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Post by frankie2075 on Sept 16, 2015 16:09:22 GMT -5
im confused now about the dirac on xmc-1? if I use the live I can only use it when playing media on my computer? or it will be used on anything I play through the XMC-1?
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Post by Thunderduck on Sept 16, 2015 16:13:48 GMT -5
im confused now about the dirac on xmc-1? if I use the live I can only use it when playing media on my computer? or it will be used on anything I play through the XMC-1? Anything you play through your XMC. |
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Post by millst on Sept 16, 2015 16:34:29 GMT -5
OTOH, Keith was quite clear in calling out that he was referencing the "software" version of Dirac. He may not have read the thread thoroughly, but he isn't necessarily confused. He wouldn't be the first person to jump in on this thread without reading the rest either...
The software version of Dirac is the most powerful version, arguably. It can correct 8 channels at 192kHz/24-bit. Couple that with a DAC and something like J-River MC for an incredible price-performance ration. The big limitatio,n as Keith noted, is that you can only correct sound from the computer, which makes it a non-starter for anybody trying to integrate a cable box, game console, etc.
The miniDSP products have their ups and downs, too. Like the XMC-1, the sample rate is limited to 48kHz. The 88a is adding an analog-digital-analog conversion to your signal chain. The nanoAVR can only handle PCM. Both make your setup more complex, but give you flexibility in return. They have some nice features over the XMC-1, such as control over delay/levels and multiple presets.
The Datasat RS20i would give you the best of all worlds, but I doubt too many people in that bracket are looking around here.
-tm
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Post by creimes on Sept 16, 2015 16:47:11 GMT -5
im confused now about the dirac on xmc-1? if I use the live I can only use it when playing media on my computer? or it will be used on anything I play through the XMC-1? Dirac LE comes with the XMC-1 and it installs on a computer(preferably a laptop) and the laptop and XMC-1 must be on the same network and after Dirac runs and you create the filters it uploads it to the XMC-1 so whatever input you are using on the XMC-1 and you choose Dirac for that input it then uses the Dirac correction, and Dirac Full is an extra $99 but allows you to adjust the curve that Dirac will upload to the XMC-1. Watch this Dirac tutorial for a better understanding, that's what I did lol |
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Post by frankie2075 on Sept 16, 2015 22:24:15 GMT -5
im confused now about the dirac on xmc-1? if I use the live I can only use it when playing media on my computer? or it will be used on anything I play through the XMC-1? Dirac LE comes with the XMC-1 and it installs on a computer(preferably a laptop) and the laptop and XMC-1 must be on the same network and after Dirac runs and you create the filters it uploads it to the XMC-1 so whatever input you are using on the XMC-1 and you choose Dirac for that input it then uses the Dirac correction, and Dirac Full is an extra $99 but allows you to adjust the curve that Dirac will upload to the XMC-1. Watch this Dirac tutorial for a better understanding, that's what I did lol Thank you sir! So it's just like using AUD PRO? That's what I gathered. Run the software on the computer then upload the curve to the SSP. And enjoy?! But what I'm still not clear about and bare with me. Lol is if I am using 3 inputs. Bluray cable and aux. I can only use the target curve for one of those inputs and not for all 3? |
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edrummereasye
Sensei
"This aggression will not stand, man!"
Posts: 438
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Post by edrummereasye on Sept 17, 2015 0:16:13 GMT -5
Thank you sir! So it's just like using AUD PRO? That's what I gathered. Run the software on the computer then upload the curve to the SSP. And enjoy?! But what I'm still not clear about and bare with me. Lol is if I am using 3 inputs. Bluray cable and aux. I can only use the target curve for one of those inputs and not for all 3? No, the target curve applies to all inputs. Basically when you want Dirac, you select the Dirac "preset", which is like a "speaker" preset (there's speaker 1, speaker 2, and Dirac). Speaker presets are "settings groups"...which include speaker trims, distances, parametric EQ settings (for the 2 non-Dirac presets), etc. |
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Post by creimes on Sept 17, 2015 0:26:04 GMT -5
What he said^^^^^ You can assign those presets to each input, Reference Stereo and Direct will not use those though, you have to use Auto or Stereo for your sound format for Dirac to work. For example when I watch movies on my Oppo on Input 2 I have it set that when it sees a 5.1 signal or multi channel signal coming in it's set to Auto so it will play the DTS-HD format(For Example) and I have the Speaker preset of Dirac to be used. You have to see the Menu to really get an understanding of it, purchase one and you will find out haha  Chad Dirac LE comes with the XMC-1 and it installs on a computer(preferably a laptop) and the laptop and XMC-1 must be on the same network and after Dirac runs and you create the filters it uploads it to the XMC-1 so whatever input you are using on the XMC-1 and you choose Dirac for that input it then uses the Dirac correction, and Dirac Full is an extra $99 but allows you to adjust the curve that Dirac will upload to the XMC-1. Watch this Dirac tutorial for a better understanding, that's what I did lol Thank you sir! So it's just like using AUD PRO? That's what I gathered. Run the software on the computer then upload the curve to the SSP. And enjoy?! But what I'm still not clear about and bare with me. Lol is if I am using 3 inputs. Bluray cable and aux. I can only use the target curve for one of those inputs and not for all 3? |
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Post by rtg97229 on Sept 17, 2015 1:04:07 GMT -5
OTOH, Keith was quite clear in calling out that he was referencing the "software" version of Dirac. He may not have read the thread thoroughly, but he isn't necessarily confused. He wouldn't be the first person to jump in on this thread without reading the rest either... The software version of Dirac is the most powerful version, arguably. It can correct 8 channels at 192kHz/24-bit. Couple that with a DAC and something like J-River MC for an incredible price-performance ration. The big limitatio,n as Keith noted, is that you can only correct sound from the computer, which makes it a non-starter for anybody trying to integrate a cable box, game console, etc. The miniDSP products have their ups and downs, too. Like the XMC-1, the sample rate is limited to 48kHz. The 88a is adding an analog-digital-analog conversion to your signal chain. The nanoAVR can only handle PCM. Both make your setup more complex, but give you flexibility in return. They have some nice features over the XMC-1, such as control over delay/levels and multiple presets. The Datasat RS20i would give you the best of all worlds, but I doubt too many people in that bracket are looking around here. -tm I think this is a fair analysis but I would like to point out that the analog-digital-analog conversion is not something people can actually hear, unless done intentionally poorly of course. |
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Post by millst on Sept 17, 2015 1:17:22 GMT -5
Some would say otherwise and I wanted to note it for them. I don't think anyone can argue that there is not the possibility of noise being introduced any time that process occurs. I myself, I'm not interested in that discussion. It's been beaten to death in the various forums.
-tm
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Post by rtg97229 on Sept 17, 2015 1:24:04 GMT -5
Some would say otherwise and I wanted to note it for them. I don't think anyone can argue that there is not the possibility of noise being introduced any time that process occurs. I myself, I'm not interested in that discussion. It's been beaten to death in the various forums. -tm I think there have been double blind studies on it but you are right about it being an issue that has been beaten to death on audio forums. |
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KeithL
Administrator 
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Post by KeithL on Sept 17, 2015 9:50:49 GMT -5
There have actually been lots of studies about whether different sample rates are audibly different - and about whether you would hear a difference because content is converted to digital and back again - and the results are not exactly conclusive (although it's probably safe to say that most people, with most equipment, and most source content, probably wouldn't notice a significant difference if the conversion is performed optimally). You'll notice that I used a lot of "hedge words" like "most" and "significant" - and here's why..... ANY conversion from digital to analog, or from analog to digital, involves some filtering. Even converting digitally between different sample rates requires filtering. Without getting into a lively argument about whether it's possible to do a perfectly transparent conversion, I can tell you that most conversions are not; with the right content, and the right speakers, you can almost always hear at least a tiny difference. Now, if you're talking about "purist audio", ANY audible change is - well - different - and so to be avoided (which is why we have Reference Stereo mode on the XMC-1). However, if you're using something like Dirac Live, then the REASON you're using it is to change the way the audio sounds - hopefully much for the better. At that point, since your goal is in fact to alter the way the audio sounds anyway, it's sort of silly to wonder if getting the audio into Dirac is going to cause a tiny audible difference, when the whole purpose of converting it is to allow Dirac to make a major (and positive) change. The only reason to care would be if the conversion process entailed some huge loss of sound quality - so extreme that it negated all the sonic benefits of using Dirac - and that definitely doesn't happen. Otherwise, the only rational way to look at it is to compare the overall sound quality with and without Dirac Live "running" - and ignore the specifics of whether this or that conversion is involved in the process along the way. (In other words, Dirac Live is going to make a much bigger difference to how your music sounds than the conversion from analog to digital and back again, and that difference will almost certainly be a huge improvement. And, if you don't think it's an improvement, then you're going to turn it off anyway... so it's pointless to obsess over why you don't like it.  ) |
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Post by junchoon on Nov 25, 2015 6:27:13 GMT -5
Contemplating between xmc-1 and the newer av8802a.
What if the price is the same? Which one will you choose?
Is the 2ch xlr performance in xmc-1 better than av8802a? How about mch?
Will be pairing with xa5400es, which has both 2ch xlr and hdmi for mch
Thanks.
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Post by junchoon on Dec 17, 2015 3:58:30 GMT -5
Anyone can help with my query? Thanks.
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Geronimo
Sensei
Budget HT but definitely not mediocre!
Posts: 140
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Post by Geronimo on Dec 17, 2015 8:33:37 GMT -5
Anyone can help with my query? Thanks. If I were you, I'd choose XMC-1 over the new Marantz flagship av8802. But a close comparison to XMC1 is the AV7702. For the price, AV7702 is hard to beat. The atmos is a plus. please read the other thread XMC-1 VS Marantz AV7702. here's the link. emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/39634/xmc-1-marantz-av7702?page=20&scrollTo=782508heated discussion going on. LOL! for me, I'm waiting for my brand new AV7702 to arrive on the mail later today. I should've called in sick but no worries for i'll go off at 1pm. |
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Post by cwt on Dec 17, 2015 11:17:40 GMT -5
Anyone can help with my query? Thanks. Is the 8802's 2ch input dual differential input to output or single ended converted to balanced ? Couldnt find a straight answer no place . A complete balanced system from source to power amp theoretically cancels out common mode noise ; but its expensive ; ayre and electrocompaniet do this for example  Looking at lab measurements taken from Sound & visions reviews of the 2 pre pro's I know which Ide go for in the absence of actually listening ;the xmc1  All this is moot if you want the object codecs ; the 7702mk2 is a good buy even down under  |
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Post by stephen on Dec 17, 2015 15:58:53 GMT -5
Anyone can help with my query? Thanks. Is the 8802's 2ch input dual differential input to output or single ended converted to balanced ? Couldnt find a straight answer no place . A complete balanced system from source to power amp theoretically cancels out common mode noise ; but its expensive ; ayre and electrocompaniet do this for example Looking at lab measurements taken from Sound & visions reviews of the 2 pre pro's I know which Ide go for in the absence of actually listening ;the xmc1 All this is moot if you want the object codecs ; the 7702mk2 is a good buy even down under Great comparison, do you have similar data handy on the DAC performance/specs? One thing I really appreciate about the XMC-1 is the parametric EQ, exactly what you would have in the audio processor of a professional audio system and very useful if you have calibrated measurement equipment. |
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Post by cwt on Dec 17, 2015 23:01:31 GMT -5
Great comparison, do you have similar data handy on the DAC performance/specs? One thing I really appreciate about the XMC-1 is the parametric EQ, exactly what you would have in the audio processor of a professional audio system and very useful if you have calibrated measurement equipment. The marantz uses the latest 32bit akm's stephen www.akm.com/akm/en/product/datasheet1/?partno=AK4490EQ ; to quote audioholics '' The Burr-Browns are sought after audiophile DAC's especially by SACD enthusiasts'' ; pdf is here www.alldatasheet.com/view_datasheet.jsp?Searchword=DSD1796The important thing to take from this imo is the performance of the dac and analog stage combined and here the xmc1 is unequivocal about its design |
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Post by junchoon on Dec 18, 2015 9:42:14 GMT -5
Thanks. Still debating should I go the xmc 1 or av8802a or wait longer for xmr
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Geronimo
Sensei
Budget HT but definitely not mediocre!
Posts: 140
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Post by Geronimo on Dec 18, 2015 9:58:25 GMT -5
wait for the next emotiva processor with atmos!
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Post by mgbpuff on Dec 18, 2015 10:03:55 GMT -5
wait for the next emotiva processor with atmos! You mean "Wait for the first Emotiva processor with Atmos", don't you? |
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All this is moot if you want the object codecs ; the 7702mk2 is a good buy even down under 
