes to boot up, but that's OK for me since I have a projector that requires a similar amount of time to start. I'm running the latest firmware and have not experienced audio dropouts or digital noise since the latest firmware update. I hear an occasional "pop" during audio format changes, but the volume level is such that it's of no concern about damaging speakers.
I'm quite happy with it but would agree with ttocs that the prudent approach would be to wait for a bit until the latest series of processors is introduced. I'm expecting to upgrade when they become available.
Chuck in West Michigan
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Post by audiosyndrome on Jan 11, 2024 16:13:22 GMT -5
A few days ago Keith indicated that low volume in VRO has been corrected. Should be available with the next FW release. This is the ONLY issue with my XMC-2. Otherwise it’s great. 👍
Russ
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Jan 11, 2024 19:16:27 GMT -5
XMC2 is at the end of its life so it’s probably a good idea to wait for the next one. Having said that the next gen XMC2+ still will not have DLBC - whenever it’s released…been delayed 3 times now.
I have personally not recommended the XMC2 to anyone even though mine works well with minor issues that happen every now and then. I don’t trust the unit or Emotiva enough…I can work around my XMC2 if need be….don’t want egg on my face if I recommend and it has problems.
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Post by thezone on Jan 11, 2024 20:28:03 GMT -5
I too have an XMC-2 that is 98% perfect, and when working correctly sounds absolutely awesome. Having said that, the 2% is still annoying when it occurs but then what other processor/receiver type box is 100% perfect? I've been doing a lot of research lately and nearly pulled the trigger on several different processors receivers to replace my ageing XMC-2 including Denon/Marantz, Anthem, Tonewiner.....the list goes on but, all of them have tradeoffs, eg
Denon/Marantz - receivers get great reviews but no balanced pre-outs, no ability to split bass management and LFE signals, less DACS than either of the future EMO offerings.
Anthem - in my country overpriced for what they are, receivers have no balanced pre-outputs and no ability to turn of internal amps. Processors are way overpriced in my country AUD$7,300 for the AVM 70 and $12,500 for the AVM 90!
Tonewinner - Processor is excellent value and has balanced outputs but more on par with the lower range of Emo processors/receivers (inferior dacs etc).
What else is there? Especially when you factor in a trade in the value proposition for the plus models, it's too good an opportunity to not at least give it a go? My XMC-2 sounds awesome so I'm happy to wait for the next model.
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cawgijoe
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"We made too many of the wrong mistakes." - Yogi Berra
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Post by cawgijoe on Jan 11, 2024 20:46:09 GMT -5
XMC2 is at the end of its life so it’s probably a good idea to wait for the next one. Having said that the next gen XMC2+ still will not have DLBC - whenever it’s released…been delayed 3 times now. I have personally not recommended the XMC2 to anyone even though mine works well with minor issues that happen every now and then. I don’t trust the unit or Emotiva enough…I can work around my XMC2 if need be….don’t want egg on my face if I recommend and it has problems. I don’t recommend the processors just because most everyone I know is not like us. They just want an easy to use appliance. |
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Post by ttocs on Jan 11, 2024 21:20:12 GMT -5
Having said that, the 2% is still annoying when it occurs but then what other processor/receiver type box is 100% perfect? I've been doing a lot of research lately and nearly pulled the trigger on several different processors receivers to replace my ageing XMC-2 including Denon/Marantz, Anthem, Tonewiner.....the list goes on but, all of them have tradeoffs, eg I agree, nothing is perfect anymore. No processor I've owned has been perfect, but my previous non-processor stuff was perfect. My top Denon from the late 1990's, don't recall the model number but it was the most expensive one, was not perfect. My top Pioneer Elite from the early 2000's, again, don't recall the model, had problems. Same with the Elite VSX-52 I bought later, problems, with the most common one being that about once a month it would lockup and need a 10 minute unplug (this was in the manual that it needed 10 minutes, and it did, because anything less didn't allow it to reboot). Then I had a Marantz for four days in late 2013, again, the top model, don't recall the model number, sounded awful so I returned it (didn't have this one long enough to know if it "worked ok", but didn't matter since it didn't work well with my amps/speakers). After the Marantz is when I tried Emotiva and got the UMC-200, which sounded waaaaay better than the Marantz. So I've been a happy Emotiva customer since. And yes, I've had some issues along the way with the XMC-1 and XMC-2, but haven't had any issues for a long time - otherwise you'd be able to read about it here in the Lounge. I host Movie Night! on a regular basis without any problem ever. After a recent surgery I had to be monitored 24/7 for way longer than I wanted but I was under hospital orders, and others operated my system with no issues caused by any of the components, the only issues were all because my sister kept pressing buttons without knowing it or just pressing the wrong buttons. So this is to say that even when nubes were using the system it operated as it should and it did what the button presses told it to do as I proved to my sister. |
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Post by thezone on Jan 11, 2024 22:19:09 GMT -5
XMC2 is at the end of its life so it’s probably a good idea to wait for the next one. Having said that the next gen XMC2+ still will not have DLBC - whenever it’s released…been delayed 3 times now. I have personally not recommended the XMC2 to anyone even though mine works well with minor issues that happen every now and then. I don’t trust the unit or Emotiva enough…I can work around my XMC2 if need be….don’t want egg on my face if I recommend and it has problems. I don’t recommend the processors just because most everyone I know is not like us. They just want an easy to use appliance. Yes that's understandable, but I don't know if such a product exists in this day and age? I have an expensive coffee machine that is constantly back in for warranty. I have a top of the range Electronic Drum kit which, constantly going back in for warranty, and don't get me started on my built in kitchen appliances or my cars! And soundbars, oh my lord, I bought two for different rooms for convenience and because I use apple tvs' insetad of relying on the TV smart interfaces I have to send them audio via wifi or ethernet, what a pain, constantly drops out. Sorry, I came here to offer support and ended up venting my 1st world issues............... |
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Post by swedishcaveman on Jan 12, 2024 8:04:55 GMT -5
I have had the pleasure and pain of owning a XMC1 for quite some time. I now am considering an Anthem 70 vs the XMX2. What is the experience with the current firmware, Dirac usability, and overall performance of this unit? Thanks for your thoughts. Been through quite a bit but look to consolidate into my thread on opinions of the XMC2. Jeff in Detroit If you do not need the new stuff coming in the XMC2+ and you only want good sound and stability, I would buy a refurbished XMC2 when they are on sale after the trade in starts. I have a 7.1 system with one projector, ATv and Bluray player, it is a simple system without CEC, ARC and triggers in use and it work with out remark since last FW. I use to have a XMC1, but that unit was made on a Monday. It sounded good but I had problems with reboot and had to send it in twice for reflashing. |
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Post by LuisV on Jan 12, 2024 13:47:04 GMT -5
I too have an XMC-2 that is 98% perfect, and when working correctly sounds absolutely awesome. Having said that, the 2% is still annoying when it occurs but then what other processor/receiver type box is 100% perfect? I've been doing a lot of research lately and nearly pulled the trigger on several different processors receivers to replace my ageing XMC-2 including Denon/Marantz, Anthem, Tonewiner.....the list goes on but, all of them have tradeoffs, eg Denon/Marantz - receivers get great reviews but no balanced pre-outs, no ability to split bass management and LFE signals, less DACS than either of the future EMO offerings. Anthem - in my country overpriced for what they are, receivers have no balanced pre-outputs and no ability to turn of internal amps. Processors are way overpriced in my country AUD$7,300 for the AVM 70 and $12,500 for the AVM 90! Tonewinner - Processor is excellent value and has balanced outputs but more on par with the lower range of Emo processors/receivers (inferior dacs etc). What else is there? Especially when you factor in a trade in the value proposition for the plus models, it's too good an opportunity to not at least give it a go? My XMC-2 sounds awesome so I'm happy to wait for the next model. Since the XMC-2 is a processor, just wanted to point out that Marantz processors have XLR outputs, their AVRs do not. The Cinema 40, 50 and AV10 have 4 discreet subwoofer outputs and DIRAC Bass control - Multi Sub is available for all 3 (Windows and macOS is supported). I never had the pleasure of listening to the XMC-2, but I was a proud owner of the XMC-1, from original release until I sold it late 2019. I purchased the Cinema 50, my first ever AVR, in November 2022 and yes, there were a couple of initial hiccups, but they were fixed. I obviously can't comment on which sounds better, but I can honestly say that both put a smile to my face; zero complaints sound wise from either. As others have indicated, no brand is perfect... my humble opinion, it's how the brand reacts to the issue and how quickly they are fixed that matters. The Anthem AVM 70 is indeed a solid choice and ARC has a very good track record. If looks matter to you, then in my opinion, no question, the entire Anthem line has a more modern, sleeker look than Emotiva's offerings. Probably dating myself, but I originally started this wonderful hobby with a Fosgate Prologic processor, Rotel amps and B&W speakers... eventually upgraded to a Marantz processor with Acuras amps, then preordered the UMC-1, then upgraded to the XMC-1 when it was 1st announced. When I owned the UMC-1 and XMC-1, I used XPA-2 and XPA5 amps, originally Gen 1 then Gen2; never listened to the Gen 3s. Therefore, I took a leap of faith with the Cinema 50 as it was my first ever AVR and to be honest... thus far, zero regrets. I'm sure you know, but keep in mind you're in the Emotiva Lounge, so others, like me, are diehard loyal fans, but don't let that sway you from trying something new. If you pick the Anthem, I would love to hear your about your experience with it... Kind of a difficult decision you have there... good luck!! |
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Post by thezone on Jan 12, 2024 17:30:20 GMT -5
I too have an XMC-2 that is 98% perfect, and when working correctly sounds absolutely awesome. Having said that, the 2% is still annoying when it occurs but then what other processor/receiver type box is 100% perfect? I've been doing a lot of research lately and nearly pulled the trigger on several different processors receivers to replace my ageing XMC-2 including Denon/Marantz, Anthem, Tonewiner.....the list goes on but, all of them have tradeoffs, eg Denon/Marantz - receivers get great reviews but no balanced pre-outs, no ability to split bass management and LFE signals, less DACS than either of the future EMO offerings. Anthem - in my country overpriced for what they are, receivers have no balanced pre-outputs and no ability to turn of internal amps. Processors are way overpriced in my country AUD$7,300 for the AVM 70 and $12,500 for the AVM 90! Tonewinner - Processor is excellent value and has balanced outputs but more on par with the lower range of Emo processors/receivers (inferior dacs etc). What else is there? Especially when you factor in a trade in the value proposition for the plus models, it's too good an opportunity to not at least give it a go? My XMC-2 sounds awesome so I'm happy to wait for the next model. Since the XMC-2 is a processor, just wanted to point out that Marantz processors have XLR outputs, their AVRs do not. The Cinema 40, 50 and AV10 have 4 discreet subwoofer outputs and DIRAC Bass control - Multi Sub is available for all 3 (Windows and macOS is supported). I never had the pleasure of listening to the XMC-2, but I was a proud owner of the XMC-1, from original release until I sold it late 2019. I purchased the Cinema 50, my first ever AVR, in November 2022 and yes, there were a couple of initial hiccups, but they were fixed. I obviously can't comment on which sounds better, but I can honestly say that both put a smile to my face; zero complaints sound wise from either. As others have indicated, no brand is perfect... my humble opinion, it's how the brand reacts to the issue and how quickly they are fixed that matters. The Anthem AVM 70 is indeed a solid choice and ARC has a very good track record. If looks matter to you, then in my opinion, no question, the entire Anthem line has a more modern, sleeker look than Emotiva's offerings. Probably dating myself, but I originally started this wonderful hobby with a Fosgate Prologic processor, Rotel amps and B&W speakers... eventually upgraded to a Marantz processor with Acuras amps, then preordered the UMC-1, then upgraded to the XMC-1 when it was 1st announced. When I owned the UMC-1 and XMC-1, I used XPA-2 and XPA5 amps, originally Gen 1 then Gen2; never listened to the Gen 3s. Therefore, I took a leap of faith with the Cinema 50 as it was my first ever AVR and to be honest... thus far, zero regrets. I'm sure you know, but keep in mind you're in the Emotiva Lounge, so others, like me, are diehard loyal fans, but don't let that sway you from trying something new. If you pick the Anthem, I would love to hear your about your experience with it... Kind of a difficult decision you have there... good luck!! I did thoroughly look at the Marantz Cinema line, they do look good, and come highly regarded but I wanted to point out that, although they have multiple (unbalanced) sub outputs, they have the ability to bass manage the speakers in proximity to them but there is no ability to separate Bass Management signals from LFE signal like there is with the XMC-2 and RMC-1. The XMC-1 did not have this feature and given you never had an XMC-2 you would never have experienced why this is such a good feature and only available on very expensive processors like Trinnov and Storm audio. The LFE signal is encoded separately from the rest of the bass. It is encoded with the expectation that it will be boosted by up to 10 dB sperate from bass management. Side note: If emo wanted to trump the competition here, they could also enable the new line of processors, with the ability to direct bass management from any speaker to any sub ; ). |
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Post by ttocs on Jan 12, 2024 17:49:13 GMT -5
Side note: If emo wanted to trump the competition here, they could also enable the new line of processors, with the ability to direct bass management from any speaker to any sub ; ). THIS! |
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Post by modicen on Jan 12, 2024 18:25:02 GMT -5
My XMC-2 has been solid for quite awhile now. It is used daily and works as it should. I don't have the "hell" mentioned by modicen. Having said that, there is one bug and one issue to mention. They are well known. 1) The occasional mechanical high frequency noise when using certain streaming apps. Changing sound type usually fixes this. 2) The low volume issue when not using the amp...just TV speakers. That being said, Anthem does make good products, though I do have a friend that dumped his Anthem receiver due to amp failure. They fixed it, but he lost confidence and sold it. He's got money and ended up with Trinnov. Maybe hell was not the right word to use. Instead it’s more like I want to rip the f ing thing out of my media cabinet and hit it multiple times with a 16 lb. sledgehammer and toss it out the window, that’s how much my $3000 prepro infuriates me roughly a third of the time I use it which is mostly every day. I own three of there pre pros the UMC 200, the XMC-1 and the XMC-2 and all are or were over promised and under delivered. They all sound great though! Out of all three the XMC-1 with the last firmware that came out for it was fantastic and almost problem free. On a side note, my XMC-2 operated way better on firmware 3.1 than it does on 3.2. I almost didn't do the update to 3.2 and wish I hadn’t. I just wish Emotiva came out with quicker firmware for known issues instead of multiple fixes in bigger ones that take forever to come out. |
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Post by ttocs on Jan 12, 2024 19:06:40 GMT -5
. . . . . and hit it multiple times with a 16 lb. sledgehammer and toss it out the window, that’s how much my $3000 prepro infuriates me roughly a third of the time I use it which is mostly every day. I suggest sending it in for repair. It should work as well as mine does, which is to say, I haven't had to cold boot mine with FW3.2, it's never needed it. It always works. |
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Post by lrobertson on Jan 12, 2024 19:24:43 GMT -5
Mine was an old firmware but I ended up getting full blast white noise after a dirac calibration on first start up and I damaged 5 of my 11 speakers. I am still waiting for the new gen for trade in so I can avoid that happening again. I've had to watch tv in my bedroom for over a year now when I care enough about having decent audio running an old marantz.
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