Official BasX MC-700 7.1 Pre/Pro Thread

[rainier42]

Currently have an older Marantz AV-7005 Pre and am considering replacing it with an MC-700. Anyone know how these 2 might compare in terms of audio?

[socketman]

I have been frequenting this forum for 5 plus years on a daily basis (i know get a life) and before i got my XMC-1 i constantly read about people who absolutely loved the way the UMC-1 sounded bugs aside. Those same people became XMC-1 owners and again more accolades about how it sounded and i believe that same touch that was put on those 2 processors has been carried over to the MC 700. Same great attention to sonic detail while keeping costs down by not including superfluous extra's like net radio etc. I went from a Denon AVR 3311 which i still have , to the XMC-1 and i will tell you that there is no going back. I think Emotiva has try before you buy so give a whirl and i doubt you will send it back. There is also a thread here called MC 700 First Impressions and you will find that everyone is quite happy with their purchase,though some bugs remain that are being addressed. Also it seems to be a bit fussy about HDMI cables but its always good to upgrade them anyway.

[sydhaynes]

Mar 11, 2017 14:36:11 GMT -5 rainier42 said:

Currently have an older Marantz AV-7005 Pre and am considering replacing it with an MC-700. Anyone know how these 2 might compare in terms of audio?

My main system uses a Marantz SR7010 AVR, this is as close to your unit as I can compare.  I like both of my systems, but for pure listening enjoyment I keep finding myself in front of my MC-700/A-700 combination in my home office. Even with lesser speakers there is something more magical with the Emotiva, especially when listening to FLAC or DSD.

If your needs will allow the minimalist nature of this unit I do not think you would be disappointed.  As socketman stated Emotiva has a great return policy, you have nothing to lose in auditioning one.

[rainier42]

Thanks for the information guys. Am looking to simplify my components ... have only 2 sources (Blu-ray and Set tup box) and am sending video direct to the TV. Really just wanting the Audio processing for the 2 sources. Will put an order in for the MC-700.

[melm]

You won't be sorry... all the Emotiva front ends have superb audio quality... and happily are absent silly features you will never use.

[doc1963]

Mar 12, 2017 9:50:58 GMT -5 rainier42 said:

Thanks for the information guys. Am looking to simplify my components ... have only 2 sources (Blu-ray and Set tup box) and am sending video direct to the TV. Really just wanting the Audio processing for the 2 sources. Will put an order in for the MC-700.

If you're looking to simplify, why not route your two source components through the MC-700 for both audio "and" video... Two HDMI cables in, one cable out. All switching handled by the MC-700.

As long as you're using robust "HDMI Premium Certified" cables between your sources, the MC-700 and your TV, and use the "correct" power up sequence of Sink (TV) > MC-700 > Source, you should have no issues. Since the MC-700 is HDMI 2.0/HDCP2.2/HDR compliant, there's really no good reason to do it differently...

[rainier42]

Mar 12, 2017 10:32:05 GMT -5 doc1963 said:

Mar 12, 2017 9:50:58 GMT -5 rainier42 said:

Thanks for the information guys. Am looking to simplify my components ... have only 2 sources (Blu-ray and Set tup box) and am sending video direct to the TV. Really just wanting the Audio processing for the 2 sources. Will put an order in for the MC-700.

If you're looking to simplify, why not route your two source components through the MC-700 for both audio "and" video... Two HDMI cables in, one cable out. All switching handled by the MC-700.

As long as you're using robust "HDMI Premium Certified" cables between your sources, the MC-700 and your TV, and use the "correct" power up sequence of Sink (TV) > MC-700 > Source, you should have no issues. Since the MC-700 is HDMI 2.0/HDCP2.2/HDR compliant, there's really no good reason to do it differently...

Thanks and yes, will give it a go.

[frraksurred]

Hello all, new here.

Got a problem I'm hoping you can help me with because I'm about to return this thing for a refund.

I'm running this with an XPA-5, Samsung KS9500, PS4 Pro (still waiting on my Oppo) and all brand new 2.0b HDMI cables. My problem is I'm getting no picture from the PS4. I get 4k HDR picture when going straight from PS4 to TV, but when attempting to go through the MC 700 I will occasionally get audio, but never picture. I've tried several HDMI cables (that work else where) and HDMI inputs 1-3, nothing changes. The PS4 is setup to output both audio and video via HDMI.

Any ideas? Am I missing something or did I just get a bad unit (after 6 weeks on the waiting list)? Obviously I'm a bit frustrated. Thanks for any assistance.

[doc1963]

Mar 16, 2017 15:24:33 GMT -5 frraksurred said:

Hello all, new here.

Got a problem I'm hoping you can help me with because I'm about to return this thing for a refund.

I'm running this with an XPA-5, Samsung KS9500, PS4 Pro (still waiting on my Oppo) and all brand new 2.0b HDMI cables. My problem is I'm getting no picture from the PS4. I get 4k HDR picture when going straight from PS4 to TV, but when attempting to go through the MC 700 I will occasionally get audio, but never picture. I've tried several HDMI cables (that work else where) and HDMI inputs 1-3, nothing changes. The PS4 is setup to output both audio and video via HDMI.

Any ideas? Am I missing something or did I just get a bad unit (after 6 weeks on the waiting list)? Obviously I'm a bit frustrated. Thanks for any assistance.

As silly as it sounds, make sure you're plugged into "HDMI Output #1". They're "backwards" from what you'd expect (2 on left/1 on right). Only HDMI Out #1 supports HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2.

If that's correct, then it could be an HDMI handshake issue. Turn everything totally off and use the startup sequence "Sink (TV) > Switch (MC-700) > Source (PS4)". Give a couples of seconds between each device to allow them to become responsive.

Hope this helps...

EDIT: It's also helpful to know "what" cables you're using (make/model) and the lengths between the source (PS4) and the MC-700 as well as the length of the cable between the MC-700 and the TV.

[davidkpar]

Anyone's 700 throwing their amp, or amps, into the protect mode, when you are trying to run EmoQ? (I'm running the 700, an XPA2, and an XPA5.) Sometimes, it shuts down the XPA5, as soon as I hit "start". Sometimes, it gets to the rear surrounds, before it shuts down the XPA5. Sometimes, it works as it's supposed to. Only other thing, I know to try, is to turn on all three units, unplug the trigger wire, at the 700, then run EmoQ - haven't tried that, yet. My amps are not the newest, so I have to use a "splitter", on the single trigger output, to each of the trigger inputs, on the two amps. Waiting on a call from Lonnie, as I write.

Also, when you ran the new firmware update, did it clear all your EmoQ settings? My update cleared everything, in EmoQ, and I had done extensive subwoofer band tweaks, to the EmoQ settings, without first writing down all the settings. Drat!

[rainier42]

Mar 16, 2017 15:58:32 GMT -5 davidkpar said:

Anyone's 700 throwing their amp, or amps, into the protect mode, when you are trying to run EmoQ? (I'm running the 700, an XPA2, and an XPA5.) Sometimes, it shuts down the XPA5, as soon as I hit "start". Sometimes, it gets to the rear surrounds, before it shuts down the XPA5. Sometimes, it works as it's supposed to. Only other thing, I know to try, is to turn on all three units, unplug the trigger wire, at the 700, then run EmoQ - haven't tried that, yet. My amps are not the newest, so I have to use a "splitter", on the single trigger output, to each of the trigger inputs, on the two amps. Waiting on a call from Lonnie, as I write.

Also, when you ran the new firmware update, did it clear all your EmoQ settings? My update cleared everything, in EmoQ, and I had done extensive subwoofer band tweaks, to the EmoQ settings, without first writing down all the settings. Drat!

Sorry to hear you are having some issues. Once you are up and running, would be interested in your thoughts on how movie soundtracks sound. Also, are you sending over LPCM from the UDP-203 or bitstream?

[frraksurred]

Mar 16, 2017 15:41:21 GMT -5 doc1963 said:

Mar 16, 2017 15:24:33 GMT -5 frraksurred said:

Hello all, new here.

Got a problem I'm hoping you can help me with because I'm about to return this thing for a refund.

I'm running this with an XPA-5, Samsung KS9500, PS4 Pro (still waiting on my Oppo) and all brand new 2.0b HDMI cables. My problem is I'm getting no picture from the PS4. I get 4k HDR picture when going straight from PS4 to TV, but when attempting to go through the MC 700 I will occasionally get audio, but never picture. I've tried several HDMI cables (that work else where) and HDMI inputs 1-3, nothing changes. The PS4 is setup to output both audio and video via HDMI.

Any ideas? Am I missing something or did I just get a bad unit (after 6 weeks on the waiting list)? Obviously I'm a bit frustrated. Thanks for any assistance.

As silly as it sounds, make sure you're plugged into "HDMI Output #1". They're "backwards" from what you'd expect (2 on left/1 on right). Only HDMI Out #1 supports HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2.

If that's correct, then it could be an HDMI handshake issue. Turn everything totally off and use the startup sequence "Sink (TV) > Switch (MC-700) > Source (PS4)". Give a couples of seconds between each device to allow them to become responsive.

Hope this helps...

EDIT: It's also helpful to know "what" cables you're using (make/model) and the lengths between the source (PS4) and the MC-700 as well as the length of the cable between the MC-700 and the TV.

Thanks for the help.

I've tried both outputs, same result. I've also tried the sync suggestion having read about it earlier in this thread before I posting. Neither worked.

My cables are MediaBridge (popular on Amazon) and are the most recent 2.0b spec. I've tried both 6' & 15' lengths, both of which work (including HDR) when routed directly from PS4 to TV.

I have yet to try unplugging everything (including power) and repowering after 15 mins to clear any EDID settings, but I will do that tonight after work. If that does not work I have to assume I've a bad unit, or the model is simply not ready for market yet, and will be returning.

[rbk123]

Mar 16, 2017 15:58:32 GMT -5 davidkpar said:

Also, when you ran the new firmware update, did it clear all your EmoQ settings? My update cleared everything, in EmoQ, and I had done extensive subwoofer band tweaks, to the EmoQ settings, without first writing down all the settings. Drat!

Where did you get the new firmware update?

[doc1963]

Mar 16, 2017 17:22:43 GMT -5 frraksurred said:

Thanks for the help.

I've tried both outputs, same result. I've also tried the sync suggestion having read about it earlier in this thread before I posting. Neither worked.

My cables are MediaBridge (popular on Amazon) and are the most recent 2.0b spec. I've tried both 6' & 15' lengths, both of which work (including HDR) when routed directly from PS4 to TV.

I have yet to try unplugging everything (including power) and repowering after 15 mins to clear any EDID settings, but I will do that tonight after work. If that does not work I have to assume I've a bad unit, or the model is simply not ready for market yet, and will be returning.

I'm confidently going to go out on a limb here and say that your cables are most likely the issue.

I'm not knocking Mediabridge (I've used their products many times in the past), but there's simply no way a 15 foot HDMI cable (standard build/28 gauge wire) is going to be reliable in your configuration. While it "may" work in a "Source > Sink" situation, once you introduce resistance by adding a passive repeater (your MC-700), all bets are off.

Before you write off the MC-700 as the cause, you owe it to yourself to invest in a pair of "certified" (genuinely CERTIFIED... not just sales speak) cables.

The two cables that I highly recommend are, first, the Blue Jeans "BJC Belden Series-FE". These cables use 28 gauge solid copper wire, but are built using a patented "bonded pair" cable stock technology. They're also HDMI "Premium" Certified up to 15 feet. These are a little pricey, but worth every penny.

If the Blue Jeans are over-budget, then the Monoprice "Certified Premium High Speed" are a cost effective alternative. However, these are semi-thick cables. They're not the thickest or the heaviest that I've seen, or personally used, but they're by no means "thin". Don't let the price fool you, they work.

Either cable can be purchased directly through their respective manufacturer HERE for Blue Jeans or HERE for Monoprice.

Both are also available through Amazon HERE and HERE.

HERE is a good article by Blue Jeans Cable discussing the relevance of "Premium" certification.

I know it's easy to dismiss the cable simply on the basis of "it worked before" or "it works directly from A to C, but not through B, therefore "B" must be the problem". The "real" problem is that 4K UHD with HDR is demanding and HDMI involves the "entire chain". Your chain is only as strong (or as dependable) as it's weakest link. More often than not, that "weakest link" falls squarely upon your choice of cables.

Hope this helps...

[rbk123]

I'd recommend the Monoprice as an inexpensive test. They're both 28awg and they're both certified, so worth a shot and worst case you're out $15-20. Get one for the PS4/MC and 1 for the MC to the TV. I assume only 1 needs to be 15ft, so the other will cost less.

[doc1963]

Mar 16, 2017 20:36:41 GMT -5 rbk123 said:

I'd recommend the Monoprice as an inexpensive test. They're both 28awg and they're both certified, so worth a shot and worst case you're out $15-20. Get one for the PS4/MC and 1 for the MC to the TV. I assume only 1 needs to be 15ft, so the other will cost less.

Not quite... According to Monoprice support, they use 28 gauge shielded wire in their "certified" cables up to 10 feet, 26 gauge shielded solid copper in their cables longer than 10 feet. I have the 20 foot and based upon its weight and diameter, it's a well made "solid" cable. However, my first choice would always be the Blue Jeans if money's not prohibitive. The Blue Jeans are 28 gauge solid copper, but use Belden's patented, and more robust, bonded pair technology. Same AWG aside, standard cable stock cannot compare.

I totally agree, however, that the Monoprice would be an inexpensive test...

[davidkpar]

Mar 16, 2017 18:31:52 GMT -5 rbk123 said:

Mar 16, 2017 15:58:32 GMT -5 davidkpar said:

Also, when you ran the new firmware update, did it clear all your EmoQ settings? My update cleared everything, in EmoQ, and I had done extensive subwoofer band tweaks, to the EmoQ settings, without first writing down all the settings. Drat!

Where did you get the new firmware update?

Damon (sales) sent it, as an email attachment (bin file). I/we couldn't get it to work, at all, using any of my 3 flash drives; however, I borrowed a neighbor's 3.0 flash drive, and it updated, as it should. Damon said, when he updated their 700, with the same firmware, it did NOT clear the EmoQ, as it did, on my unit. (It also changed all my, so far, unused, EmoQ 1, EmoQ 2, and EmoQ 3 manual memories. It set most of the +/- DB settings, to +8db, in all three manual memories.)

The problem with running "EmoQ Calibrate" and it shutting down my 5 channel amp, also existed BEFORE I updated firmware.

[davidkpar]

Mar 16, 2017 16:25:04 GMT -5 rainier42 said:

Mar 16, 2017 15:58:32 GMT -5 davidkpar said:

Anyone's 700 throwing their amp, or amps, into the protect mode, when you are trying to run EmoQ? (I'm running the 700, an XPA2, and an XPA5.) Sometimes, it shuts down the XPA5, as soon as I hit "start". Sometimes, it gets to the rear surrounds, before it shuts down the XPA5. Sometimes, it works as it's supposed to. Only other thing, I know to try, is to turn on all three units, unplug the trigger wire, at the 700, then run EmoQ - haven't tried that, yet. My amps are not the newest, so I have to use a "splitter", on the single trigger output, to each of the trigger inputs, on the two amps. Waiting on a call from Lonnie, as I write.

Also, when you ran the new firmware update, did it clear all your EmoQ settings? My update cleared everything, in EmoQ, and I had done extensive subwoofer band tweaks, to the EmoQ settings, without first writing down all the settings. Drat!

Sorry to hear you are having some issues. Once you are up and running, would be interested in your thoughts on how movie soundtracks sound. Also, are you sending over LPCM from the UDP-203 or bitstream?

I've been up, and running, and calibrated, before the firmware update, and am up/running, after the update. I just can't re-run EmoQ, to re-calibrate for room acoustics.  As I posted above, in my original "thoughts", the 700 sounds MUCH better, than, my previous two pre-pros.

[sydhaynes]

Mar 16, 2017 20:01:43 GMT -5 doc1963 said:

Mar 16, 2017 17:22:43 GMT -5 frraksurred said:

Thanks for the help.

I've tried both outputs, same result. I've also tried the sync suggestion having read about it earlier in this thread before I posting. Neither worked.

My cables are MediaBridge (popular on Amazon) and are the most recent 2.0b spec. I've tried both 6' & 15' lengths, both of which work (including HDR) when routed directly from PS4 to TV.

I have yet to try unplugging everything (including power) and repowering after 15 mins to clear any EDID settings, but I will do that tonight after work. If that does not work I have to assume I've a bad unit, or the model is simply not ready for market yet, and will be returning.

I'm confidently going to go out on a limb here and say that your cables are most likely the issue.

One of the cables that was wreaking havoc on my MC-700 was a MediaBridge. That was advertised to "Support all HDMI 2.0b functions including (but not limited to) 18Gbps transfer speed, 4K, UHD, 3D, 48-Bit Deep Color, High Dynamic Range (HDR) video and Audio Return Channel (ARC)."   But MC-700 no like. I Bought the "BJC Belden Series-FE". that Doc recommended earlier and it cleaned everything up.  

My MediaBridge HDMI Cable Specs --> HERE

[frraksurred]

Mar 16, 2017 21:55:27 GMT -5 sydhaynes said:

Mar 16, 2017 20:01:43 GMT -5 doc1963 said:

I'm confidently going to go out on a limb here and say that your cables are most likely the issue.

One of the cables that was wreaking havoc on my MC-700 was a MediaBridge. That was advertised to "Support all HDMI 2.0b functions including (but not limited to) 18Gbps transfer speed, 4K, UHD, 3D, 48-Bit Deep Color, High Dynamic Range (HDR) video and Audio Return Channel (ARC)."   But MC-700 no like. I Bought the "BJC Belden Series-FE". that Doc recommended earlier and it cleaned everything up.  

My MediaBridge HDMI Cable Specs --> HERE

Good to know, thank you.  I will look into this.  Hope anyway, that I may not have to send this thing back.