RMC-1/RMC-1L/XMC-2 Owners Thread (Post Firmware v1.10)

[ttocs]

Feb 14, 2022 11:31:05 GMT -5 tngiloy said:

Feb 14, 2022 11:08:07 GMT -5 jjkessler said:

My repeater is this one

BAFX Products - RF Wireless IR Repeater Kit/Infrared Remote Control Extender Kit; Hide Your Cable Box Out of Sight; No Wires to Run www.amazon.com/dp/B073WQNHQP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_BVRAKBTE7QVG8JW2XW2H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Your product has only one 'emitter' plug, which is why they give you the 4-headed flasher- so you can control up to 4 components.
If all you are trying to control is your RMC-1, then you could use the 1/8'' mono cable to the rear ir input on the RMC-1. If you want to control multiple components, then the 4-headed flasher (using one flasher to the RMC-1's front panel) would be your best bet.

Or, breakout the single output of the receiver with a Y cable extender with one wired cable going to the back of the RMC. It's a simple mono connection so there are millions (no, not really) of possibilities.
Just be sure to turn off the Front IR on the RMC, and I also turn off the Front IR Blaster.

[jjkessler]

I am only trying to control the RMC-1L and it sounds like direct connecting the Mini plug from the RMC to the IR unit is a better way of going. Looks like a standard trigger cable would work

[jeffrey40sw]

Ok I’m not a complainer and my XMC-2 hasn’t been bad say for a few glitches but nothing that wasn’t fixed or I couldn’t deal with. This isn’t actually directed towards Emotiva either but someone answer me this. Why in world do we have a processor as good as this with a Linux os that is so limited? Let me give you examples of what I mean. I have a Roon server setup. Why do I have to use a hifiberry or my ipad with the big ego dac I got with the headphone bundle to stream Roon to the processor when it has a USB interface?

My Cambridge audio dac can see an iphone or android phone without a dac in between? Or why the hell can’t the roon server just see the processor over the internet? This seems such a simple thing to enable and run and make other processors play catch-up? Come on Emotiva. Get some people with vision and skills and step up your game. A processor at this price point that is not Roon ready really is lame. You already sound better than the competition now enable features that blow them away!

[ElectricKoolAid]

Just wanted to say I had not had the "digitized sound" issue before today that I can recall but when I was running some demo scenes today I encountered it. I had some demo clips that were 4k HDR video with 7.1 LPCM soundtracks. One of the clips had 2 audio tracks (one with Bass EQ applied BEQ as it's referred to on AVS forum) and when I switched to the secondary track it began playing the audio but sounded "digitized/distorted". Backing out of the video in Plex and then restarting it fixed the issue. Just wanted to pass this along, I upgraded to 2.5 a week ago or so now. I've also had a few issues with the processor locking up and haven't had this issue since 2.2 for the most part.

[jeffrey40sw]

Well I stand corrected on one thing. I didn’t have the USB stream set correct to see a phone or ipad. Still would be very nice for it to be able to just use the network though.

[Gary Cook]

Quick update, the XMC-2 arrived on Friday, just in time for me to set it up over the weekend. Since I sent the XMC-1 for trade in 4 weeks ago I have been running the UMC-200 using the digital toslink input. Which I was also using with the XMC-1 as the new Samsung TV didn't want to play nice with it, HDCP handshake issues. Connecting up the XMC-2 with all 3 x HDMI inputs (Cable Box, Apple TV4k and 4KBD Sony player) and the balance outputs not surprisingly resulted in a substantial upgrade in sound quality, like holly cow what a difference.

All I have done so far is set the 5.1 speaker distances and balanced the volumes using the sound meter, plus I named the inputs to improve the WAF. Sound is awesome, particularly the dialogue which is much clearer and cleaner. Everything else remains at the factory defaults and it just works.


Next step is to set up the height speakers for 5.1.2, that's a job for next weekend. I'll leave it at that for a couple of weeks to get used to it, then I'll delve into the magical mystery tour of DIRAC.


Cheers
Gary

[thezone]

Feb 14, 2022 23:41:09 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Quick update, the XMC-2 arrived on Friday, just in time for me to set it up over the weekend. Since I sent the XMC-1 for trade in 4 weeks ago I have been running the UMC-200 using the digital toslink input. Which I was also using with the XMC-1 as the new Samsung TV didn't want to play nice with it, HDCP handshake issues. Connecting up the XMC-2 with all 3 x HDMI inputs (Cable Box, Apple TV4k and 4KBD Sony player) and the balance outputs not surprisingly resulted in a substantial upgrade in sound quality, like holly cow what a difference.

All I have done so far is set the 5.1 speaker distances and balanced the volumes using the sound meter, plus I named the inputs to improve the WAF. Sound is awesome, particularly the dialogue which is much clearer and cleaner. Everything else remains at the factory defaults and it just works.


Next step is to set up the height speakers for 5.1.2, that's a job for next weekend. I'll leave it at that for a couple of weeks to get used to it, then I'll delve into the magical mystery tour of DIRAC.


Cheers
Gary

Ah yes, I remembered now the dialogue is substantially improved from XMC-1 to 2!

[markc]

Feb 14, 2022 23:41:09 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Quick update, the XMC-2 arrived on Friday, just in time for me to set it up over the weekend. Since I sent the XMC-1 for trade in 4 weeks ago I have been running the UMC-200 using the digital toslink input. Which I was also using with the XMC-1 as the new Samsung TV didn't want to play nice with it, HDCP handshake issues. Connecting up the XMC-2 with all 3 x HDMI inputs (Cable Box, Apple TV4k and 4KBD Sony player) and the balance outputs not surprisingly resulted in a substantial upgrade in sound quality, like holly cow what a difference.

All I have done so far is set the 5.1 speaker distances and balanced the volumes using the sound meter, plus I named the inputs to improve the WAF. Sound is awesome, particularly the dialogue which is much clearer and cleaner. Everything else remains at the factory defaults and it just works.


Next step is to set up the height speakers for 5.1.2, that's a job for next weekend. I'll leave it at that for a couple of weeks to get used to it, then I'll delve into the magical mystery tour of DIRAC.


Cheers
Gary

Congratulations!
I think!
It was the last chance at the upgrade program so I guess it had to be done.
I look forwards to seeing your posts of ongoing happiness, contentedness and positivity over the next few weeks 

[marcl]

Feb 14, 2022 23:41:09 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

Quick update, the XMC-2 arrived on Friday, just in time for me to set it up over the weekend. Since I sent the XMC-1 for trade in 4 weeks ago I have been running the UMC-200 using the digital toslink input. Which I was also using with the XMC-1 as the new Samsung TV didn't want to play nice with it, HDCP handshake issues. Connecting up the XMC-2 with all 3 x HDMI inputs (Cable Box, Apple TV4k and 4KBD Sony player) and the balance outputs not surprisingly resulted in a substantial upgrade in sound quality, like holly cow what a difference.

All I have done so far is set the 5.1 speaker distances and balanced the volumes using the sound meter, plus I named the inputs to improve the WAF. Sound is awesome, particularly the dialogue which is much clearer and cleaner. Everything else remains at the factory defaults and it just works.


Next step is to set up the height speakers for 5.1.2, that's a job for next weekend. I'll leave it at that for a couple of weeks to get used to it, then I'll delve into the magical mystery tour of DIRAC.


Cheers
Gary

Good move Gary.  I did the trade two years ago and it was a bit bumpy waiting for Dirac, etc.  But yes, sound quality was instantly better ... and then Atmos and Dirac!  Well worth the investment and time.  Enjoy!

[BigE]

Wow. Nothing posted here in more than 24 hours; must be a first. Had to tear apart my theater room to do some painting. Will probably pull some cat 5 as well since current ethernet over power isn't working very well.

Perhaps when I'm done 3.0 will have been released giving me an excuse to re-run Dirac. I will post a question about Dirac in the days ahead due to a weird setup I need assistance with.

[bbillman]

I'm missing the Reference Stereo option when I scroll through the sound modes. I know I have seen it before, but now it's not coming up. Are there any conditions that must be met for Reference Stereo to show up? I'm streaming 2 channel stereo (Amazon Music HD) through my computer, connected by HDMI to the RMC1. I also tried playing an MP3 from the same computer. I also tried a CD on my Xbox Series X, that didn't work either.

[tngiloy]

Feb 16, 2022 16:45:30 GMT -5 bbillman said:

I'm missing the Reference Stereo option when I scroll through the sound modes. I know I have seen it before, but now it's not coming up. Are there any conditions that must be met for Reference Stereo to show up? I'm streaming 2 channel stereo (Amazon Music HD) through my computer, connected by HDMI to the RMC1. I also tried playing an MP3 from the same computer. 

Is it possible that your fronts are set to small?

From the manual-

Note: Because Reference Stereo Mode does not include bass management, care should be used

when playing “small” speakers in this mode. Reference Stereo Mode can ONLY be selected

using the “Mode Up/Down” buttons if your front speakers are set to Large, but can be selected

as the current mode in the Main Zone Configuration Menu, and can be configured as the

default mode for an input.

[bbillman]

Yep, that's it. I guess I figured it would automatically switch to Large if Reference Stereo was selected, but that's not the case.

Thanks

[sebna]

I am looking at potentially getting XMC-2 (2nd hand) and have few key questions - hopefully you can offer me some advice wise people:

1. Would you do it again? Would you buy it know all that you know and having all the experience?
2. The bass management bug I am reading about - would it affect me with 2 subs and MiniDPS 2x4 HD? If so what is the problem?
3. Pops and cracks - are those still a thing?
4. Any other major bugs I should know about?
5. Currently using Yamaha CX-A5200 - does anybody know how they compare SQ wise? I think they have quite similar sound signature? I am only after movies watching. Dont care about music - have a separate system for it.

Many thanks

[sebna]

One more question.

I know that Emotiva use some non-standard XLR pin-out. Does it apply to amps or XMC-2 or both?

Thanks

[AudioHTIT]

Feb 17, 2022 5:11:39 GMT -5 sebna said:

One more question.

I know that Emotiva use some non-standard XLR pin-out. Does it apply to amps or XMC-2 or both?

Thanks

Just amps, not processors.

emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/55385/phase-outs-sources-speakers-important

[sebna]

Feb 17, 2022 5:20:19 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Feb 17, 2022 5:11:39 GMT -5 sebna said:

One more question.

I know that Emotiva use some non-standard XLR pin-out. Does it apply to amps or XMC-2 or both?

Thanks

Just amps, not processors.

Thanks for the quick answer.

Maybe I can tempt you to answer any of my other questions from the previous post before the one you have answered to?

[cawgijoe]

Feb 17, 2022 4:57:25 GMT -5 sebna said:

I am looking at potentially getting XMC-2 (2nd hand) and have few key questions - hopefully you can offer me some advice wise people:

1. Would you do it again? Would you buy it know all that you know and having all the experience?
2. The bass management bug I am reading about - would it affect me with 2 subs and MiniDPS 2x4 HD? If so what is the problem?
3. Pops and cracks - are those still a thing?
4. Any other major bugs I should know about?
5. Currently using Yamaha CX-A5200 - does anybody know how they compare SQ wise? I think they have quite similar sound signature? I am only after movies watching. Dont care about music - have a separate system for it.

Many thanks

1. Yes, absolutely. I traded in my XMC-1 which I loved on the 2 and it's definitely an improvement, plus it was a fantastic deal.
2. Can't answer this because I only have one sub.
3. I have had very few pops and cracks and really none with the latest firmware. And it would only happen with ATV 4K when it did and the volume was low on the pop. YMMV.
4. It's not really a bug per se, but switching between inputs is slow. Patience required here.
5. No idea, but I do like Yamaha.

Dirac is more advanced than most room correction systems in the mainstream prepros and receivers. It's a bit more complicated to implement and use (learning curve), but definitely worth it as far as I'm concerned. SQ is improved.

[ttocs]

Feb 17, 2022 4:57:25 GMT -5 sebna said:

1. Would you do it again? Would you buy it know all that you know and having all the experience?
2. The bass management bug I am reading about - would it affect me with 2 subs and MiniDPS 2x4 HD? If so what is the problem?
3. Pops and cracks - are those still a thing?

1. Yes. Yes.
2. The BMbug is now fixed with FW2.5 for Surround and using a single subwoofer output, either Left Sub Out Mono, or Center Sub Out Mono. If using both Left Sub Out Mono AND Center Sub Out Mono then there is an increase of +2dB BM due to summing of both these channels. See the thread G3P Elevated BM & LFE Issue for more info. This is still being worked on by Emotiva.
3. I have experienced very few pops in two years. But with FW2.5 I get them fairly often when I switch audio modes mostly, which I do when testing things. With normal usage they still happen more often than before FW2.5, but it's not very often because I'm comparing getting almost none for two year to now getting them. They don't happen on their own, only when I'm changing something on the XMC-2 or a source.

The next firmware update should help with these things.

[msimanyi]

Feb 17, 2022 4:57:25 GMT -5 sebna said:

I am looking at potentially getting XMC-2 (2nd hand) and have few key questions - hopefully you can offer me some advice wise people:

1. Would you do it again? Would you buy it know all that you know and having all the experience?
2. The bass management bug I am reading about - would it affect me with 2 subs and MiniDPS 2x4 HD? If so what is the problem?
3. Pops and cracks - are those still a thing?
4. Any other major bugs I should know about?
5. Currently using Yamaha CX-A5200 - does anybody know how they compare SQ wise? I think they have quite similar sound signature? I am only after movies watching. Dont care about music - have a separate system for it.

Many thanks

1. I bought my RMC-1 in October, 2021 knowing of these issues. Yes, I'd do that again.
2. See ttocs comments.
3. Still a thing, but quite minor for me and only on AppleTV4k. Mine is the current generation, released in Spring 2021.
4. I occasionally have to reboot my RMC-1 due to it being unresponsive, but it may just be that I'm using an old Panasonic plasma TV (which is still fantastic, btw.)
5. No input on that, other than to say that the sound quality on my RMC-1 - which is likely similar, if not identical, to your XMC-2 - utterly crushes the Marantz AVR I was using before. I think it was their SR6015, but it may have been a predecessor.