Info request for XMC-1 users

[gunther53]

Hi, I just joined this forum recently. After a number of years of great performance from my previous processor it gave up the ghost and I'm unwilling to replace it with the same brand as I had hoped it would last my lifetime for the amount it set me back. I have read many reviews on the XMC and if they should hold true I think I would be happy with it.
For the questions I have for current users, is it capable of analog pass thru without  processing the signal in pure stereo mode? How difficult is the Dirac software to use? Sufficient input availability both analog and digital? Heat production? Is it a requirement to use Dirac to set up the processor? What sort of issues have you encountered? I probably have more questions but I thinks this is enough for now. Been an audiophile for some 45 years and love music both live and studio. Slowly replacing my very expensive gear which is/was extremely enjoyable but is really expensive to repair or replace and does not last as long as one would expect for the expense. 
Please share your truthful experience. 

My listening occurs in a dedicated home theater room, acoustically treated and is used for both, pure stereo via dedicated equipment and surround enjoyment of recorded live concerts and movies again via dedicated equipment that serves this purpose. 

[KeithL]

I'm going to throw in a few of the easy answers here

Q: is it capable of analog pass thru without processing the signal in pure stereo mode?
A: Yes; it's called Reference Stereo mode.

Q: How difficult is the Dirac software to use?
A: It is a computer program, so you'll have to download it and install it on your computer. Other than that it's relatively simple.

Q: Is it a requirement to use Dirac to set up the processor?
A: No. The XMC-1 has two separate sets of 11 band manual parametric EQs (11 bands per speaker per set). You can also just run it flat - without any room correction.

Q: Heat production?
A: The XMC-1 uses a little bit over 30 watts of power. It runs slightly warm, but not hot.

Q: Sufficient input availability both analog and digital?
A: Sufficient is a relative term. The XMC-1 has four stereo analog inputs, one of them balanced, plus a 7.1 channel analog input, plus eight digital audio inputs, plus 8 HDMI inputs.
    (It also has an FM tuner....... but no phono input - most processors don't have phono inputs.)

I will also assert flat out that the XMC-1 was designed from the ground up to sound very good as an analog preamp.
It really does sound as good as most analog preamps in or above its price range.

Nov 2, 2017 14:30:33 GMT -5 gunther53 said:

Hi, I just joined this forum recently. After a number of years of great performance from my previous processor it gave up the ghost and I'm unwilling to replace it with the same brand as I had hoped it would last my lifetime for the amount it set me back. I have read many reviews on the XMC and if they should hold true I think I would be happy with it.
For the questions I have for current users, is it capable of analog pass thru without  processing the signal in pure stereo mode? How difficult is the Dirac software to use? Sufficient input availability both analog and digital? Heat production? Is it a requirement to use Dirac to set up the processor? What sort of issues have you encountered? I probably have more questions but I thinks this is enough for now. Been an audiophile for some 45 years and love music both live and studio. Slowly replacing my very expensive gear which is/was extremely enjoyable but is really expensive to repair or replace and does not last as long as one would expect for the expense. 
Please share your truthful experience. 

My listening occurs in a dedicated home theater room, acoustically treated and is used for both, pure stereo via dedicated equipment and surround enjoyment of recorded live concerts and movies again via dedicated equipment that serves this purpose. 

[superhelmi]

Hello Gunther,

just one week ago I replaced my Linn AV5103 with a XMC-1.
What should I say.... I`m very very happy with the Emotiva.
It sounds absolutely good in reference Stereo mode but is able to go far better with the right filters set or even with dirac.
But I think, after the first dirac try, dirac needs to be fine tuned to your needs (dirac full version)

Also the XMC-1 is absolutely great to set up. Great Display.
Only one thing I´m missing is to switch the subwoofer on and off in direct or Stereo mode. 


Markus
(Germany)

[klinemj]

For pure stereo and for multichannel, the XMC-1 is hard to beat. I got right of Emotiva's XSP-1 AND re-deployed an Emotiva DC-1 when I got the XMC-1. It's 2 channel performance was that good.

And, Dirac is easy, multi-channel is great, and it works great.

Mark

[gunther53]

Thank you both for your replies. It's great to get some input. I'm leaning towards the Emotiva purchase to replace my Krell equipment and hope it comes close to the Krell performance. I had to replace my Krell amps recently due to failure (with Emotiva XPA-5) and the Krell processor gave the ghost just 2 weeks ago. Now I'm on the hunt. I like the Emotiva amp and it handles my power requirements with ease although it has its short comings. May be system synergy issues I don't know. While waiting for version 3 to be implemented I thought I'd see what actual users have to say. Again thank you for your input. It's very much appreciated.

[jra]

Chipping in with my 2 cents. I am so impressed with the XMC I have replaced all the processors in my house with XMC-1's (I now have 3 of them, but I got one second-hand off Audiogon :-). I simply haven't heard anything as good for the price. Highly recommended.

[ÈlTwo]

I'm biased, but the sound of the XMC-1 is stellar; easy to set up, but enough options for those of us who like to fiddle with everything. It sounds great either way.

[cawgijoe]

I love the XMC-1. Easy to use. Sounds great. Good build quality. Never going back to a mainstream receiver or avr.

[wilburthegoose]

Put it this way - there is a local "high-end" hi-fi store, now also doing video (Overture Audio in Wilmington, DE). They're one of those stores that's so high-end that their sales reps are snooty jerks. But they have some VERY nice equipment.

My XMC-1 sounds as good, if not better, than any of their stuff.

[superhelmi]

Hello,

Gunther, please let us know about your ecperience with your new equipment.
I`m playing with dirac. With a little bit fine tunning it`s great. The automatic target curve isn`t right for me, my room and my ears :-)

Markus

[klinemj]

Nov 5, 2017 7:24:31 GMT -5 superhelmi said:

Hello,

Gunther, please let us know about your ecperience with your new equipment.
I`m playing with dirac. With a little bit fine tunning it`s great. The automatic target curve isn`t right for me, my room and my ears :-)

Markus

This is why many opt to get Dirac Full.

Mark

[Hughes, G D]

Nov 2, 2017 14:30:33 GMT -5 gunther53 said:

How difficult is the Dirac software to use? 

On this question, as a new user, of the things I learned, are two that stand out. Set your speaker set up from the front panel first. Number of speakers, size, sub-woofer (single, Duel stereo or Duel mono) first before running Dirac so the program will get that from the unit. Also, the are a couple of youtube videos that get you started pretty easy with the software. I found some thin slightly different but nothing the average guy, that's me, couldn't figure out.

[pknaz]

I've had my XMC-1 for about a year now, wouldn't trade it for anything....except an RMC-1 when they are available!