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Post by bradford on Mar 1, 2015 17:25:37 GMT -5
The general consensus from the AVS forums is Auromatic (Auro 3D) is the upmixer of choice for music and DSU is very good on action movies or ones with complex (moving) sound tracks. Auromatic is always active extracting the "reflective" sound form the 2+ channel sources and spreading it to the additional channels "immersing" the listener.
DSU reacts to the sound tracks and activates based to content to push it to the height speakers. There is alot of discussion about this on the Auro threads where alot of the people have both and switch between them base on content. The thing that caught my attention about Auromatic is the number of hard core 2 channel listeners (like myself) who for the first time prefer listing to stereo recordings on a multichannel playback, when using Auromatic.
The upmixing capabilities of these immersive formats are arguably more important than the new content playback. For many people who have large libraries of LP's, CD's, FLAC's , DVD's and BD's it will be years before any new content reaches 5% of their libraries.
The Emotiva owner base seems to have alot of audiophiles/music lovers. I hope the XMR-1 will also support Auro 3D even if it is an extra cost option.
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Post by rswood on Mar 1, 2015 17:38:18 GMT -5
I have heard Atmos and like it, but it will probably never catch on with the mases, it will remain a niche product that will loose its support as time goes on. It is too complicated and expensive to set up. 5.1 is too complicated for most people, present company excluded, (but your a bunch of nerds anyway).
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Post by rswood on Mar 1, 2015 17:39:21 GMT -5
I have heard Atmos and like it, but it will probably never catch on with the mases, it will remain a niche product that will loose its support as time goes on. It is too complicated and expensive to set up. 5.1 is too complicated for most people, present company excluded, (but your a bunch of nerds anyway). I'm sorry I meant geeks. |
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Post by bradford on Mar 1, 2015 17:43:28 GMT -5
There is a correlation there  |
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ttocs
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Post by ttocs on Mar 1, 2015 17:47:06 GMT -5
I won't settle for less than the much anticipated milliphonic system with 1,000 speakers. Heard about from Steve Martin. (then I'll check the needle)
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Post by Dan Laufman on Mar 1, 2015 19:12:12 GMT -5
Other thoughts...
The XMC-1 retails for $2k. No one purchases it for this amount, many pay $1,800.00 or as low as $1,500.00... so it is safe to say we are well under $2k for the average buyer. What product even comes close to the XMC-1 in terms of audio performance, value and features?? Forget Atmos, for the moment, as it's a side show. I'm talking about an audiophile pre-pro.
You can say what you want, but the XMC-1 is technically equivalent, or in many cases superior to other "high end" 7.1 pre-pros on the market today. From a feature, build quality, and performance standpoint, we are right there with the other expensive "Audiophile" brands. In their cases, the starting prices are $6k and up. The only ones that offer Dirac sell for $20k or more.
When you buy a Bryston, a Classe', Krell, etc, (which are all very nice, EXPENSIVE units) there is very little complaining about their lack of Atmos and other "essential" stuff Why? Because they are above the fray. They are selling sound quality! But so are we too... And we're doing it for a fraction of the price. But we seem to be held to a different standard. Please note, I'm not complaining, just observing...
Speaking of different standards...
I happend to be browsing through the latest issue of a well respected audio magazine and read with great interest their review of a nice looking "audiophile" seven channel amplifier from one of the "prestige" audiophile brands. It was rated for 7x200 watts into 8 ohms and retailed for a very reasonable $9,500.00. It received 5 stars for performance!! And either 4.5 or 5 stars for value!! Interestingly enough, this "high end" amplifier could only make 133.9 watts per channel at .1% THD at 1kHz with all channels driven. And it did not even make its rated power of 200 watts per channel with TWO channels driven. 5 stars for performance?? Hmmm. Folks, this is what we expect to see on an AV receiver, not on a $10k power amplifier!
If this amplifier had the name Emotiva on the front panel and delivered this type of sad power test data, would we be getting 5 stars for performance?? You tell me, but I don't think so. Go read the complete, detailed Audio Precision test data on our $1,599.00 XPA-7. You decide, but I'm just saying... how does the performance of the review unit merit 5 stars? It didn't even make its rated power with TWO channels driven, let alone seven.
Next...
Someone thought we ought to have Dirac Live with 192K support for the XMC-1. Why?? Because the Dirac site offers it. But on the Dirac site, just the software with NO hardware is almost $750.00!! The XMC-1 includes Dirac Live LE for free, and the full version is only $99.00!! How much more would you be willing to pay for the 192k version?? Remember, we're going to have to up-sample most content just to make the 192k light go on. So, it that really 192k?? Are you willing to pay lot's of money for something that I don't that any of us could reliably pick out on double blind testing? I don't think so. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 24/48k Dirac Live you are listening to. Relax a bit and enjoy the very real, and HUGE improvements that Dirac brings to the highest distortion, most non linear components of your system; your speakers and your room!!
Next...
Is Atmos cool? You bet. So is Auro, and I'm sure the new DTS-X will be too. And don't forget the next XYZ 5D audio thingamajig that will appear tomorrow; right after we all get done changing out our old perfectly good gear to accommodate the latest thing we HAD to have. It's endless. BTW, I'm already on the waiting list for my new 8K projector! My brand new 4k one now sucks because I heard they now are gong to make 8k someday. I don't want to be left behind!!
Remember, specifications are a wonderful thing to read and dream about, but most of them have very little to do with what you hear, see, and feel. Don't get lost in chasing features and specs., or the latest thing. It's easy to lose sight of what were trying to do here. We're using our gear and technology to try to get connected to something. A story. A song. Love, Hate, Joy, Sorrow... whatever. That's the pursuit, or it should be. Hardware is just the vehicle to take us there.
Also, just because it costs a lot does not necessarily make it good.
And.... I streamed Whiplash last night in bed on my iPad mini with my trusty Westone in-ears and it brought me to tears. It's not just about the hardware!! But you're right, the video was only so, so. The audio sucked. But what a great story! I completely forget about what was wrong and dived into that world and loved it.
OK, I'm done for the moment.
Cheers and peace out,
Big Dan
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Mar 1, 2015 19:20:25 GMT -5
Dan Laufman, when will you start shipping the XYZ 5D audio thingamajig? I read about that on AVS, and they are all gaga over it. I mean, like...Lady Gaga over it! I really, really need one. Well, two actually. Mark
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Post by Jim on Mar 1, 2015 19:58:33 GMT -5
Dan Laufman, when will you start shipping the XYZ 5D audio thingamajig? I read about that on AVS, and they are all gaga over it. I mean, like...Lady Gaga over it! I really, really need one. Well, two actually. Mark I want a couple too! But only if it has a blue light and says "thingamajig" in script on the front. Old school. |
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Post by Jim on Mar 1, 2015 20:07:20 GMT -5
(...) Speaking of different standards... I happend to be browsing through the latest issue of a well respected audio magazine and read with great interest their review of a nice looking "audiophile" seven channel amplifier from one of the "prestige" audiophile brands. It was rated for 7x200 watts into 8 ohms and retailed for a very reasonable $9,500.00. It received 5 stars for performance!! And either 4.5 or 5 stars for value!! Interestingly enough, this "high end" amplifier could only make 133.9 watts per channel at .1% THD at 1kHz with all channels driven. And it did not even make its rated power of 200 watts per channel with TWO channels driven. 5 stars for performance?? Hmmm. Folks, this is what we expect to see on an AV receiver, not on a $10k power amplifier! If this amplifier had the name Emotiva on the front panel and delivered this type of sad power test data, would we be getting 5 stars for performance?? You tell me, but I don't think so. Go read the complete, detailed Audio Precision test data on our $1,599.00 XPA-7. You decide, but I'm just saying... how does the performance of the review unit merit 5 stars? It didn't even make its rated power with TWO channels driven, let alone seven. (...) That makes my brain HURT. I can't fathom how that is so easily glossed over by so many people... Time and time again. I was reading up on the Datasat RA7300 amp. Looks like an interesting amp (300W x 7) until you hit the $13,999 MSRP! (I guess you need the $14k amp to match the $20k processor) The fact that Emotiva publishes AP data is a HUGE reason that I'm such a fan. I love the technical transparency. |
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Post by Mike Ronesia on Mar 1, 2015 20:07:59 GMT -5
Dan, I am thrilled with the XMC-1. You guys knocked it out of the park and I'm so glad you waited until you had an awesome box. I don't need any fancy stuff added to mine. Though a second Dirac preset would make me very happy. Keep the great products coming!!!
Cheers
Mark
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Post by htguy on Mar 1, 2015 20:16:47 GMT -5
Dan, I am thrilled with the XMC-1. You guys knocked it out of the park and I'm so glad you waited until you had an awesome box. I don't need any fancy stuff added to mine. Though a second Dirac preset would make me very happy. Keep the great products coming!!! Cheers Mark Agreed. Great product. Second DIRAC preset should be at the top of the XMC-1 feature request list. |
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Post by Dan Laufman on Mar 1, 2015 20:18:50 GMT -5
You know, I make a pretty good living. I'm probably the kind of customer these brands are looking for. But spending $20k to $40K, or much, much, more for a processor and matching amp kind of takes my breath away.
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Post by Dan Laufman on Mar 1, 2015 20:21:11 GMT -5
Dan, I am thrilled with the XMC-1. You guys knocked it out of the park and I'm so glad you waited until you had an awesome box. I don't need any fancy stuff added to mine. Though a second Dirac preset would make me very happy. Keep the great products coming!!! Cheers Mark Agreed. Great product. Second DIRAC preset should be at the top of the XMC-1 feature request list. We're looking at it... |
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Post by jcam2881 on Mar 1, 2015 20:21:31 GMT -5
Other thoughts... The XMC-1 retails for $2k. No one purchases it for this amount, many pay $1,800.00 or as low as $1,500.00... so it is safe to say we are well under $2k for the average buyer. What product even comes close to the XMC-1 in terms of audio performance, value and features?? Forget Atmos, for the moment, as it's a side show. I'm talking about an audiophile pre-pro. You can say what you want, but the XMC-1 is technically equivalent, or in many cases superior to other "high end" 7.1 pre-pros on the market today. From a feature, build quality, and performance standpoint, we are right there with the other expensive "Audiophile" brands. In their cases, the starting prices are $6k and up. The only ones that offer Dirac sell for $20k or more. When you buy a Bryston, a Classe', Krell, etc, (which are all very nice, EXPENSIVE units) there is very little complaining about their lack of Atmos and other "essential" stuff Why? Because they are above the fray. They are selling sound quality! But so are we too... And we're doing it for a fraction of the price. But we seem to be held to a different standard. Please note, I'm not complaining, just observing... Speaking of different standards... I happend to be browsing through the latest issue of a well respected audio magazine and read with great interest their review of a nice looking "audiophile" seven channel amplifier from one of the "prestige" audiophile brands. It was rated for 7x200 watts into 8 ohms and retailed for a very reasonable $9,500.00. It received 5 stars for performance!! And either 4.5 or 5 stars for value!! Interestingly enough, this "high end" amplifier could only make 133.9 watts per channel at .1% THD at 1kHz with all channels driven. And it did not even make its rated power of 200 watts per channel with TWO channels driven. 5 stars for performance?? Hmmm. Folks, this is what we expect to see on an AV receiver, not on a $10k power amplifier! If this amplifier had the name Emotiva on the front panel and delivered this type of sad power test data, would we be getting 5 stars for performance?? You tell me, but I don't think so. Go read the complete, detailed Audio Precision test data on our $1,599.00 XPA-7. You decide, but I'm just saying... how does the performance of the review unit merit 5 stars? It didn't even make its rated power with TWO channels driven, let alone seven. Next... Someone thought we ought to have Dirac Live with 192K support for the XMC-1. Why?? Because the Dirac site offers it. But on the Dirac site, just the software with NO hardware is almost $750.00!! The XMC-1 includes Dirac Live LE for free, and the full version is only $99.00!! How much more would you be willing to pay for the 192k version?? Remember, we're going to have to up-sample most content just to make the 192k light go on. So, it that really 192k?? Are you willing to pay lot's of money for something that I don't that any of us could reliably pick out on double blind testing? I don't think so. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 24/48k Dirac Live you are listening to. Relax a bit and enjoy the very real, and HUGE improvements that Dirac brings to the highest distortion, most non linear components of your system; your speakers and your room!! Next... Is Atmos cool? You bet. So is Auro, and I'm sure the new DTS-X will be too. And don't forget the next XYZ 5D audio thingamajig that will appear tomorrow; right after we all get done changing out our old perfectly good gear to accommodate the latest thing we HAD to have. It's endless. BTW, I'm already on the waiting list for my new 8K projector! My brand new 4k one now sucks because I heard they now are gong to make 8k someday. I don't want to be left behind!! Remember, specifications are a wonderful thing to read and dream about, but most of them have very little to do with what you hear, see, and feel. Don't get lost in chasing features and specs., or the latest thing. It's easy to lose sight of what were trying to do here. We're using our gear and technology to try to get connected to something. A story. A song. Love, Hate, Joy, Sorrow... whatever. That's the pursuit, or it should be. Hardware is just the vehicle to take us there. Also, just because it costs a lot does not necessarily make it good. And.... I streamed Whiplash last night in bed on my iPad mini with my trusty Westone in-ears and it brought me to tears. It's not just about the hardware!! But you're right, the video was only so, so. The audio sucked. But what a great story! I completely forget about what was wrong and dived into that world and loved it. OK, I'm done for the moment. Cheers and peace out, Big Dan .. I think you make great products.. I currently own a Marantz and it will be replaced soon in my theater room with most likely xmc-1 or xmr.. I can tell you I know of zero blogs where I can suggest, interact or message Marantz owner direct .. You make wonderful products and appear to be passionate about them! Keep it up.. I will keep buying as long as what I own delivers and meets my needs. Thanks Joe |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Mar 1, 2015 20:25:35 GMT -5
You know, I make a pretty good living. I'm probably the kind of customer these brands are looking for. But spending $20k to $40K, or much, much, more for a processor and matching amp kind of takes my breath away. I might also be considered a target customer, but I know if I bought one my wife might have me committed thinking I was crazy. And, she would probably be right! Glad we had an excellent alternative to padded rooms in the Emotiva brand! Mark |
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Post by Gary Cook on Mar 1, 2015 20:27:20 GMT -5
Hi Dan, there's a problem, the reason why I don't have an XMC-1 is because my UMC-200 sounds so good.  Cheers Gary |
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Post by khollister on Mar 1, 2015 20:34:30 GMT -5
Dan,
Please don't feel you need to get defensive about your products in general, or the XMC-1 specifically. I think most of the posters in this thread are fans of the XMC and don't regret our purchase for a second. While there are things I would love to see added in the future, absolutely none of those things are expected, nor were they considered as part of the purchase decision (other than the things you have already promised yet again in this thread).
As far as the discussion about sampling rate and Dirac, I think you are a victim of your success. The XMC is so impressive SQ-wise that many of us are regaining interest in using our home theater systems for audiophile 2 channel listening, thus the interest in higher resolution Dirac. Would I be willing to pay for it? - yes. Do I expect it or feel Emotive "owes" it to us? - absolutely not. I knew exactly what I was buying and in no way feel like I received anything other than a great deal. I'm actually surprised at the base audio quality, which prompted me to go spend even more money for a higher quality DLNA renderer (Auralic Aries).
It's all good, man.
Keith
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Post by htguy on Mar 1, 2015 20:44:42 GMT -5
Hi Dan, there's a problem, the reason why I don't have an XMC-1 is because my UMC-200 sounds so good. Cheers Gary Sure. But sell your UMC-200, get a discount on the XMC-1 and taste the greatness! |
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Post by teaman on Mar 1, 2015 20:45:16 GMT -5
Stick with what you are doing Dan, not a single complaint from me. I have a ton of Emotiva equipment and I enjoy every piece. I am waiting to upgrade my theater components as at the current time, the Sherbourn SR-120's still make me happy....but....when the time comes you can be confident that your company has impressed me enough that I will be back for more.
Your company seems to be dedicated to providing the best quality equipment at the best prices. Backed by a good warranty and great customer service. A totally winning combination in my books.
Keep up the good work and thank you so much for the continued interaction with us...your customers. I have yet to see another company interject information and take a personal interest on what their customers want. We all appreciate it!
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Mar 1, 2015 21:05:02 GMT -5
(...) Speaking of different standards... I happend to be browsing through the latest issue of a well respected audio magazine and read with great interest their review of a nice looking "audiophile" seven channel amplifier from one of the "prestige" audiophile brands. It was rated for 7x200 watts into 8 ohms and retailed for a very reasonable $9,500.00. It received 5 stars for performance!! And either 4.5 or 5 stars for value!! Interestingly enough, this "high end" amplifier could only make 133.9 watts per channel at .1% THD at 1kHz with all channels driven. And it did not even make its rated power of 200 watts per channel with TWO channels driven. 5 stars for performance?? Hmmm. Folks, this is what we expect to see on an AV receiver, not on a $10k power amplifier! If this amplifier had the name Emotiva on the front panel and delivered this type of sad power test data, would we be getting 5 stars for performance?? You tell me, but I don't think so. Go read the complete, detailed Audio Precision test data on our $1,599.00 XPA-7. You decide, but I'm just saying... how does the performance of the review unit merit 5 stars? It didn't even make its rated power with TWO channels driven, let alone seven. (...) That makes my brain HURT. I can't fathom how that is so easily glossed over by so many people... Time and time again. I was reading up on the Datasat RA7300 amp. Looks like an interesting amp (300W x 7) until you hit the $13,999 MSRP! (I guess you need the $14k amp to match the $20k processor) The fact that Emotiva publishes AP data is a HUGE reason that I'm such a fan. I love the technical transparency. I read the same review last week in the same audio magazine that we are alluding to here and I too thought exactly the same thing as Dan. Like you Jim, that Dan & Lonnie publish the AP data on all of their power amplifiers is just one of the many reasons why I am loyal Emotiva customer, plain and simple. |
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