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Post by rew452 on Jan 15, 2021 12:57:45 GMT -5
 Actually I tried that too but no cigar. Here is pic of P75 when I switch to the Shield. Due to the wrong video mode can't even pull up settings screen, Shield uses a overlay screen for settings. Should say X1 is usable but no 4k support it just goes black. |
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Post by ttocs on Jan 15, 2021 15:06:20 GMT -5
View AttachmentActually I tried that too but no cigar. Here is pic of P75 when I switch to the Shield. Due to the wrong video mode can't even pull up settings screen, Shield uses a overlay screen for settings. Should say X1 is usable but no 4k support it just goes black. Please try connecting either the Xfinity cable box or ATV directly to the XMC-2, then from XMC-2 to tv, and disconnect everything else. I don't have Shield so I can't replicate any conditions it may present. Trying to discover which sources work just by themselves first. |
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Post by rew452 on Jan 18, 2021 7:39:20 GMT -5
Thanks, working with TS now, will report back when resolved.
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Post by rew452 on Jan 29, 2021 14:07:21 GMT -5
So for now I'm waiting for the v2.2 firmware release which may fix the XMC-2 and the Vizio P75-C1 problems.
As it stands now I used my HDFury Vertex2 to handle what appears to be EDID incompatibility with the XMC-2. Using the Vertex2 solves this problem well but negates full use of the XMC-2. The Vertex2 handles the HDMI problem and sends all sound data to processor.
Damen thinks that there maybe a good chance that the next firmware will fix the issue. So will hold for now.
Finally got the Dirac Kit but it was missing the program micro SD card for the PI interface box but Keith got me an image which I copied to a u-sd card I had. he has since sent out a new sd card.
Finally got Dirac to run but had problems with the include microphone, could not get Dirac happy with levels. Got out my MiniDSP Umik-1 which I had for REW, which worked without a problem.
So moving over to the XMC-2 from my Denon AVR-x4500h was rocky to say the least.
After running a 9 point cal with Dirac I got to say I am very impressed, It is definitely much better than Audysseey with my 5.1.4 ATMOS system. Both movies and music have the best sound stage that I have heard! Just used what Dirac suggest, did not make any changes for now.
The XPA-9 is outstanding, no issues at all and runs very cool verses my previous AVR.
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Jan 29, 2021 14:16:28 GMT -5
So for now I'm waiting for the v2.2 firmware release which may fix the XMC-2 and the Vizio P75-C1 problems. As it stands now I used my HDFury Vertex2 to handle what appears to be EDID incompatibility with the XMC-2. Using the Vertex2 solves this problem well but negates full use of the XMC-2. The Vertex2 handles the HDMI problem and sends all sound data to processor. Damen thinks that there maybe a good chance that the next firmware will fix the issue. So will hold for now. Finally got the Dirac Kit but it was missing the program micro SD card for the PI interface box but Keith got me an image which I copied to a u-sd card I had. he has since sent out a new sd card. Finally got Dirac to run but had problems with the include microphone, could not get Dirac happy with levels. Got out my MiniDSP Umik-1 which I had for REW, which worked without a problem. So moving over to the XMC-2 from my Denon AVR-x4500h was rocky to say the least. After running a 9 point cal with Dirac I got to say I am very impressed, It is definitely much better than Audysseey with my 5.1.4 ATMOS system. Both movies and music have the best sound stage that I have heard! Just used what Dirac suggest, did not make any changes for now. The XPA-9 is outstanding, no issues at all and runs very cool verses my previous AVR. Glad that things are working out. There is no doubt in my mind that moving from a mainstream receiver or processor using Audessey or proprietary room correction system in which you just plug the included mic into the front of the unit is less stressful than using a laptop or computer based system that relies on wifi. This includes Dirac and Anthem. A friend of mine had an Anthem receiver with ARC that worked well, but he fiddled with it for hours on end to get the right sound. It's a learning curve, but I've found that once you figure out how to do it, the sound quality is definitely an improvement. |
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Post by ttocs on Jan 29, 2021 14:20:46 GMT -5
Finally got Dirac to run but had problems with the include microphone, could not get Dirac happy with levels. Got out my MiniDSP Umik-1 which I had for REW, which worked without a problem. This brings up a good point about the mics and Dirac. Dirac had a problem with the UMIK-1 mics when they were set to a lower higher sensitivity so for the last couple years miniDSP has been setting them for the lowest highest sensitivity they have. I've got two UMIK-1 mics, so I left one at the new default sensitivity that Dirac prescribes, and I set the other one so I can do much higher SPL measurements, which leaves the EMM-1 mic in the middle. I'm thinking that the biggest hurdle for some folks is the fact that the EMM-1 is designed for the older Dirac and would operate much better if the sensitivity were lowered raised by 6dB like miniDSP did with theirs. |
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Post by rew452 on Feb 5, 2021 7:21:54 GMT -5
Intresting, my UMIK-1 is older(2015) and displays 18db gain.
The EMM-1 active cable seems to have been the problem but interesting the replacement cable worked but it's blue Led does not.
Think I will stay with my UMIK-1 for now. May upgrade to UMIK-2.
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Post by ttocs on Feb 5, 2021 10:03:56 GMT -5
Intresting, my UMIK-1 is older(2015) and displays 18db gain. The EMM-1 active cable seems to have been the problem but interesting the replacement cable worked but it's blue Led does not. Think I will stay with my UMIK-1 for now. May upgrade to UMIK-2. It's been a while since I looked this stuff up, but I found one of the posts by miniDSP relating to this, and corrected my erroneous post above - I had my comments "reversed" because I was remembering a "-" in front of the gain number. oops. They made the change sometime around 2014, the post I found is from 6 years 5 months ago. Here's a quote: "Latest versions are indeed with 18dB gain as per the general request to increase the sensitivity for Dirac software and other measurement software. It will work even better at lower levels. You can always change the gain if you want to listen @ higher dB levels by opening the ring and changing the internal DIP switch." Not sure about this, but it seems that folks have had more issues lately with the EMM-1 mics. Mine is very usable but my Dirac runs end up with a little too much bass by 2-3dB, so I'm happier with the UMIK mics. |
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Post by rew452 on Feb 11, 2021 9:16:40 GMT -5
More on my XMC-2 impressions:
I decided to pull my Vizio PX75-G1 from storage and set it up in place of the Vizio P75-C1 and interestingly it works well compared to C1. For the first time I was able to fully utilize the XMC-2 for all my devices without using the HDFury Vertex2 for EDID compatibility. Nice.
The XMC-2 with Dirac is a major improvement over my Denon AVR-x4500h! Really like it, my system has never sounded so good.
Now to the things that I think really need to be done to get the XMC-2 up to speed with the masses.
1. Really needs a WEB Gui interface for settings allowing one to easily setup up and manage the XMC-2. It also would make troubleshooting much easier for Emotiva and the customer.
2. Improvement to Input Labeling 10 characters is really limiting compared to other Processors even the entry types. The current technique is a flashback to many years ago when AVR’s were introduced. Having a nice front panel display and not having any opportunity to use it intelligently is a shame.
3. Really need a more modern remote control design. I can appreciate the Tank type design but just look at other AVR’s and Processors for a better remote-control design and functions.
Yes, I know the sound is great but making some if not all of these changes would surely put it truly at the top of the best increasing customer ease of use and really show off its great hardware design.
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Post by ttocs on Feb 11, 2021 9:40:58 GMT -5
1. Really needs a WEB Gui interface for settings allowing one to easily setup up and manage the XMC-2. It also would make troubleshooting much easier for Emotiva and the customer. Yes. 2. Improvement to Input Labeling 10 characters is really limiting compared to other Processors even the entry types. The current technique is a flashback to many years ago when AVR’s were introduced. Having a nice front panel display and not having any opportunity to use it intelligently is a shame. Yes, needs to be at least double what it is to be coherent. I've had to develop my own little language that makes sense to me,. 3. Really need a more modern remote control design. I can appreciate the Tank type design but just look at other AVR’s and Processors for a better remote-control design and functions. This remote has a LOT of buttons on it, and I can navigate without looking to all of them. I can't do that with any other remote. Between the circles and triangles, and gaps between groups, I can locate every button I want. Rubbery buttons have no "feel" between them. I get lost with them. I've cut the buttons I don't want or need down to level with the body of the remote for my TiVo. This creates the gaps I need to know where things are. Then there's the stupid little dinky remotes. No, I'm happy with the Tank. |
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Post by rew452 on Feb 13, 2021 9:45:31 GMT -5
Another feature that I miss from my Denon is the ability to set the Mute function to -20dB instead of fully muted.
Really nice when you get phone call, it allows you follow what you are watching yet not disturb your call.
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Post by rew452 on Feb 15, 2021 11:53:35 GMT -5
Here is a copy of my post on AVSforum
I got to say after a rough start I am finding XMC-2 one heck of a processor. After having some issues with my Vizio P75-C1, EDID problems. I pulled my Vizio PX75-G1 out of storage (planning a move) which worked without any issues and all my device worked at last!
After running Dirac Live, I have never heard my 9.1.4 system sound so....Good!
The sound image is outstanding, enveloping the listener into the movie and or show!
Most definitely beats Audyssey .
I also added the XPA-9 amplifier which I am sure helped, it runs much cooler than my AVR-x4500h and it sounds so much better.
After many years of using Denon AVR's chasing better sound I am hearing sounds that I have never heard or even realized were there. Every day seems to bring new and better listening to everything, streaming, BluRays, UHD, and even cable shows. The sound stage is totally Enveloping, like never before.
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Post by rew452 on Feb 25, 2021 10:24:43 GMT -5
Sad news,
My XMC-2's front panel display began to fail yesterday afternoon. 1st, display acted odd with only partial display of information, leaving only partial lines of info and then nothing on display.
I first did a full power off for a couple of minutes - Same issue
I then did a factory reset - Same issue
Then I even re-did the v2.2 upgrade - Same issue
I did find that using the remote Info or volume up/down would momentarily display on the front panel display then go blank.
Called Emotiva TS and we did a few things like the above again, still nothing different.
Emotiva is now going to replace the XMC-2.
So now I am waiting for label to be emailed so I can send it back.
Now I have to remove it from my system and at least for now replace it with my AVR-x4500h, What a PIA, removing all the cables and changing from balanced to unbalanced cables.
At least the replacement is suppose to ship as soon as the old one is registered for delivery to them with UPS; still figure it will be at least a week, perhaps longer at best.
I guess I will also have to wait to get the MAC address imputed for Dirac as well.
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Feb 25, 2021 10:33:27 GMT -5
Sad news, My XMC-2's front panel display began to fail yesterday afternoon. 1st, display acted odd with only partial display of information, leaving only partial lines of info and then nothing on display. I first did a full power off for a couple of minutes - Same issue I then did a factory reset - Same issue Then I even re-did the v2.2 upgrade - Same issue I did find that using the remote Info or volume up/down would momentarily display on the front panel display then go blank. Called Emotiva TS and we did a few things like the above again, still nothing different. Emotiva is now going to replace the XMC-2. So now I am waiting for label to be emailed so I can send it back. Now I have to remove it from my system and at least for now replace it with my AVR-x4500h, What a PIA, removing all the cables and changing from balanced to unbalanced cables. At least the replacement is suppose to ship as soon as the old one is registered for delivery to them with UPS; still figure it will be at least a week, perhaps longer at best. I guess I will also have to wait to get the MAC address imputed for Dirac as well. Yes, a pain but having a warranty is a wonderful thing. |
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Post by rew452 on Feb 25, 2021 10:46:46 GMT -5
True, but this is the first time after 3-4 mid upper size Denon AVRs that I have had a failure needing replacement.
Believe me, I get it, spent my whole career working in Electronics Engineering working product development and various failures that is always seems to happen.
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Feb 25, 2021 10:57:30 GMT -5
True, but this is the first time after 3-4 mid upper size Denon AVRs that I have had a failure needing replacement. Believe me, I get it, spent my whole career working in Electronics Engineering working product development and various failures that is always seems to happen. Nothing is immune. Even Denon AVR's. A friend of mine had his Denon AVR fail while it was under warranty, luckily about a year ago. It was fixed. |
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Post by rew452 on Feb 26, 2021 11:41:35 GMT -5
I spent the afternoon removing the XMC-2 and replacing it with the AVR; so for now back up with x4500h and XPA-9 power amp for now.
Pack the XMC-2 with all accessories back in the original shipping box this morning and took it to UPS for shipment back.
Must say Emotive was really quick in getting the return shipper out to me, received it yesterday afternoon.
Even though this has been a rocky start with the XMC-2 the XPA-9 has been quite remarkable and am very impressed with it.
I am anxiously waiting and hopeful in it's replacement being a fantastic PrePro. During the the short time I had with it working the sound was really Great, sound stage was the best I have ever heard, clear, clean and very enveloping. It really puts you in the middle of the movie both in Action and Drama movies. Hats off to the handling of the sound in the Emotiva PrePros. Without a doubt much better then my past Denon's! I've owned 4 since early 2000's.
Excuse my crankiness yesterday but I'm sure you all know how much pulling and replacing a major component can be with all the cabling that they have.
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Post by rew452 on Mar 4, 2021 15:42:09 GMT -5
Eureka!
Received my replacement XMC-2 late this morning.
After unpacking and letting it reach room temperature; removed my AVR and installed the XMC-1, connected all of my systems HDMI and balanced cables and It ALL looks and sounds Really Good. Front Display is now working. Ya!!!
Having to use the Denon again I immediately noticed the sound was muddy compared to the XMC-2. XMC-2 sound is much clearer and pronounced. Really can hear a huge difference in the sound stage regardless of sound formats!
Thanks Emotiva you really do stand behind your products and take care of your customers.
Something that was nice was the MAC address was already enabled for Dirac; checked Dirac Live and all worked.
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