Non-audiophile review of ERC-1

[basicsystem]

I have had mine for 4 days now. Here's my non-technical review (perhaps there are others like me out there).

Important stuff:
1. It sounds great (using NAD 7600 receiver and Polk 1.2 Sig. Reference speakers).
2. The front-loading mechanism works as intended. I agree with Lonnie's explanation as to why they went that way.
3. Build quality is great. I have a brand new Sony BDP-S1000ES Blu-Ray DVD player that looks (and feels) like plastic junk in comparison (thankfully, the DVD player was discounted). The ERC-1 is listed as 17.5 lbs., but it felt heavier when setting it up. It is solid.
4. I'm not big on remotes, but the ERC-1 remote is very nice.
5. Thankfully, there is an "eject" button on the front panel. My Sony DVD player requires the remote to open the disc door (?).
6. CDs run very quietly. If you turn off the volume and put your ear up to the player you can barely hear the CD spinning. Contrast that to a NAD T515 DVD player that I have where I can barely hear the music above the disc noise.

Less-important stuff:
1. All the blue lights are a little bit too overstated for me. The "dim" is just right. Unfortunately, the dim setting does not stay in memory.
2. The silver trim is a little bit overstated, as well. I have black trim on order.
3. The internal disc mechanism is a little bit noisy (clunky) and slow (a few seconds) when changing positions (play to load).

Summary:
The ERC-1 is just what I wanted. I wanted a high-end CD player, but I didn't want to spend too much money because the CD as a digital delivery platform is near end of life. I am very happy with this purchase.

[sharkman]

Thanks for the review, I'm a recent owner myself. I agree with all of your points except I like the silver trim and find the disc mechanism to be faster than what I was using before, a multi format player which had fewer display options and no repeat button!

I am pretty much an early adaptor to newer technology(well a mid- early adaptor) but I am not impressed with compressed music files. On a good system they are exposed, and companies even make circuitry to compensate for this. They can take my ERC from me when they pry it from my cold dead hands!

[CrazyBlue]

May 26, 2010 11:09:30 GMT -5 sharkman said:

They can take my ERC from me when they pry it from my cold dead hands!

Now that's a hell of an endorsement! ;D

[RadTech]

May 29, 2010 3:03:30 GMT -5 CrazyBlue said:

May 26, 2010 11:09:30 GMT -5 sharkman said:

They can take my ERC from me when they pry it from my cold dead hands!

Now that's a hell of an endorsement! ;D

That's the way I feel about my RPA 2! ;D

[CrazyBlue]

May 29, 2010 7:49:50 GMT -5 RadTech said:

That's the way I feel about my RPA 2! ;D

Yeah?

I've looked at the specs for that amp. I intend to pick up a pair of UPA-1's, but was intrigued by the RPA-2; basically the same thing in one chassis with better binding posts and cool meters.

I'd like to hear from someone who's compared the two (three ;D).

[RadTech]

Sweet review thank you.

Well, it's also a class H amp not AB with a lower gain. I would like to hear someone's comparison as well.

[CrazyBlue]

Ah, yes. I'd forgotten that.

Class H uses continuously variable power rails and is more efficient, right? But at a cost of higher THD? (If that means much)

Still learnin' this stuff. ;D

[RadTech]

I don't know that it effects the sound, you're right it's just a different topology. I'm still learning as well. ;D

[RPA-1 man]

May 29, 2010 13:38:09 GMT -5 CrazyBlue said:

Ah, yes. I'd forgotten that.

Class H uses continuously variable power rails and is more efficient, right? But at a cost of higher THD? (If that means much)

Still learnin' this stuff. ;D

Don't worry about the THD of the RPA-1/RPA-2. I believe it was "Affordable Audio" that did a review and bench tests of the RPA-1. The IMD and THD were exceptionally low. Here is the link to the full review: www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-rpa-1-amplifier
Anyone who doubts class H amps can perform respectably should definitely read the full review.

I truly love my RPA-1. I think Class H is wonderful when implemented correctly like Lonnie has done with their line of class H amps. And yes the only way anyone could get it from me is by "prying it from my cold dead hands."

And for the OP, the ERC-1 is an outstanding player. I truly enjoy mine as well. It compares in sound quality to my $1200 Pioneer Elite player.

[UT-Driven]

May 29, 2010 3:03:30 GMT -5 CrazyBlue said:

May 26, 2010 11:09:30 GMT -5 sharkman said:

They can take my ERC from me when they pry it from my cold dead hands!

Now that's a hell of an endorsement! ;D

If they try to take it from him when he is alive, he can beat them away with the remote! ;D

Doug

[basicsystem]

A few updates:

1. I am now using a UMC-1 and an XPA-2 to run my main speakers and ... the EMC-1 still sounds great (maybe even better).

2. I now have the black trim (with the original chrome screws). Perfect.

3. The Sony DVD player (which is also new) does have an unlabeled eject button. I don't want to trash Sony: it seems like an OK DVD Player (although it has a fan that runs constantly?).

Warning label:
Emotiva is addictive. In less than two weeks I have bought an EMC-1 (first), UMC-1, XPA-2, Ultra 12, ERM 6.3, and XPA-3 (received today). Love 'em all (Emo needs more products!).

[clearear]

I've had the ERC-1 now for 2 weeks and it's a great sounding machine. Previously I've always had changers in my system ( Adcom, Arcam , Sony) with outboard dacs. The ERC-1 beats them all hands down. There is so much more detail, presence and soundstage than there ever was before. I'm drawn into the music much more deeply now. It has brought the best of my other components which consists of an Odyssey Stratos amp, Belles 20A pre and Dunlavy Aletha speakers.