XMC-1: Need 2.2 stereo setup tips

[kybourbon]

I just purchased a gently used Emotiva XMC-1 which will be replacing my Marantz AV7005 pre-pro. I was hoping for some tips or tricks in making setup as easy and successful as possible for stereo/music. I'd say this area is used 90% music and 10% regular TV watching (I have a separate dedicated home theater)

My system:
Source: Synology NAS with HD Audio FLAC and Super Audio CD rips sent to custom built HTPC then sent to XMC-1 either over USB, Toslink, or HDMI

Chain:
Emotiva XMC-1 ---> Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 1 ---> Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 and dual Rythmik 15" sealed servo subwoofers

I also have a Sonos connect as an option for Google Music, Tidal, etc. over Toslink or Coaxial

I am also thinking of adding a Raspberry Pi for Roon.

Let me know the best way to approach getting everything setup correctly.

Many thanks in advance!

[geebo]

If you haven't already done so, get Dirac Full and set up the XMC for stereo or dual mono subs and front speakers to small. All other speakers should be set to None. If after running Dirac it seems a little bass shy then try using one of the alternate mic cal files that you can find at the end of user ansat signature. Even better would be to get a calibrated UMIK-1 from Cross Spectrum Labs or MiniDSP. Adjust the target curve in Dirac to suit your personal preference.
If you don't want to run Dirac then just use the very good parametric EQ of the XMC-1 and adjust to your liking. Another option would be to use REW with a calibrated mic and upload the resulting filters to the XMC using a thumb drive. You can find instructions for that beginning on page 98 of the current online manual.
In my experience the best results are obtained with Dirac and the Cross Spectrum UMIK-1.
If you have any other specific questions you'll find a lot of experienced and helpful users here.

Links:

Cross Spectrum UMIK-1

XMC-1 FAQ by ansat

Online XMC-1 manual

[kybourbon]

Awesome. Thank you!

I should get the unit on Tuesday. Might be a bit before I do the whole setup.

Trying to collect users' experiences until then to make it easier and better.

Thank you for your post!

[Gary Cook]

Personally I don't do any correction until I've had enough listening time to position the speakers to my liking and then lock in to what it sounds like with a decent variety of my music.

Cheers
Gary

[doc1963]

I agree with both geebo and Gary’s advice above and will add the following...

Since it is a previously owned unit, once you’ve gotten it all connected and power it up for the first time, I would immediately perform a factory reset.

Keep in mind, however, that a factory reset does not clear the portion of the XMC-1 that stores the Dirac filters. Make sure any listening you do before running Dirac in your room is done using using one of the two non-Dirac presets (Speaker Preset 1 or 2). You will need to set up the distance and levels manually for these inputs.

Also be aware that once the Dirac filters were downloaded to the XMC-1 for the first time (by the original owner), all inputs will be set to use the Dirac speaker preset by default. Before you have a chance to do your own measurements and download correct filters for your room, make sure they’re not. Using the Dirac preset before running it yourself would result in you using the measurements from the previous owner’s room. It will be crucial to keep Dirac out of the path until you’re ready to do it yourself.

I also highly recommend getting the full version of Dirac Live from Emotiva. I, too, recommend the individually calibrated UMIK-1 from Cross Spectrum. I, personally, suggest creating a minimum of two projects. One allowing Dirac to correct the full measurement range and another allowing Dirac to correct only up to around 200 to 250 Hz. You can create, and tinker with, as many “projects” as you want, but on one can be stored on the XMC-1 at a time. So, I would go full range correction first to determine what you “don’t” like and go from there.

Hope this helps...

[kybourbon]

Thanks for the advice thus far.

I received the unit today and will plan on initial setup in the next few days.

Keep the ideas and tips coming!