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

[Gary Cook]

After 1 week, used for 4 to 5 hours every day;
1. Hell yes.
2. Single sub only, no issues.
3. Nope and I have the same ATV 4K 120 hz as msmanyi.
4. Nope, no minor bugs either.
5. Way better sound quality than a friend of mines Yamaha, the only (ONLY) thing the Yamaha is better (faster) at is lock on when changing sources.

Cheers
Gary

[carbonsummit]

Feb 18, 2022 0:06:17 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

After 1 week, used for 4 to 5 hours every day;
1. Hell yes.
2. Single sub only, no issues.
3. Nope and I have the same ATV 4K 120 hz as msmanyi.
4. Nope, no minor bugs either.
5. Way better sound quality than a friend of mines Yamaha, the only (ONLY) thing the Yamaha is better (faster) at is lock on when changing sources.

Cheers
Gary

Are you running 2.5 firmware? I have not had a chance to upgrade from 2.3, I was hoping the HDMI switching would be quick now.

[doc1963]

Feb 18, 2022 11:49:30 GMT -5 carbonsummit said:

Feb 18, 2022 0:06:17 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

After 1 week, used for 4 to 5 hours every day;
1. Hell yes.
2. Single sub only, no issues.
3. Nope and I have the same ATV 4K 120 hz as msmanyi.
4. Nope, no minor bugs either.
5. Way better sound quality than a friend of mines Yamaha, the only (ONLY) thing the Yamaha is better (faster) at is lock on when changing sources.

Cheers
Gary

Are you running 2.5 firmware? I have not had a chance to upgrade from 2.3, I was hoping the HDMI switching would be quick now.

The only difference between 2.3 and 2.5 was the bass management fix.

If Gary just purchased his XMC-2, it likely came with 2.4 preinstalled. 2.4 was a task specific firmware to address a parts change on all units built and shipped since November, 2021. 2.4 also included the bass management fix.

There's zero difference between 2.4 and 2.5...

[cawgijoe]

Feb 18, 2022 12:13:54 GMT -5 doc1963 said:

Feb 18, 2022 11:49:30 GMT -5 carbonsummit said:

Are you running 2.5 firmware? I have not had a chance to upgrade from 2.3, I was hoping the HDMI switching would be quick now.

The only difference between 2.3 and 2.5 was the bass management fix.

If Gary just purchased his XMC-2, it likely came with 2.4 preinstalled. 2.4 was a task specific firmware to address a parts change on all units built and shipped since November, 2021. 2.4 also included the bass management fix.

There's zero difference between 2.4 and 2.5...

The HDMI switching speed (or slowness) is tied to the use of the Live OSD. I'm unsure if they can speed this up.

[Gary Cook]

The locking is not what I would call fast fast, it's more like "did I actually push that button" fast.

Cheers
Gary

[zim2411]

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

For some background I bought my XMC-1 back in 2016, and upgraded to the XMC-2 around March 2021.

To answer your main question of would I do it again?

No, absolutely not.

I went with the XMC-1 in 2016 because it was the only semi-affordable processor with Dirac Live back then, I believe the only other alternative was the $15,000+ Datasat RS20i, and the Emotiva EMP-1 that was announced for $900 vanished into the ether. I had tried the Dirac Live trial on Windows with my Pioneer SC-05 and was blown away, so I knew I wanted Dirac. I've always been happy with the sound quality of both the XMC-1 and XMC-2 after calibrating with a UMIK-1 microphone, (I've always gotten truly horrible results when using the included Emotiva microphone) but the user experience and bugs drive me insane. Upgrading from the XMC-1, I was hopeful many of the issues I had with that would be resolved, but if anything the XMC-2 is worse.

Here are my list of issues:

• Random pops and cracks, often when digital audio streams stop or start. Thankfully these are not that loud, more of a minor annoyance and it's not always.
• HDMI handshake issues abound, I'll have to sometimes cycle between inputs several times to get things working
• The on-screen GUI is very, very slow sometimes taking several seconds to update. If you look at the OLED screen on the front of the unit that will be faster meaning the on-screen GUI is lagging behind.
  
• Maybe 1 out of every 50 times, starting a bitstreamed HD audio track like Atmos TrueHD will result in digitized noise blasting out on all speakers at whatever volume you have set
• Maybe 1 out of every 20 times, the surround sound speakers sound like they are getting an 8-bit audio signal, subtly but noticeably distorted. Cycling surround mixing modes seems to be the fastest way to resolve this
  
• Sometimes I just never get audio requiring a hard reset
• The Dirac Live setup process on the XMC-2 is very convoluted requiring a Raspberry Pi running some custom software to bridge network communications between Dirac Live's software and the XMC-2.
• The other night I got zero audio out of my Apple TV 4K. I switched audio formats on it... nothing. I switched over to my Windows PC to see if that worked and fired up Spotify only to be blasted with the most horrifically distorted audio I've ever heard.
  

I'm someone that generally likes tinkering with things, but this product is an exercise in frustration, and embarrassment. I've had friends over to watch movies and been hit by these issues and had to apologize for blasting them with noise. It's not uncommon for me to fire up my theater setup at the end of a long day to relax, and then get stuck troubleshooting for 5-10 minutes power cycling the XMC-2 trying to just get things working. Oh and be sure to wait 30+ seconds if you cut the power because the ethernet interface won't come back up correctly if you reboot too quickly.

I want to like Emotiva, I really do, but the fact that these issues persist to this day and in the 9 months since firmware v2.3 and v2.5 the only thing fixed is bass management is incredibly disappointing. These days Dirac Live is available on many other units, from the Monoprice HTP-1, to NAD, Pioneer, Onkyo, and Integra.

[richb]

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, I find the sound quality, especially the up-mixer to be a big step up from the XMC-1. Other processors also have issues, boot-loops (HTP-1), firmware update slow and have issues (SDP-55). I did not like the Marantz AV8801 at all to service it 3 times for trigger failures and bad power outlet (of all things).

2. I don't think so. Though there appears to be an issue with All channel stereo, that I do not use.

3. I do not have pops and clicks but TiVo Edge syncing is a bit slow after FF/FR.

4. Every once and a while (couple of weeks) the center channel sounds distorted. This is corrected by switching inputs and back.

5. I'd expect the RMC-1 to be better. I had a Yamaha AV806 (I think) AVR and the DSP processing was sub-par. Compared to pure-direct from the Oppo it was sub-standard. IME, Yamaha is all about reliability (which is fine) and not sound quality. Their room correction has always been rated at or near the bottom.

My 2 cents.

- Rich

[geebo]

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. In a heartbeat.
2. I use two subs connected as Left Mono and Center LFE. No BM problems unless I use All Stereo which I never do. BM was mostly fixed with FW 2.5 and is a non issue for me now.
3. Not getting pops or ticks but some do report it especially with DSD files.
4. None that I'm experiencing.
5. Sound quality for movies should be about the same but I'm guessing there.

[Lsc]

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

My XMC2 will be 4 years old this year but so far it’s been pretty good.

It’s now in my secondary system until DLBC comes out. Whenever that is. In my system there really are no glaring bugs that affect me outside of HDMI CEC/ARC not working that well.

[AudioHTIT]

Feb 20, 2022 23:49:48 GMT -5 Lsc said:

My XMC2 will be 4 years old this year

Can that be right? Wasn’t the XMC-2 released summer of 2019?

[geebo]

Feb 21, 2022 0:06:45 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Feb 20, 2022 23:49:48 GMT -5 Lsc said:

My XMC2 will be 4 years old this year

Can that be right? Wasn’t the XMC-2 was released summer of 2019?

That's what I thought.

[Lsc]

Feb 21, 2022 0:06:45 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Feb 20, 2022 23:49:48 GMT -5 Lsc said:

My XMC2 will be 4 years old this year

Can that be right? Wasn’t the XMC-2 released summer of 2019?

You are right. I’m losing it. It’ll be 3 years in August as I bought it on the first day it was available.

[AntonP]

3 more questions from newbie:
1) why is better to use minidsp 2x4 hd for 2 subs setup? why dirac cant make needed filters?
2) is minidsp 4x10 hd the same as 2x4 hd, but with balanced input/outut? my subs amplifier is balanced
3) is there crossover in rmc-1 for bi-amp config? i found out that front wide channels can be used for bi-amp, but cant finder hi/low filters in setup ((

[ttocs]

Feb 21, 2022 6:38:24 GMT -5 AntonP said:

3 more questions from newbie:
1) why is better to use minidsp 2x4 hd for 2 subs setup? why dirac cant make needed filters?
I have three subs connected to miniDSP and tweaked them to work well as a group. This way only one output is used from the processor and Dirac will see this as one subwoofer and correct very well. This works way better than connecting three subs directly to the processor with Dirac correcting EACH sub but not as a group, such that when all three play mono bass it is highly likely to have bad interactions between them.

2) is minidsp 4x10 hd the same as 2x4 hd, but with balanced input/outut? No.

3) is there crossover in rmc-1 for bi-amp config? No. i found out that front wide channels can be used for bi-amp, but cant finder hi/low filters in setup (( Bi-Amp follows Fronts settings. However Fronts are setup, so too are the Bi-Amp Wides. It cannot be used for analog, it's only a digital bi-amp situation.

[tngiloy]

Feb 21, 2022 1:22:44 GMT -5 Lsc said:

Feb 21, 2022 0:06:45 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Can that be right? Wasn’t the XMC-2 released summer of 2019?

You are right. I’m losing it. It’ll be 3 years in August as I bought it on the first day it was available.

How time flies when you're having fun (or whatever it is we're having).

[AudioHTIT]

Feb 17, 2022 5:26:45 GMT -5 sebna said:

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

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?

We each make a decision at a point in time, and with a different set of variables, mine was approximately two and a half years ago. I start most purchasing decisions by evaluating functionality (will the device do what I need it to do). This seems basic, but it’s at the heart of whether I’d make the decision again. For instance, I use all four triggers (though I could get by with three), when I’ve looked at other (even more expensive) processors, they might only have one trigger, and I have no idea what their programming options are. This is just a simple example, and if you have a ‘simple’ system, may be of no concern to you. Channel configuration would be a basic requirement (I’m 7.2.4 headed to 9.2.4). Other features, like USB capabilities, may fit in to functionality as well, but may then crossover from ‘needs’ to ‘desires’, say stereo versus multichannel, or DSD options. Certainly you need enough inputs of the correct type for your associated gear. So functionality is generally straightforward, you need it to do XYZ, does it?

Then you have a grey area of desires or preferences (that for some may fit above): number and type of inputs (including balanced capabilities), DAC chip / capabilities, IR In/Out, expandability, network / IP control, firmware update procedure, OSD, setup method, adherence to standards (HDMI, pin outs), Remote compatibility, Auto Room Correction (Dirac, etc), size, tuner?

Finally there are mostly personal preferences: aesthetics / finish (size may fit here too), build quality (gold thingies?), display, warranty, reputation / status, and of course cost / budget (shipping, discounts).

Given that, I’ll only comment on “would I do it again?”, which really has two requirements: Do I need or want what the device offers? Are there at least two devices that meet the criteria set out above? In my case I wanted to add Atmos / DSU / DTS:X, and retain the features and quality of my XMC-1 (resetting the warranty, discounts, aesthetics played in too). So yes to question one. I honestly don’t know if there were viable alternatives for me two and a half years ago, but it didn’t seem that most we’re ready. It also seemed that about one year in, the larger RMC complaints were being addressed (but obviously some continue).

So yes, I would make the same decision at that point in time, and I’ve not regretted my decision (though I’m not complaint free). You need to evaluate the above in your situation at this point in time, and evaluate the alternatives now available. I look now and then at other processors, and if I see one that fits my needs / wants, I might make a change. While I don’t like spending more than I need to, I’m fortunate to be able to choose more costly options, but I’d need to know they’ll give me a better experience, my current experience is pretty good.

[panasonicst60]

Feb 20, 2022 15:34:18 GMT -5 zim2411 said:

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

For some background I bought my XMC-1 back in 2016, and upgraded to the XMC-2 around March 2021.

To answer your main question of would I do it again?

No, absolutely not.

I went with the XMC-1 in 2016 because it was the only semi-affordable processor with Dirac Live back then, I believe the only other alternative was the $15,000+ Datasat RS20i, and the Emotiva EMP-1 that was announced for $900 vanished into the ether. I had tried the Dirac Live trial on Windows with my Pioneer SC-05 and was blown away, so I knew I wanted Dirac. I've always been happy with the sound quality of both the XMC-1 and XMC-2 after calibrating with a UMIK-1 microphone, (I've always gotten truly horrible results when using the included Emotiva microphone) but the user experience and bugs drive me insane. Upgrading from the XMC-1, I was hopeful many of the issues I had with that would be resolved, but if anything the XMC-2 is worse.

Here are my list of issues:

• Random pops and cracks, often when digital audio streams stop or start. Thankfully these are not that loud, more of a minor annoyance and it's not always.
• HDMI handshake issues abound, I'll have to sometimes cycle between inputs several times to get things working
• The on-screen GUI is very, very slow sometimes taking several seconds to update. If you look at the OLED screen on the front of the unit that will be faster meaning the on-screen GUI is lagging behind.
  
• Maybe 1 out of every 50 times, starting a bitstreamed HD audio track like Atmos TrueHD will result in digitized noise blasting out on all speakers at whatever volume you have set
• Maybe 1 out of every 20 times, the surround sound speakers sound like they are getting an 8-bit audio signal, subtly but noticeably distorted. Cycling surround mixing modes seems to be the fastest way to resolve this
  
• Sometimes I just never get audio requiring a hard reset
• The Dirac Live setup process on the XMC-2 is very convoluted requiring a Raspberry Pi running some custom software to bridge network communications between Dirac Live's software and the XMC-2.
• The other night I got zero audio out of my Apple TV 4K. I switched audio formats on it... nothing. I switched over to my Windows PC to see if that worked and fired up Spotify only to be blasted with the most horrifically distorted audio I've ever heard.
  

I'm someone that generally likes tinkering with things, but this product is an exercise in frustration, and embarrassment. I've had friends over to watch movies and been hit by these issues and had to apologize for blasting them with noise. It's not uncommon for me to fire up my theater setup at the end of a long day to relax, and then get stuck troubleshooting for 5-10 minutes power cycling the XMC-2 trying to just get things working. Oh and be sure to wait 30+ seconds if you cut the power because the ethernet interface won't come back up correctly if you reboot too quickly.

I want to like Emotiva, I really do, but the fact that these issues persist to this day and in the 9 months since firmware v2.3 and v2.5 the only thing fixed is bass management is incredibly disappointing. These days Dirac Live is available on many other units, from the Monoprice HTP-1, to NAD, Pioneer, Onkyo, and Integra.

Extremely similar experience as you.

[Gerard]

Feb 20, 2022 15:34:18 GMT -5 zim2411 said:

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

For some background I bought my XMC-1 back in 2016, and upgraded to the XMC-2 around March 2021.

To answer your main question of would I do it again?

No, absolutely not.

I went with the XMC-1 in 2016 because it was the only semi-affordable processor with Dirac Live back then, I believe the only other alternative was the $15,000+ Datasat RS20i, and the Emotiva EMP-1 that was announced for $900 vanished into the ether. I had tried the Dirac Live trial on Windows with my Pioneer SC-05 and was blown away, so I knew I wanted Dirac. I've always been happy with the sound quality of both the XMC-1 and XMC-2 after calibrating with a UMIK-1 microphone, (I've always gotten truly horrible results when using the included Emotiva microphone) but the user experience and bugs drive me insane. Upgrading from the XMC-1, I was hopeful many of the issues I had with that would be resolved, but if anything the XMC-2 is worse.

Here are my list of issues:

• Random pops and cracks, often when digital audio streams stop or start. Thankfully these are not that loud, more of a minor annoyance and it's not always.
• HDMI handshake issues abound, I'll have to sometimes cycle between inputs several times to get things working
• The on-screen GUI is very, very slow sometimes taking several seconds to update. If you look at the OLED screen on the front of the unit that will be faster meaning the on-screen GUI is lagging behind.
  
• Maybe 1 out of every 50 times, starting a bitstreamed HD audio track like Atmos TrueHD will result in digitized noise blasting out on all speakers at whatever volume you have set
• Maybe 1 out of every 20 times, the surround sound speakers sound like they are getting an 8-bit audio signal, subtly but noticeably distorted. Cycling surround mixing modes seems to be the fastest way to resolve this
  
• Sometimes I just never get audio requiring a hard reset
• The Dirac Live setup process on the XMC-2 is very convoluted requiring a Raspberry Pi running some custom software to bridge network communications between Dirac Live's software and the XMC-2.
• The other night I got zero audio out of my Apple TV 4K. I switched audio formats on it... nothing. I switched over to my Windows PC to see if that worked and fired up Spotify only to be blasted with the most horrifically distorted audio I've ever heard.
  

I'm someone that generally likes tinkering with things, but this product is an exercise in frustration, and embarrassment. I've had friends over to watch movies and been hit by these issues and had to apologize for blasting them with noise. It's not uncommon for me to fire up my theater setup at the end of a long day to relax, and then get stuck troubleshooting for 5-10 minutes power cycling the XMC-2 trying to just get things working. Oh and be sure to wait 30+ seconds if you cut the power because the ethernet interface won't come back up correctly if you reboot too quickly.

I want to like Emotiva, I really do, but the fact that these issues persist to this day and in the 9 months since firmware v2.3 and v2.5 the only thing fixed is bass management is incredibly disappointing. These days Dirac Live is available on many other units, from the Monoprice HTP-1, to NAD, Pioneer, Onkyo, and Integra.

I have had My RMC1 for a few years now.  I did not have the HDMI issues other had as I owned a HD Fury Vertex at the time of purchase (on the output solved all of those issues) and last year bought a Lumagen Radiance Pro.  But I have to say the unit  has been a disappointment.  Yes it sounds great, but it have never been what it was promised to be.   Besides the promises that were outright abandoned the others have not been fulfilled as far as I am concerned.   

The RMC1 was my first Emotiva Purchase, and will likely be my last.  

[hsamwel]

Feb 19, 2022 16:45:48 GMT -5 Gary Cook said:

The locking is not what I would call fast fast, it's more like "did I actually push that button" fast.

Cheers
Gary

And the ”funny” thing is that with a cold reboot now and then you will get 25-50% faster
locking..
Their code seems buggy as hell.. Long term stability is not Emotiva’s best feature.
I would recommend a cold reboot about once a week to have a fast system. Of course
depending on how much you use it.

[hsamwel]

Feb 21, 2022 0:06:45 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

Feb 20, 2022 23:49:48 GMT -5 Lsc said:

My XMC2 will be 4 years old this year

Can that be right? Wasn’t the XMC-2 released summer of 2019?

Time flies when you’re having fun!