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Post by linvincible on Feb 27, 2015 7:23:15 GMT -5
Big Dan, please don't forget the 2-ch people here. An XSP-1 + DC-1 DAC + DIRAC all in one would be a killer for us.  mmm... if it's a separate product why not! But although some improvements on the XSP-1 are good ideas (better bi-amp support for instance) everyone should be free to use whatever dac they want. And keep the XSP-1 completely analogue too! |
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Post by bradford on Feb 27, 2015 8:10:11 GMT -5
Let me clear up a couple of things... The XMR will be our top of the line unit for the moment. We have changed the line strategy a bit. The anticipated MSRP of the XMR-1 will be right at $5k. Remember, it's closet competitor is $20k. This is a very expensive product from a BOM and development standpoint. At $5k it's a bargain. The new 7.1 processor is the backbone of a new line of affordable products that will replace Ultra Series. BTW, it's 1RU tall and all of the new amplifiers are 1RU too!! This is going to be a great new line. We've re-thought pretty much everything. All made in Franklin TN USA! See, we've been busy!! |
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Post by thompson12 on Feb 27, 2015 8:32:45 GMT -5
The name of the new line of electronics will remain a secret for just little while longer... We're still getting Trademarks wrapped up. Perhaps the reason why it's not an RMC-1, maybe someone already had it registered. Hence XMR-1  Or perhaps RMC-1 will be the next level Cheers Gary Mitch |
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Post by bradford on Feb 27, 2015 8:35:42 GMT -5
I understand Auro 3D is working with TI on their Codec and hope this can be licensed on the XMR as an upgrade for those who want to enjoy their music with Auromatic. Flexible channel assignment would allow for the 4 incompatible speaker locations between Atmos 9.1.6 and Auro 3D 13.1 (Wides vs CH+VOG and TM vs SH). It would also allow of bi-amp options (you would want time delay and trim on the mapped outputs).
With a 4x8 matrix switch and flexible mapping you could accommodate full uncompromised support for all codec's. Or if you wanted to match a fully decked out RS20i an upgrade that allowed zone 2 and 3 to be balanced output channels (16 input/ 20 output) would compete against a 30K configuration (with a channel expansion card, Auro, Atmos, DST:X). That upgrade would also allow a surround and top middle array to be added for Large theater Atmos and DTS or extend bi - amp and multi- sub configurations.
This will be a game changer in the high end of the market, good luck.
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Post by Dan Laufman on Feb 27, 2015 8:52:45 GMT -5
RE-the future of the XMC-1...
The XMC-1 is a 7.2 processor. The system architecture is set. However, we are far from done with the XMC-1. Will it have an Atmos upgrade? Probably not. It's not that it technically could not, it's just that the system channel architecture does not seem to be appropriate for 3D sound field support. We've listened to Atmos quite a bit and in our opinion, you need at least 11 channels to make it worth the cost and expense. More is better with Atmos.
The XMC-1 is all about delivering the the highest quality Surround Sound experience possible from its existing channel configuration. This is much more important to me than a "half baked" Atmos implementation. We are seriously looking at a Unison upgrade in the future; this has way more upside than adding basic, bare bones Atmos... checking off the option box does not seem to be justification for adding it. Bolting on Atmos, DTSx, and other 3D sound field processing schemes is like trying to add AWD to a RWD car after the fact. It's better if you have planned for it! We needed least 12 channels from the start to do it right, or why bother?
We're just getting started with the feature enhancements of the XMC-1. These different platforms all serve legitimate needs in the market and they do not necessarily obsolete one another. Atmos is a nice feature and it can add to the experience where implemented correctly. But, it is no magic bullet. At the end of the day, it is all about sound quality and base line audio performance, not more stuff in the room. You'll notice two channel audio is on a roll; headphone listening is on a huge upswing... why? Quality, not quantity. Connecting yourself viscerally with the music and the emotion of the performance. Not ping-pong effects. That's fun at first, but it does not take the place of quality.
I've got a conventional 7.2 system in my home theater and it sounds very "three dimensional" to me. I won't be cutting holes in my sweet little room any time soon... Eventually I'll probably think about moving to a 3D implementation, but a lot of water needs to flow under the bridge before I jump into that stream. Too many unknowns at the moment; my hole saw shall remain holstered!
Let the "spirited but polite" conversation begin!
Cheers,
Big Dan
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Post by wilburthegoose on Feb 27, 2015 9:07:59 GMT -5
Amen, Dan Laufman! The audio quality of the XMC-1 is so good for 2 channel that I'm in the middle of re-ripping my 2500+ CD collection to FLAC (had used mp3 back in the days when disk space was expensive). God's honest truth: With my old receiver, I couldn't hear much of a difference, but it's VERY apparent with the XMC-1. Thank goodness I didn't get rid of my old device that would let me batch rip --------------------------------- PS - Can I switch the OLED display to multi color? (Yes, I'm obviously being facetious to make a point about Atmos) |
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Post by deewan on Feb 27, 2015 9:18:24 GMT -5
What a turn of events today was. Certainly a roller coaster ride I went from being happy to see the firmware upgrade and other things coming in March as well as the HDMI 2.0 coming soon. I was expecting next to hear about a plan to add Atmos to the XMC-1 by perhaps separating the balanced and unbalanced outputs to give us 14.4 channels but instead got news about the XMR-1 with all the stuff I was hoping and expecting Emotiva to add on the XMC-1...,Dirac Unison, Atmos, DTS-x, etc. This plan while exciting for some who can afford and have been waiting for news of the XMR-1 ($3k-5k depending), it seems to imply the XMC-1 will not get Atmos and will not get Dirac Unison and possibly be obsolete well short of the advertised product life. If so, the history of the mid-priced pre pro continues with promise of upgrades that never materialize. I can't say I'm thrilled to see such a bleak future of a prepro I just bought 2 months ago. I may be jumping the gun but I haven't heard anything to contradict my points. It still doesn't change the sound quality of the XMC-1 which is great but the soldier looks to be ready to blow his trumpet at the funeral. Very annoying to say the least.... adjective 1. no longer produced or used; out of date. I always giggle when people jump to the "something new is coming out, my current unit is now obsolete" mindset. I assume you do not buy a new model of car every year. Do you buy a new mobile device every year? Your home... certainly it was not started and completed today and cannot possibly contain all the latest in green construction methods and high energy efficient appliances. All these things in your life you view as obsolete. If not, then the XMC certainly is not obsolete. Will the XMC-1 ever have more than a 7.2 setup? Probably not. Does that make the XMC obsolete? I can't think of why it would I believe it is and will continue to be a top-tier 7.2 processor for many, many years. It will be able to accept many of the new technologies for years to come. Will it have all the latest features, no. There is a difference between being able to accept and play the latest audio codec and being able to transform from a 7.2 channel processor to a 11.2 or whatever Atmos setup you want. If you bought a 7.2 processor expecting it to have the ability to transform into a box that holds every single new technology that comes out, even if that means 64 channels with 3 dedicated video outputs, I fear for your constant disappointment with every technology purchase you make. Sorry for your confusion that the XMC won't be the last processor you will have to buy, but it's one fine machine if you are looking for a 7.2 processor under $10K. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2015 10:02:45 GMT -5
I for one am pleased with Emotiva's decision not to bastardize the XMC-1 into something it's not meant to be. I do not own and XMC-1 or have ever had one or heard one. I can surmise based on past experience with the UMC-1 and people's very favorable opinions of the XMC-1 that it is a very worthy processor. That said, having gone Atmos in my home theater I could never go back to a standard 7.2 arrangement. Atmos and Dolby Surround have changed the experience of my system to such a point that I can't imagine not having it. I was on the preorder list for years for the XMC-1 and when my name came up I declined it. I had moved on. Then the whispers about Atmos coming to the XMC-1 started and I began to question if I had made an error in judgement, but after having set up and used a 7.2.4 Atmos arrangement in my home I can't imagine how Emotiva would have ever done it justice given the XMC-1 output limitations. The news of the XMR has me excited, but after the extremely long wait for the XMC I am tempering said excitement. If Emotiva can come out with the XMR within the next year then I see it as my next processor. As for the XMC-1, it is a solid 7.2 experience and nothing more. That is the way it was meant to be and I am glad Emotiva isn't going to muck that up. I am also pleased to see Emotiva's continued commitment to providing enhancements for the XMC-1. That is extremely important to rebuild customer confidence after the UMC-1/200. Keep up the good work guys and I look forward to the XMR-1... someday soon I hope...
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Post by jmilton on Feb 27, 2015 10:07:36 GMT -5
The name of the new line of electronics will remain a secret for just little while longer... We're still getting Trademarks wrapped up. I'm holding out for the..." OMG-series".  |
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dubs
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Post by dubs on Feb 27, 2015 10:26:05 GMT -5
RE-the future of the XMC-1... The XMC-1 is a 7.2 processor. The system architecture is set. However, we are far from done with the XMC-1. Will it have an Atmos upgrade? Probably not. It's not that it technically could not, it's just that the system channel architecture does not seem to be appropriate for 3D sound field support. We've listened to Atmos quite a bit and in our opinion, you need at least 11 channels to make it worth the cost and expense. More is better with Atmos. The XMC-1 is all about delivering the the highest quality Surround Sound experience possible from its existing channel configuration. This is much more important to me than a "half baked" Atmos implementation. We are seriously looking at a Unison upgrade in the future; this has way more upside than adding basic, bare bones Atmos... checking off the option box does not seem to be justification for adding it. Bolting on Atmos, DTSx, and other 3D sound field processing schemes is like trying to add AWD to a RWD car after the fact. It's better if you have planned for it! We needed least 12 channels from the start to do it right, or why bother? We're just getting started with the feature enhancements of the XMC-1. These different platforms all serve legitimate needs in the market and they do not necessarily obsolete one another. Atmos is a nice feature and it can add to the experience where implemented correctly. But, it is no magic bullet. At the end of the day, it is all about sound quality and base line audio performance, not more stuff in the room. You'll notice two channel audio is on a roll; headphone listening is on a huge upswing... why? Quality, not quantity. Connecting yourself viscerally with the music and the emotion of the performance. Not ping-pong effects. That's fun at first, but it does not take the place of quality. I've got a conventional 7.2 system in my home theater and it sounds very "three dimensional" to me. I won't be cutting holes in my sweet little room any time soon... Eventually I'll probably think about moving to a 3D implementation, but a lot of water needs to flow under the bridge before I jump into that stream. Too many unknowns at the moment; my hole saw shall remain holstered! Let the "spirited but polite" conversation begin! Cheers, Big Dan Big Dan said the magic word I was hoping he would say for me. "UNISON". |
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Post by wilburthegoose on Feb 27, 2015 10:29:35 GMT -5
dubs - could you explain "Unison"?
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dubs
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Post by dubs on Feb 27, 2015 10:41:26 GMT -5
dubs - could you explain "Unison"? Go to the Dirac website and read about Dirac Unison. New program that they have come out with to enhance the sound quality even more. |
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Post by djoel on Feb 27, 2015 10:53:07 GMT -5
What a turn of events today was. Certainly a roller coaster ride I went from being happy to see the firmware upgrade and other things coming in March as well as the HDMI 2.0 coming soon. I was expecting next to hear about a plan to add Atmos to the XMC-1 by perhaps separating the balanced and unbalanced outputs to give us 14.4 channels but instead got news about the XMR-1 with all the stuff I was hoping and expecting Emotiva to add on the XMC-1...,Dirac Unison, Atmos, DTS-x, etc. This plan while exciting for some who can afford and have been waiting for news of the XMR-1 ($3k-5k depending), it seems to imply the XMC-1 will not get Atmos and will not get Dirac Unison and possibly be obsolete well short of the advertised product life. If so, the history of the mid-priced pre pro continues with promise of upgrades that never materialize. I can't say I'm thrilled to see such a bleak future of a prepro I just bought 2 months ago. I may be jumping the gun but I haven't heard anything to contradict my points. It still doesn't change the sound quality of the XMC-1 which is great but the soldier looks to be ready to blow his trumpet at the funeral. Very annoying to say the least.... adjective 1. no longer produced or used; out of date. I always giggle when people jump to the "something new is coming out, my current unit is now obsolete" mindset. I assume you do not buy a new model of car every year. Do you buy a new mobile device every year? Your home... certainly it was not started and completed today and cannot possibly contain all the latest in green construction methods and high energy efficient appliances. All these things in your life you view as obsolete. If not, then the XMC certainly is not obsolete. Will the XMC-1 ever have more than a 7.2 setup? Probably not. Does that make the XMC obsolete? I can't think of why it would I believe it is and will continue to be a top-tier 7.2 processor for many, many years. It will be able to accept many of the new technologies for years to come. Will it have all the latest features, no. There is a difference between being able to accept and play the latest audio codec and being able to transform from a 7.2 channel processor to a 11.2 or whatever Atmos setup you want. If you bought a 7.2 processor expecting it to have the ability to transform into a box that holds every single new technology that comes out, even if that means 64 channels with 3 dedicated video outputs, I fear for your constant disappointment with every technology purchase you make. Sorry for your confusion that the XMC won't be the last processor you will have to buy, but it's one fine machine if you are looking for a 7.2 processor under $10K. OMG, I was just thinking this the meaning and such, I see HT enthusiast using old Lexicon, Proceed, Krell, Meridian pre amps, etc and there's a certain hidden respect I have for them! I think how do they do it with all the cool SH!t around? But if it sounds great it just does, and that the type of mind set I'm preparing myself for. I want a great sounding Pre/Pro and dammed with what ever is out there, that is until the wheels come off! Djoel |
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Post by mgbpuff on Feb 27, 2015 11:08:03 GMT -5
Great news, thanks Big Dan! I've moved away from Emotiva in the last year with the onset of Dolby Atmos products and no Emotiva activity in this area. I have to say that right now I am ecstatic about my Marantz AV7702 7.2.4 system with my new Sony VPL-HW40ES projector and 120" screen. I am however thinking about going beyond an 11 speaker system but there are no products out there south of 20K to do so. Now the XMR-1 will no doubt be my next prepro (especially if I can use my 40% discount card). The Emo silence on new development led me to stray, now Big Dan is talking again, Emotiva as we used to know and love it is back! Hooray, let the naysayers begin their games, but I will buy a cutting edge Emo product once again.
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Post by wilburthegoose on Feb 27, 2015 11:13:47 GMT -5
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Post by Chuck Elliot on Feb 27, 2015 11:23:03 GMT -5
I think that the 3 tier breakdown of R,X,U makes perfect sense as a processor product line-up.
7.2 is a perfect channel combo for my uses.
I would love to see a processor update board for the XMC-1. Perhaps with 6 cores the internal processing of the XMC-1 could go from 48k to 96k. Dirac will already do 96k. I realize that this may not be realistic/possible, just food for thought!
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Post by geebo on Feb 27, 2015 11:26:59 GMT -5
Obsolete? Are 2014 automobiles obsolete? Surely my 1997 Jeep Wrangler must be obsolete. But then, it can get me to work when someone in a 2015 couldn't get out of their driveway. So my 17 year old vehicle can still do things new models cannot.
But then my Jeep does't have power windows or locks so it must be obsolete. I bought it that way so it must have been obsolete from the beginning. But why couldn't that 2015 model get out of the driveway when we had the ice storm? Oh, maybe it's because it has no four wheel drive! Therefore, the 2015 without that feature must be obsolete. Or maybe they were designed to do different things....
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Post by monkumonku on Feb 27, 2015 11:43:47 GMT -5
Obsolete? Are 2014 automobiles obsolete? Surely my 1997 Jeep Wrangler must be obsolete. But then, it can get me to work when someone in a 2015 couldn't get out of their driveway. So my 17 year old vehicle can still do things new models cannot. But then my Jeep does't have power windows or locks so it must be obsolete. I bought it that way so it must have been obsolete from the beginning. But why couldn't that 2015 model get out of the driveway when we had the ice storm? Oh, maybe it's because it has no four wheel drive! Therefore, the 2015 without that feature must be obsolete. Or maybe they were designed to do different things.... Sorry, that is just unacceptable. Why can't we have a vehicle that does EVERYTHING? And is modular so it never, ever becomes obsolete. Oh, and price it under $500, too. |
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Post by KeithL on Feb 27, 2015 11:49:02 GMT -5
I really dislike words like "obsolete".... because they're sooooo overused.  Great sound NEVER becomes obsolete. Your car is obsolete... because, obviously, unless you bought it in the last six months, the newest models have features it doesn't have, right? Your house is obsolete... because I'm sure it doesn't have the absolute latest in aerogel insulation (which is much better than fiberglas or foam or blown cellulose). And your washer probably doesn't do that thing where it figures out how dirty your clothes are automatically and adjusts the wash cycle and the amount of soap it uses. The XMC-1 does everything that most people actually need... and it does it very VERY well. Unfortunately, there are always going to be new things, and it is NOT always practical to upgrade to them from the last technology. If you check back a few years, you'll find some very expensive products that promised that "you'd be able to upgrade them to the latest technology forever". The reality is that it often doesn't work out that way - or the upgrade simply isn't economically feasible. (If you bought a Krell Foundation last year, which does less than the XMC-1, you paid $6500 for it. And, yes, they've announced an upgrade to 4K HDMI 2.0 for another $2500... In fairness, they did offer an introductory price of $1000 on the upgrade, which has now expired, but I'm not sure that got you any more channels either. I guess we'll find out next year what the DTS-X upgrade will cost.) Emotiva is all about giving you the absolute best quality audio performance - at a reasonable price. If it turns out that we can upgrade the XMC-1 to do Atmos, and do so at a price that makes sense, then we will; but we're also not going to do it half a$$ed just so we can add the logo to our collection. (And, yeah, like a few other people, we are sort of waiting to see if Atmos catches on at all, or if DTS-X buries it, or if either one catches on, or, well, who knows at this point.) But, if it turns out that to get Atmos, you'd have a choice between a $4000 upgrade, and just moving up to a newer model, then we're not going to go crazy just so we can say we did. (And, if that happens, we're sure you won't have trouble finding a nice home for your XMC-1 with someone who isn't as worried about next year's formats, and, as a current owner, you'll be getting 25% off on the new one.) Also remember that, at least so far, most of the people with "good 5.1 systems" haven't even moved up to 7.1 yet. ob·so·leteadjective 1. no longer produced or used; out of date. I always giggle when people jump to the "something new is coming out, my current unit is now obsolete" mindset. I assume you do not buy a new model of car every year. Do you buy a new mobile device every year? Your home... certainly it was not started and completed today and cannot possibly contain all the latest in green construction methods and high energy efficient appliances. All these things in your life you view as obsolete. If not, then the XMC certainly is not obsolete. Will the XMC-1 ever have more than a 7.2 setup? Probably not. Does that make the XMC obsolete? I can't think of why it would I believe it is and will continue to be a top-tier 7.2 processor for many, many years. It will be able to accept many of the new technologies for years to come. Will it have all the latest features, no. There is a difference between being able to accept and play the latest audio codec and being able to transform from a 7.2 channel processor to a 11.2 or whatever Atmos setup you want. If you bought a 7.2 processor expecting it to have the ability to transform into a box that holds every single new technology that comes out, even if that means 64 channels with 3 dedicated video outputs, I fear for your constant disappointment with every technology purchase you make. Sorry for your confusion that the XMC won't be the last processor you will have to buy, but it's one fine machine if you are looking for a 7.2 processor under $10K. OMG, I was just thinking this the meaning and such, I see HT enthusiast using old Lexicon, Proceed, Krell, Meridian pre amps, etc and there's a certain hidden respect I have for them! I think how do they do it with all the cool SH!t around? But if it sounds great it just does, and that the type of mind set I'm preparing myself for. I want a great sounding Pre/Pro and dammed with what ever is out there, that is until the wheels come off! Djoel |
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Post by darien87 on Feb 27, 2015 11:58:13 GMT -5
The $5,000 price tag for the XMR puts it out of my reach. Heck when they first announced the XMC at $999 I almost choked. When it went up to $1,299 I walked away and tried a Marantz processor. That didn't work out for me so I ended up with an XMC after all.
I seriously doubt I will ever end up with the XMR but I am glad to see Emotiva working on some seriously high end gear. I have only heard 1 Atmos setup at a local Best Buy/Magnolia and it wasn't very impressive. The XMC sounds great and unless something drastic happens in the Atmos world that makes me unable to live without it I'm pretty sure that I will be happy with the XMC for at least a few years.
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