RMC-1 Expansion Module Thread

[Bonzo]

So now after Emofest we have more news on this processor. One big part of the discussions have been regarding the 3 expansion module slots available. From Mark's notes we have already learned quite a bit.

From Mark's thread here: emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/50906/emofest-report-klinemj-scribe
Regarding expansion bays, the RMC-1 has 3 and various options are in the works. Including cards for: more HDMI in or outs, more analog inputs (including a phone stage, more balanced in’s, more RCA in’s), an Alexa board (!) so the unit can take Alexa commands!, and HDMI transmitter (to transmit to other units in your home), more digital inputs, AND…a wifi unit (so you could, for example, stream audio via wifi to the XMC-1 which would play it. Any app you have on a phone, tablet, PC, etc. that can output the sound via wifi could be sent to the RMC-1 via this board. Got Tidal on a Surface Pro? Send Wifi out to the RMC. Got Spotify/Pandoro/etc? Send it to the RMC. Prices are not set for these card, but some could be fairly inexpensive (for example, think of the XPS-1 phono stage cost as a reference). With these modules, the 1st out of the gate will be the RCA inputs, the XLR inputs (2 pairs shown in a picture of it), the phono stage (which is essentially an XPS-1 repackaged), and the wifi units. The others will be based on interest/demand/etc.[/font]

But we certainly don't know it all, and per one of Mark's other posts, it appears Emotiva may be actually looking to us a bit to figure out what people really want in the way of these modules. hence, this thread, a place for all of us to voice direct posts regarding what we would like to see available for these modules. Of course it will be up to Emotiva to actually decide what they build, but with any luck this thread proves useful and will help them not only make profitable units, but get us what we want too.

Fire away.

[Bonzo]

Mark’s post about Emotiva listening to what we would want. emotivalounge.proboards.com/post/906219/thread
They did say that they'd listen to what customers wanted in expansion bays and see what they could do about ones that would have enough appeal to provide a market for it. So - it's worth making your voice heard if that's something you would like.

Here’s a link to a post I made to Dan asking him to confirm cost, and whether these would be user instable or not. emotivalounge.proboards.com/post/905852/thread
Just to be 100% clear while it's being discussed, this price holds for what one might call the "base" unit, sans any of the expansion modules. In other words, each module will be extra depending on each modules particular cost. Correct? And those prices are, at the moment, unassigned.

Edit: And while we are talking expansion modules, one question answer Mark didn't list in the first post of this thread (if he did I missed it), is if the plan is to have these user installable, or if they need to go back to Emotiva. Or perhaps some will be user friendly, while other more complicated ones may have to go back to Emotiva? I know for some "out of country" people sending back is expensive, so waiting a bit to order the original unit with modules already installed might make more sense for those customers.

[jcz06]

I would like to see an expansion model for streaming with an ethernet connection for those who want to use a outboard streamer(e.g. Oppo Sonica). I am also doing some reading on the storm expansion for additional subs for us guys who like the low end ....

[DYohn]

I'd like to see the RMC-1 on the street before I worry about expansion modules.

[Casey Leedom]

Thanks for starting this thread up Bonzo ; I had considered doing the same myself.

Like jcz06 , I'm also interested in the "Network Media Streaming Module" that Dan Laufman referenced last December.

It sounds like it's now planned to have wireless capabilities which is fine I guess ... certainly convenient for guests showing up and being able to stream from their phones I suppose. But I'm more interested in a wired RJ45 Ethernet connector.

I'm also curious which Streaming Media Client protocols will be supported. Squeeze Client? Roon Endpoint? DLNA? All of them? The Squeeze Client is interesting because I think that it's not subject to any licensing and can be used with both the Squeeze Server and Roon systems. This would provide the Streaming Module to be used in already existing infrastructures ...

Casey

[Bonzo]

Sept 8, 2017 10:11:30 GMT -5 DYohn said:

I'd like to see the RMC-1 on the street before I worry about expansion modules.

Just as much as others want to know what the upcoming modules will do before they buy this large investment.

For some that means they want to know if the RMC-1 will potentially cover all bases they want or require. For others it has to do with potential freight costs etc if the modules have to be sent back to Franklin to be installed (we don't know. the answer to that yet). And others have other reasons.

Bottom line is now that the RMC-1 is "firm" to be produced, and people are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, it's a good time to start thinking ahead. And since Emotiva appears to be open to us doing so, even welcoming our input on this particular topic, I personally think we would be dumb not to. How many other processor making companies out there give their customers this chance? I think we should take advantage of it.

[DYohn]

It's all vaporware until there is an "Add to cart" button on the web site. [/cynical hat]

[Casey Leedom]

By the way, was there any mention of the XMC-2 at EmoFest? Just curious. I don't think I've seen any mention as to whether or not the XMC-2 would support the same Expansion Modules or not. It would be cool if it did, but I could easily understand that providing that capability might well push the XMC-2 out of its COGS/MSRP target and/or also confuse the distinction between the XMC-2 and RMC-1. As I said, just curious.

Casey

[Bonzo]

Sept 8, 2017 12:34:32 GMT -5 Casey Leedom said:

By the way, was there any mention of the XMC-2 at EmoFest? Just curious. I don't think I've seen any mention as to whether or not the XMC-2 would support the same Expansion Modules or not. It would be cool if it did, but I could easily understand that providing that capability might well push the XMC-2 out of its COGS/MSRP target and/or also confuse the distinction between the XMC-2 and RMC-1. As I said, just curious.

Casey

Sorry Casey, but wrong thread here to ask this. You need to check Mark's Emofest thread which is linked here above. We now already have 4 posts here that really don't fit the topic, including DYohn basically calling this entire thread useless twice, and my answer to him. I get the posts, and consider them relevant, just not on topic in this thread. I was hoping this thread could be a bit more productive on the topic at hand. Thanks.

[klinemj]

Sept 8, 2017 12:34:32 GMT -5 Casey Leedom said:

By the way, was there any mention of the XMC-2 at EmoFest? Just curious. I don't think I've seen any mention as to whether or not the XMC-2 would support the same Expansion Modules or not. It would be cool if it did, but I could easily understand that providing that capability might well push the XMC-2 out of its COGS/MSRP target and/or also confuse the distinction between the XMC-2 and RMC-1. As I said, just curious.

Casey

It's in the report...see post #1 in the Emofest Report thread in the green room.

Mark

[cwt]

Sept 8, 2017 12:34:32 GMT -5 Casey Leedom said:

By the way, was there any mention of the XMC-2 at EmoFest? Casey

As Mark has stated ;

XMC-2: There is an XMC-2 in the works slated to come out quickly after the RMC-1. As Dan said, "quicker than people will expect" but no specific timeline was shared. It will have 13 channels and be essentially a hybrid of the RMC-1 and XMC-1, with the LCR channels fully differentially balanced and the others having XLR connectors. It will use the RMC display, have Dirac. Currently planned price is $3499.

If you can make a leap of faith the 13 channel mention[obviously 7.2.4 ] would exclude any extra expansion card channels which gels with the price I think.

Bonzo ; when I had an integra dtr 10.5 one slot had an optional net radio stream decoder but that may be redundant with the RMC1 and it does have an am/fm radio in any case looking at the back panel..forget this the wifi module can handle it..
edit ; too slow with the notes

Another more practical thought with the ever increasing bandwidth on HDMI and peoples problems with HDMI UHD @60hz is a built in Ethernet solution premised on hdbaseT like below . I note the lyngdorf MP 50 has this type of port so maybe a long term project for really long cable runs..

www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/hdbaset-hdmi-2.0-18gbps-uhd-extender-over-cat-5e-6?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DC_HDMI_Shopping%20(New)&utm_term=4576098676033116&utm_content=HDMI%20Extender#productSpecifications

[bolle]

1. Expansion module for the emo toaster
2. Expansion module for the XPR-clock

Ok, more serious suggestions:

3. Kickass phono stage
4. Kickass headphone amplifier
5. HDMI wireless module

[novisnick]

Sept 8, 2017 14:49:25 GMT -5 bolle said:

1. Expansion module for the emo toaster
2. Expansion module for the XPR-clock

Ok, more serious suggestions:

3. Kickass phono stage
4. Kickass headphone amplifier
5. HDMI wireless module

I think you missed a good one,,,,,😋

6. Tube driver slot modual

[AudioHTIT]

I think it's good to give Emotiva an idea of what people are interested in now so Dan et. al. can plan. I don't expect there will be too much time going into this for a while as it seems their plate is pretty full, still they'll discuss and prioritize based on what is wanted and will sell.

Generally, there is nothing I NEED in order to make the RMC-1 a viable purchase, with what's come out at EmoFest I think the unit will meet my current needs (and then some). However, here's what interests me:
1) Phono stage - I have an XPS-1 that suits me fine, but if it could be built in and just as quiet, I'd be happy to get rid of one little box, one wall wart, and one set of cables.
2) HDMI Transmitter - I currently have a second HDMI cable from the XMC-1 running through a crawl space into the bedroom. Someday I'll want that to be UHD compliant and won't want to pull another cable. I can imagine other uses so this interests me, though I hope it's based on industry standards, and we might be able to buy 'receivers' from other vendors (or maybe even built in to new TVs). It would be very nice if it included audio, which currently it doesn't due to (I believe) HDMI/HDCP requirements, so that may not be possible.
3) Alexia - Not for me, I'm an Apple guy and will be sticking with Siri and wherever she pops up next (HomePod). I'd probably rather have my Harmony Hub support Apple HomeKit and Siri, then let the Hub tell the RMC-1 what to do (as well as all my other gear).
4) Analog inputs - I could possibly use a second pair of XLR inputs, though currently I'm good with one pair. Don't need any more RCA.
5) Digital inputs - Can't imagine needing more unless a new standard connector/cable comes along. Oh, I2S? Currently no need.
6) Digital outputs - Maybe, plan on using TOSLink to Mac mini for needle drops, possibly coax also depending on what I find for a Zone amp, if that happens I could use a third output to the studio. It would be nice to assign each of the Digital outputs to either Z1 (main), or Z2 – similar, but enhanced to what the XMC-1 Atmos upgrade will do.
7) WiFi card - Dunno, doubt it if as promised AppleTV gets the Amazon apps then probably not, but maybe someday I'll want better music streaming and no one builds a TVOS app. I plan on external streaming, but if it's compelling maybe.

General questions would be:
1) As Bonzo asked "user installable"? I think this is a must, it needs to be like buying a card for a PC, if the unit needs to be sent in I am unlikely to buy them. The Atmos upgrade for the XMC-1 is a different story, they are adding capabilities it was never designed for; these slots are designed for expansion and should be accessible by the end user.
2) Are all the slots the same? That is, could you install (3) Phono cards or (3) XLR cards? If you only want Phono could you put it in any slot? Or might you have to put Digital cards in slot 1, WiFi / HDMI cards in slot 2, analog cards in slot 3? Or populate them in order?

I think the expansion slots are a great 'bonus' for the RMC-1 and certainly ups its appeal for many, I hope they're as standards based as possible; then if it really took off maybe even a third party could build a card, or Emo could farm out card building. ... oooh, the mirror ball / light show interface!

[petew]

I'd like to see a Raspberry Pi module - roll your own...

[tslack]

If there isn’t enough interest in integrating a digital crossover or putting one on an expansion card, how about an expansion card with three balanced digital outputs (fixed LF/CF/RF or assignable) that could be run to external digital crossovers for DIY types who want to avoid another AD/DA conversion and passive crossovers?  Actually, a digital output card with multiple outputs (balanced/coax/toslink/etc) would work if the output format (bitstream/single channel/stereo LF/RF) is assignable for each output.

[Bonzo]

So this thread has been inactive for quite some time. Figured since the RMC-1 appears to be looming (probably May 2018 at the soonest), figured it might be time to get this thread out of moth balls.

Certainly there must be people who want the RMC-1 above and beyond "stock." Certainly there are people that will either buy it knowing they will buy upgrade modules in the future, or people who will wait to buy it until the module(s) they want is(are) available.

What say you? What modules would you like to see? Will you be buying straight up "stock" or waiting to see what becomes available? All is open for discussion.

And wow, if someone from Emotiva could add more to this as to what they are thinking that would be awesome. I won't ask for timing or pricing as we know how that goes, but 2 things I will ask are "what are the for sure planned modules" and "is it user install-able or is it send it back to factory" to add the modules?

I'm sure everyone knows by now what I would like to see, but just to refresh your memories of stuff I would pay extra for:
1. Dual analog record output with Zone 3 output, and perhaps one more analog input module (like say 8 total RCA jacks)
2. 7.1 analog input module (again, 8 total RCA jacks). Would be SUPER DUPER awesome if this was assignable. So you could use as 4 stereo inputs, or 5.1 plus 1 stereo, or 7.1.
3. RMC-1S model with a silver knob and silver trim (yeah I know, not a module but is something I'd pay extra for and would love to see).
4. Wifi & Bluetooth module

Happy St, Patty's day weekend!

Cheers --- Bonzo

[klinemj]

I want to see the thin client streamer as a stand alone device that could be used to provide a digital out to a DAC of my choice. I don't want it to have anything else...no headphone amp, no DAC, no nothing...just "Stream me up Scotty!" (And Tidal has to be able to find it...)

Mark

[Bonzo]

Mar 16, 2018 15:18:51 GMT -5 klinemj said:

I want to see the thin client streamer as a stand alone device that could be used to provide a digital out to a DAC of my choice. I don't want it to have anything else...no headphone amp, no DAC, no nothing...just "Stream me up Scotty!" (And Tidal has to be able to find it...)

Mark

Yep, that's a good one. Add that to my list.

[davidl81]

Mar 16, 2018 15:10:42 GMT -5 Bonzo said:

So this thread has been inactive for quite some time. Figured since the RMC-1 appears to be looming (probably May 2018 at the soonest), figured it might be time to get this thread out of moth balls.

Certainly there must be people who want the RMC-1 above and beyond "stock." Certainly there are people that will either buy it knowing they will buy upgrade modules in the future, or people who will wait to buy it until the module(s) they want is(are) available.

What say you? What modules would you like to see? Will you be buying straight up "stock" or waiting to see what becomes available? All is open for discussion.

And wow, if someone from Emotiva could add more to this as to what they are thinking that would be awesome. I won't ask for timing or pricing as we know how that goes, but 2 things I will ask are "what are the for sure planned modules" and "is it user install-able or is it send it back to factory" to add the modules?

I'm sure everyone knows by now what I would like to see, but just to refresh your memories of stuff I would pay extra for:
1. Dual analog record output with Zone 3 output, and perhaps one more analog input module (like say 8 total RCA jacks)
2. 7.1 analog input module (again, 8 total RCA jacks). Would be SUPER DUPER awesome if this was assignable. So you could use as 4 stereo inputs, or 5.1 plus 1 stereo, or 7.1.
3. RMC-1S model with a silver knob and silver trim (yeah I know, not a module but is something I'd pay extra for and would love to see).
4. Wifi & Bluetooth module

Happy St, Patty's day weekend!

Cheers --- Bonzo

I thought WiFi was already in it based on the WiFi symbol on the back of the unit. Although nothing was ever confiremd.