Purchased a used XMC-1 on ebay and I have so many questions

[greddy09sc]

My Fault for not doing a thorough research before pulling the trigger on a used XMC-1. After my MC-700 was fried from a power surge, I decided to replace it with a used XMC-1 pre-processor on ebay.

1. The power button sometimes blinks orange/purple. What does it mean?

2. The power button sometimes works and sometime it doesn't. Is this a common defect for the XMC-1? I would need to use the remote to power it on/off. The previous owner mention they had it on 24/7 so they didn't use the power button often

3. My biggest disappointment is that the Dirac software is now discontinued for the XMC-1 and is no longer supported. I was so excited to try out Dirac for the first time and now feeling really bummed out about it. I read from other posts that some prefer using the XMC-1 without dirac so makes me feel bit better? Does a lot of people really use the XMC-1 without Dirac? Or is that the main feature of the XMC-1 and without it, your'e only utilizing 1/2 of the pre-processor potential?

4. When in Speaker Present Dirac mode, the volume doesn't get loud. Volume stops increasing after -20 to -15. Is there a setting I need to ajdust, can you direct me on how to adjust? I dont't have this problem with Present#1.

5. The xmc is not compatiable with LG TV hdmi eARC? I'm certain it's not the processor because it works with my Wemax HDMI eArc. I've tried setting the TV HDMI settings to AUTO/pass-thru/PCM. None of which works.

6. Sometimes when turning up the volume and setting menu setting, I would hear clipping coming from the speakers. Disappointed as this coming from a 'High End' processor. Same thumping noise when powering on/off the processor.

Thinking now about reselling it back on ebay and getting the Marantz SR-5015 instead.

Thank you

[lhracing]

Have you done a Factory Reset in the Advanced menu?

[KeithL]

A lot depends on your priorities...
The XMC-1 probably won't be quite as smooth in operation as the Marantz...
But it will sound better...

1.
The power button blinking orange/purple means that Zone 2 is turned on.

2.
The power button on the XMC-1 can be a bit cranky... upgrading the firmware will often fix that... but not always.

3.
The XMC-1 happens to sound very good all by itself (and almost certainly better than a Marantz).
Dirac Live is considered by many to be the best room correction software around... but you do not NEED room correction.
If your room and speakers are pretty good you can live without it entirely.
(You can just set your speaker levels and distances manually... and, if you're lucky, that will be all you need.)
If not, you can do it manually, and the XMC-1 has excellent manual PEQ capabilities.
If you want to get into it you can do it using REW - which is free (but is quite complicated to use and enter into the processor).

4.
When Dirac Live creates its filters it tends to set them at a lower level than without Dirac Live.
This is normal - although it is a quirk of the software.
You CAN bump it up using the individual channel level control.
HOWEVER YOU HAVE A BIGGER PROBLEM....
Assuming that there are Dirac filters installed they will be for the previous owner's room and system...
Therefore they WILL NOT be set properly for YOUR room and system.
(So there's a good chance they will make it sound worse instead of better if you enable them.) 

5.
ARC supports a limited number of sound modes; eARC is an "enhanced" version of ARC which supports Atmos and pretty much all of the sound modes supported by HDMI.
eARC is mandatory for devices that are HDMI 2.1 and optional for HDMI 2.0 devices.
The XMC-1 is HDMI 2.0b; it supports ARC; it DOES NOT support eARC.
The RMC-1, XMC-2, and MC1 are also HDMI 2.0/4k - but they support eARC as an "extra feature".)

6.
The XMC-1 has a "live menu system" so some menu changes happen right away.
I'm not sure whether you mean "clipping" or "clicking" but, either way, don't worry about the occasional odd noise when you're making an adjustment.
(As long as it sounds good when you're not making an adjustment.   ) 

Jul 3, 2023 14:18:09 GMT -5 greddy09sc said:

My Fault for not doing a thorough research before pulling the trigger on a used XMC-1. After my MC-700 was fried from a power surge, I decided to replace it with a used XMC-1 pre-processor on ebay.

1. The power button sometimes blinks orange/purple. What does it mean?

2. The power button sometimes works and sometime it doesn't. Is this a common defect for the XMC-1? I would need to use the remote to power it on/off. The previous owner mention they had it on 24/7 so they didn't use the power button often

3. My biggest regret is Dirac software is now discontinued for the XMC-1 and no longer supported. I was so excited to try out Dirac for the first time and now feeling really bummed out about it. I read from other posts that some prefer using the XMC-1 without dirac so makes me feel bit better? Does a lot of people really use the XMC-1 without Dirac? Or is that the main feature of the XMC-1 and without it, your'e only utilizing 1/2 of the pre-processor potential?

4. When in Speaker Present Dirac mode, the volume doesn't get loud. Volume stops increasing after -20 to -15. Is there a setting I need to ajdust, can you direct me on how to adjust? I dont't have this problem with Present#1.

5. The xmc is not compatiable with LG TV hdmi eARC? I'm certain it's not the processor because it works with my Wemax HDMI eArc. I've tried setting the TV HDMI settings to AUTO/pass-thru/PCM. None of which works.

6. Sometimes when turning up the volume and setting menu setting, I would hear clipping coming from the speakers. Disappointed about this coming from a 'High End' processor. Same when powering on/off the processor.

Thinking now about reselling it back on ebay and getting the Marantz SR-5015 instead.

Thank you

[AudioHTIT]

Jul 3, 2023 14:18:09 GMT -5 greddy09sc said:

My Fault for not doing a thorough research before pulling the trigger on a used XMC-1. After my MC-700 was fried from a power surge, I decided to replace it with a used XMC-1 pre-processor on ebay.

1. The power button sometimes blinks orange/purple. What does it mean?

2. The power button sometimes works and sometime it doesn't. Is this a common defect for the XMC-1? I would need to use the remote to power it on/off. The previous owner mention they had it on 24/7 so they didn't use the power button often

3. My biggest disappointment is that the Dirac software is now discontinued for the XMC-1 and is no longer supported. I was so excited to try out Dirac for the first time and now feeling really bummed out about it. I read from other posts that some prefer using the XMC-1 without dirac so makes me feel bit better? Does a lot of people really use the XMC-1 without Dirac? Or is that the main feature of the XMC-1 and without it, your'e only utilizing 1/2 of the pre-processor potential?

4. When in Speaker Present Dirac mode, the volume doesn't get loud. Volume stops increasing after -20 to -15. Is there a setting I need to ajdust, can you direct me on how to adjust? I dont't have this problem with Present#1.

5. The xmc is not compatiable with LG TV hdmi eARC? I'm certain it's not the processor because it works with my Wemax HDMI eArc. I've tried setting the TV HDMI settings to AUTO/pass-thru/PCM. None of which works.

6. Sometimes when turning up the volume and setting menu setting, I would hear clipping coming from the speakers. Disappointed as this coming from a 'High End' processor. Same thumping noise when powering on/off the processor.

Thinking now about reselling it back on ebay and getting the Marantz SR-5015 instead.

Thank you

1. The amber / blue flash means Zone 2 is on, when everything is off and you’re in standby, it will be solid amber.
2. I don’t think it’s common, but surely can happen
3. Yeah, it still sounds great wo Dirac
4. There is probably a Dirac filter loaded so that’s normal, I wouldn’t use it.
5. Right, eARC came after the XMC-1
6. The clipping is not likely coming from the XMC-1

As suggested reset to factory defaults and try again.

[greddy09sc]

Jul 3, 2023 14:48:00 GMT -5 lhracing said:

Have you done a Factory Reset in the Advanced menu?

Not yet. I was a bit weary that I would lose some of the previous owner Dirac settings. I know it's not set to my room but thought it may be better than without/factory Dirac. But you and others have suggested to do a reset so I'll reset it. Thank you!

[marcl]

Jul 3, 2023 16:47:11 GMT -5 greddy09sc said:

Jul 3, 2023 14:48:00 GMT -5 lhracing said:

Have you done a Factory Reset in the Advanced menu?

Not yet. I was a bit weary that I would lose some of the previous owner Dirac settings. I know it's not set to my room but thought it may be better than without/factory Dirac. But you and others have suggested to do a reset so I'll reset it. Thank you!

Yeah ... you definitely don't want the previous Dirac filters.  They are no good to you for sure.   If Dirac can't be used (verify with Emotiva) you can still measure with Room EQ Wizard and create filters that can be loaded in the User Equalization slot.  Not Dirac, but definitely better than nothing.

[greddy09sc]

Jul 3, 2023 14:58:36 GMT -5 KeithL said:

A lot depends on your priorities...
The XMC-1 probably won't be quite as smooth in operation as the Marantz...
But it will sound better...

1.
The power button blinking orange/purple means that Zone 2 is turned on.

2.
The power button on the XMC-1 can be a bit cranky... upgrading the firmware will often fix that... but not always.

3.
The XMC-1 happens to sound very good all by itself (and almost certainly better than a Marantz).
Dirac Live is considered by many to be the best room correction software around... but you do not NEED room correction.
If your room and speakers are pretty good you can live without it entirely.
(You can just set your speaker levels and distances manually... and, if you're lucky, that will be all you need.)
If not, you can do it manually, and the XMC-1 has excellent manual PEQ capabilities.
If you want to get into it you can do it using REW - which is free (but is quite complicated to use and enter into the processor).

4.
When Dirac Live creates its filters it tends to set them at a lower level than without Dirac Live.
This is normal - although it is a quirk of the software.
You CAN bump it up using the individual channel level control.
HOWEVER YOU HAVE A BIGGER PROBLEM....
Assuming that there are Dirac filters installed they will be for the previous owner's room and system...
Therefore they WILL NOT be set properly for YOUR room and system.
(So there's a good chance they will make it sound worse instead of better if you enable them.) 

5.
ARC supports a limited number of sound modes; eARC is an "enhanced" version of ARC which supports Atmos and pretty much all of the sound modes supported by HDMI.
eARC is mandatory for devices that are HDMI 2.1 and optional for HDMI 2.0 devices.
The XMC-1 is HDMI 2.0b; it supports ARC; it DOES NOT support eARC.
The RMC-1, XMC-2, and MC1 are also HDMI 2.0/4k - but they support eARC as an "extra feature".)

6.
The XMC-1 has a "live menu system" so some menu changes happen right away.
I'm not sure whether you mean "clipping" or "clicking" but, either way, don't worry about the occasional odd noise when you're making an adjustment.
(As long as it sounds good when you're not making an adjustment.   ) 

Jul 3, 2023 14:18:09 GMT -5 greddy09sc said:

My Fault for not doing a thorough research before pulling the trigger on a used XMC-1. After my MC-700 was fried from a power surge, I decided to replace it with a used XMC-1 pre-processor on ebay.

Keith,

Wow!! You are awesome! I really appreciate you taking out your time and explaining. This helps out a lot and makes me feel a lot better.

Good to know that the XMC-1 will surely sound better than the Marantz, even without Dirac.

I will do a factory reset and apply the latest firmware updates. Hopefully this will take care of majority of my concerns.

Also, I will look into REW sometime in the near future (didn't know about this feature either), after I try setting all my configurations manually.

Thank you so much Keith!! You definitly helped me out!

[greddy09sc]

Jul 3, 2023 14:58:39 GMT -5 AudioHTIT said:

1. The amber / blue flash means Zone 2 is on, when everything is off and you’re in standby, it will be solid amber.
2. I don’t think it’s common, but surely can happen
3. Yeah, it still sounds great wo Dirac
4. There is probably a Dirac filter loaded so that’s normal, I wouldn’t use it.
5. Right, eARC came after the XMC-1
6. The clipping is not likely coming from the XMC-1

As suggested reset to factory defaults and try again.

Thank you for your response.

4. Yes, there were filter and it was set. I'll remove it and test.

I'll try resetting to factory settings and hopefully it will resolve majority of my concerns.

Thank you.

[ttocs]

Jul 3, 2023 16:47:11 GMT -5 greddy09sc said:

Jul 3, 2023 14:48:00 GMT -5 lhracing said:

Have you done a Factory Reset in the Advanced menu?

Not yet. I was a bit weary that I would lose some of the previous owner Dirac settings.

Just to nail this one down.

Using a Dirac filter made for other speakers in another room is like wearing someone else's retainer to straighten your teeth.

[marcl]

Jul 3, 2023 18:09:39 GMT -5 ttocs said:

Jul 3, 2023 16:47:11 GMT -5 greddy09sc said:

Not yet. I was a bit weary that I would lose some of the previous owner Dirac settings.

Just to nail this one down.

Using a Dirac filter made for other speakers in another room is like wearing someone else's retainer to straighten your teeth.

[405x5]

Jul 3, 2023 14:18:09 GMT -5 greddy09sc said:

My Fault for not doing a thorough research before pulling the trigger on a used XMC-1. After my MC-700 was fried from a power surge, I decided to replace it with a used XMC-1 pre-processor on ebay.

1. The power button sometimes blinks orange/purple. What does it mean?

2. The power button sometimes works and sometime it doesn't. Is this a common defect for the XMC-1? I would need to use the remote to power it on/off. The previous owner mention they had it on 24/7 so they didn't use the power button often

3. My biggest disappointment is that the Dirac software is now discontinued for the XMC-1 and is no longer supported. I was so excited to try out Dirac for the first time and now feeling really bummed out about it. I read from other posts that some prefer using the XMC-1 without dirac so makes me feel bit better? Does a lot of people really use the XMC-1 without Dirac? Or is that the main feature of the XMC-1 and without it, your'e only utilizing 1/2 of the pre-processor potential?

4. When in Speaker Present Dirac mode, the volume doesn't get loud. Volume stops increasing after -20 to -15. Is there a setting I need to ajdust, can you direct me on how to adjust? I dont't have this problem with Present#1.

5. The xmc is not compatiable with LG TV hdmi eARC? I'm certain it's not the processor because it works with my Wemax HDMI eArc. I've tried setting the TV HDMI settings to AUTO/pass-thru/PCM. None of which works.

6. Sometimes when turning up the volume and setting menu setting, I would hear clipping coming from the speakers. Disappointed as this coming from a 'High End' processor. Same thumping noise when powering on/off the processor.

Thinking now about reselling it back on ebay and getting the Marantz SR-5015 instead.

Thank you

Congratulations on getting one of the greatest sounding AV processors you could get your hands on…… And no drilling holes in the ceiling required. You don’t need “DIRAC”. That unit has the greatest manual room correction system you can get your mitts on. Also, just trust your ears. the big question is, since it came from eBay, you don’t know if the thing fell off a cliff or anything else. sounds like from what you said it’s OK.I would put a call into Tennessee and find out if it can be serviced and checked out through them. worth the money to do so. Does it or does it not have the updated board for ultra high definition? That’s the other issue. Last thing before it goes anywhere is to determine which board is in there and have the latest firmware installed for that particular board. If it’s the original board it’s 4.1.

[widespreadpanic]

I did the manuel room correction method and it sounds great to me. I simply took a tape measure and fed it out to each of my 7 speakers and input the data. I watched Dune the other night and WOW that movie sounds great through my HT system! Just be patient in setting it up and you will enjoy!

[AudioHTIT]

Jul 5, 2023 20:42:16 GMT -5 widespreadpanic said:

I did the manuel room correction method and it sounds great to me. I simply took a tape measure and fed it out to each of my 7 speakers and input the data. I watched Dune the other night and WOW that movie sounds great through my HT system! Just be patient in setting it up and you will enjoy!

Tape measure! … that’s so 2010, with a laser distance tool you can get them all from your MLP! Joking aside it is pretty handy for any system, with 7.1 a tape is still doable, but with heights, a laser is … gotta have it!