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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 14:05:06 GMT -5
I can get 2nd hand XMC-2. Should I get it or should I avoid and get HTP-1 when a 2nd hand one comes up? I currently use Yammaha CX-A5200 Pre. Anybody with experience of one vs other? Thanks Really just depends on your needs. If you want a processor now, really your only choice is Emotiva (of those two options) unless you can find a used HTP-1. No one knows when or if they will ever show back up for sale as they've been out of stock for a long time with no signs of that changing any time soon. If you want Dirac Live Bass Control, I'd hold out for the HTP-1 as it may come to the XMC-2, or not. There's no guarantee that it will ever make it's way into the Emo processors. Emotiva XMC-2 is going to be cheaper, so there's that aspect. If you are just looking for a good, no frills 16 channel processor with some bugs and issues, the Emo is perfectly fine. If you want more advanced features, web UI, built in BEQ (Bass EQ), among other options, the HTP-1 is the way to go. Currently the biggest issue with the HTP-1 is the dreaded boot loop issues but there seems to be some progress made by users on AVS who are trying to fix that themselves. Also the HTP-1 has not had a firmware update in a long time and Monoprice has been silent on any and all word about the unit and it's future. In Emotiva's credit they are communicating so that is appreciated. Many thanks for getting back to me.
What about bugs of Emo? What is left outstanding? How usable is it / how stable is it? Are any of the bugs daily nuisance?
I currently own Yammaha pre... so not that I need a new Pre. I am just curious about how good the Emo is sound wise.
I also use MiniDSP 2x4 HDD to manage my 2x Subs. Would not having Dirac Live Bass Control be a big disadvantage?
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Post by doc1963 on Aug 22, 2022 14:05:34 GMT -5
I can get 2nd hand XMC-2. Should I get it or should I avoid and get HTP-1 when a 2nd hand one comes up? I currently use Yammaha CX-A5200 Pre. Anybody with experience of one vs other? Thanks Personally, and not to sound snide, I would avoid the HTP-1 altogether at this point in time. Not because it's not a good unit, but because of Monoprice's warranty and "service" policy regarding the HTP-1. Did you know that if you purchase an HTP-1 and have a hardware issue, Monoprice does not "service" the product...? Your only recourse is to either wait for new or refurbished inventory (at which point they will exchange the hardware) or return your defective processor for a "store credit". Given that there have been NO units availble for quite some time (and not because they're selling like hotcakes), your options are quite limited. Not sure how this all works for a "2nd hand" unit, but I'd gather all of the details before you spend your money. I'd be less apprehensive about buying a 2nd hand XMC-2 as long as the warranty is valid and properly transferred. But if you are, there are other options besides the HTP-1 to consider. Good luck...  |
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Post by ElectricKoolAid on Aug 22, 2022 14:16:29 GMT -5
Really just depends on your needs. If you want a processor now, really your only choice is Emotiva (of those two options) unless you can find a used HTP-1. No one knows when or if they will ever show back up for sale as they've been out of stock for a long time with no signs of that changing any time soon. If you want Dirac Live Bass Control, I'd hold out for the HTP-1 as it may come to the XMC-2, or not. There's no guarantee that it will ever make it's way into the Emo processors. Emotiva XMC-2 is going to be cheaper, so there's that aspect. If you are just looking for a good, no frills 16 channel processor with some bugs and issues, the Emo is perfectly fine. If you want more advanced features, web UI, built in BEQ (Bass EQ), among other options, the HTP-1 is the way to go. Currently the biggest issue with the HTP-1 is the dreaded boot loop issues but there seems to be some progress made by users on AVS who are trying to fix that themselves. Also the HTP-1 has not had a firmware update in a long time and Monoprice has been silent on any and all word about the unit and it's future. In Emotiva's credit they are communicating so that is appreciated. Many thanks for getting back to me.
What about bugs of Emo? What is left outstanding? How usable is it / how stable is it? Are any of the bugs daily nuisance?
I currently own Yammaha pre... so not that I need a new Pre. I am just curious about how good the Emo is sound wise.
I also use MiniDSP 2x4 HDD to manage my 2x Subs. Would not having Dirac Live Bass Control be a big disadvantage?
No problem, I've research processors extensively over the past year and a half so just passing along what I've found in my searching. Main bugs of the Emotiva processors: Bass Management issues (elevated bass levels) this was worse on previous firmwares but is better on the latest 2.5 firmware Audio crackling/popping/dropping in certain scenarios - this seems to be when switching between audio formats in my experience and isn't too big of a deal for me HDMI video not syncing - whenever the unit is turned on sometimes it doesn't display signal until you change inputs or restart again ARC/CEC issues - I can't get CEC to work consistently, some have luck and some don't. To be fair CEC was working fine for me with the Nvidia Shield until the latest Shield update I'm sure there are a few others, these are the ones I've mainly dealt with In my use, these are not deal breakers but they are annoying for sure. Most 16 channel processors have some issues, some are easier to live with than others. My biggest want is the addition of DLBC. Like you I have a MiniDSP for multiple subs but I am looking forward to the day where I can just have Dirac handle all that and only use the MiniDSP for BEQ |
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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 18:45:11 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db).
What is your experience?
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 22, 2022 18:55:02 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? There are so many variables with speaker sensitivity, amp gain/sensitivity, Dirac correction, input source levels, that your 0 dB will be noticeably different than mine or someone else’s. Which is to say, if there was a system that got harsh at 0 dB, it would be because of a particular set of variables, that most of us can’t duplicate. It’s all just gain until it reaches distortion, but where that occurs is different for each of us. Edit: I’m also -25 to -15 for movies. |
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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 18:58:14 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? There are so many variables with speaker sensitivity, amp gain/sensitivity, Dirac correction, input source levels, that your 0 dB will be noticeably different than mine or someone else’s. Which is to say, if there was a system that got harsh at 0 dB, it would be because of a particular set of variables, that most of us can’t duplicate. It’s all just gain until it reaches distortion, but where that occurs is different for each of us. Edit: I’m also -25 to -15 for movies. No problems with harsh top end in your case? |
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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 18:59:07 GMT -5
Another question - I remember reading that Emo gear has incorrect XLR pin-outs. Was it only true for amps or also for XMC-2?
Thanks
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Post by doc1963 on Aug 22, 2022 19:08:05 GMT -5
Another question - I remember reading that Emo gear has incorrect XLR pin-outs. Was it only true for amps or also for XMC-2? Thanks The reversed hot/cold XLR pinout only applies to the XPA series amplifiers. The XLR pinout configuration of all other Emotiva products (including their processors) are correct and adhere to the current standard. |
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Post by bitzerjdb on Aug 22, 2022 19:08:58 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? Emotiva has a 30 day no hassle return policy. Sound is subjective and dependent on a lot of things (room, speakers, etc). Your best bet is to buy it, try it, and if you don't like it....return it :-) |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 22, 2022 19:23:07 GMT -5
There are so many variables with speaker sensitivity, amp gain/sensitivity, Dirac correction, input source levels, that your 0 dB will be noticeably different than mine or someone else’s. Which is to say, if there was a system that got harsh at 0 dB, it would be because of a particular set of variables, that most of us can’t duplicate. It’s all just gain until it reaches distortion, but where that occurs is different for each of us. Edit: I’m also -25 to -15 for movies. No problems with harsh top end in your case? Nope, and I’ve not heard of the 0dB harshness claim before. Another question - I remember reading that Emo gear has incorrect XLR pin-outs. Was it only true for amps or also for XMC-2? Thanks It’s discussed in great deal here, but does not apply to any of the preamps or processors. The Pinout & Phase Thread |
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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 19:23:24 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? Emotiva has a 30 day no hassle return policy. Sound is subjective and dependent on a lot of things (room, speakers, etc). Your best bet is to buy it, try it, and if you don't like it....return it :-) I am looking to buy 2nd hand unit.
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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 19:26:49 GMT -5
Are pops and cracks present in all XMC-2 or are some units free from it?
Would muting xmc-2 before switching source prevent pops etc. or not really. Do pops and cracks only happen when switching sources or also in other scenarios?
Sorry about all the questions and thank you for being so supportive with answering them.
I have place the offer on 2nd hand unit and still have some time to cancel it so I am trying to understand few things ASAP.
Thanks
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Post by 5channels on Aug 22, 2022 19:34:21 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? Well the "Emotiva Guys" have gone pretty silent again...perhaps the odd cricket chirp from time to time...which of course leads to harshness form their customer's perspective I would welcome the Emotiva Guys yelling from the rooftops that Firmware 3.0 is the GOAT and available to download...now that would be an experience. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 22, 2022 19:35:29 GMT -5
Are pops and cracks present in all XMC-2 or are some units free from it? Would muting xmc-2 before switching source prevent pops etc. or not really. Do pops and cracks only happen when switching sources or also in other scenarios? Sorry about all the questions and thank you for being so supportive with answering them. I have place the offer on 2nd hand unit and still have some time to cancel it so I am trying to understand few things ASAP. Thanks I mostly get my pops and snaps when I’m using TV, typically navigating the menu, or maybe starting an App or Episode. In my system they are not very loud so I don’t worry about my equipment, but they can startle you on occasion, and my wife doesn’t like them. You would probably have to mute until you started an episode or movie to avoid them totally, but sometimes I don’t get them at all. Again all our systems are different … variables, I could say they don’t bother me, but to someone else they’re intolerable, it’s good you’re doing your due diligence, but as they say … YMMV |
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Post by geebo on Aug 22, 2022 19:36:08 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? Well the "Emotiva Guys" have gone pretty silent again...perhaps the odd cricket chirp from time to time...which of course leads to harshness form their customer's perspective I would welcome the Emotiva Guys yelling from the rooftops that Firmware 3.0 is the GOAT and available to download...now that would be an experience.  I get no harshness at -25 to -15. Feel better now? |
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Post by foggy1956 on Aug 22, 2022 19:48:19 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? 0db would leave my ears bleeding whether it was harsh or not. |
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Post by doc1963 on Aug 22, 2022 19:48:20 GMT -5
Are pops and cracks present in all XMC-2 or are some units free from it? Would muting xmc-2 before switching source prevent pops etc. or not really. Do pops and cracks only happen when switching sources or also in other scenarios? Sorry about all the questions and thank you for being so supportive with answering them. I have place the offer on 2nd hand unit and still have some time to cancel it so I am trying to understand few things ASAP. Thanks The "pops and tics" are also something that doesn't affect all users equally. I own the RMC-1L which, at its processing core, is the same as an XMC-2. I've never experienced anything other than an occasional (and somewhat faint) "tic" which is the DSP changing modes. Again, it doesn't happen often and, for me, it seems to only happen when my AppleTV 4K transitions from Atmos content back to PCM (which is SOP for the ATV4K). Some might say that this happens to them quite often and is very loud. I'm not disputing or discrediting what happens in someone else's system, but rather just stating the fact that there seems to be varied results amongst owners (myself included). If this is indeed system or environment related, you're never going to know how (or if) it applies to you unless you try it in your own setup. That's the unfortunate truth... |
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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 19:52:57 GMT -5
How loud would you listen to your emotiva guys? I usually hover around -25 to -15db. I read that some complain about harsh top end close to ref (0db). What is your experience? 0db would leave my ears bleeding whether it was harsh or not. In acoustically treated room it is not unheard of listening at 0db. The more treatment I add the louder the system needs to go it seems. |
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Post by sebna on Aug 22, 2022 20:05:02 GMT -5
Thank you guys for all the speedy replies and well balanced info.
I will give it a shot. I have placed the offer.
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Post by foggy1956 on Aug 22, 2022 21:31:57 GMT -5
0db would leave my ears bleeding whether it was harsh or not. In acoustically treated room it is not unheard of listening at 0db. The more treatment I add the louder the system needs to go it seems. Mayhaps you've over done it a tad with the treatments. |
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