MR1, MR1L, or something else?

[steveco]

Years ago I had a 5.1 setup with UMC-1, UPA-5 and all Emotiva speakers + Rythmik sub, and I really liked it (and I liked Emotiva as a company).  Unfortunately it's been years since I've had any of that (blood-sucking ex ended up with the house and all my gear).  But I'm now looking to put together another HT setup (atmos).  So I came back here to see what Emotiva had to offer.  Room size is about 18 x 18 and open to kitchen and other areas of the house.  Use will be probably 70-80% TV/HT vs. music.  Most of the TV/HT listening won't be at "theather levels".  So while I definitely want it to sounds good at those high level, I want it to sound equally good at more casual "TV watching levels".  The MR1 and MR1L look interesting, but I'm also a little concerned regarding some of the issues I've read about here and elsewhere.  So few questions I'd appreciate any feedback on... 1) how prevalent are these issues?  2) is there insight yet on whether they could be fixed with a FW update, or are they things I'd just have to live with if I bought one right now?  3) I'll likely end up with a 5.1.4 setup with only surrounds in the back instead of the sides.  Would the MR1L work with this setup?  i.e. if the surround speaker outs go to rear surrounds can it be set up correctly?  4) Given room size and use, what are tradeoff of one vs the other - for example, does the MR1, need to be driven hard to sound good, or does it sound equally good at low levels?

OR...would you recommend somethine else entirely?

(note - no speakers chosen yet, so don't have that part of the equation yet - I really liked my Emotiva speakers so was hoping to go all-Emotiva there again.  But looks like they've been discontinued... eally bummed)

Thanks in adavance for any feedback here.

[LCSeminole]

I have no experience with the MR1 or MR1L, but you really should listen to the latest PodCast (below)that discusses the new Emotiva speakers.

[steveco]

Thanks, LCSeminole!  I had no idea.  If they're as good as the older ones I had, they'll be perfect for me.  I've poked around but haven't seen an ETA anywhere.  Only think I'm not overly is the surround/atmos speaker.  I really liked the form factor of the ERD-1's I had for wall mounted rears.  And was hoping for in-ceiling speakers for the heights.

[steveco]

No response here is not a good sign.  Does that mean there aren't many people out there using them?  Or that those who have them and are members here wouldn't recommend them?

[doc1963]

Jan 30, 2024 23:32:23 GMT -5 steveco said:

No response here is not a good sign.  Does that mean there aren't many people out there using them?  Or that those who have them and are members here wouldn't recommend them?

I think your answer is that not many (or maybe no one) here is using them. Emotiva was pretty late to the game when introducing an AVR. Most, if not all, of us are using Emotiva's stand alone processors. Those here that prefer to use an AVR probably have something else. That may better explain the lack of responses to your inquiry.

At the end of the day, the MR1 and MR1L aren't much more than a MC1 processor and a BasX amplifier within a single enclosure. The BasX amps get great reviews. The MC1... well, you'd have to research that and come to your own conclusion. These days, processors from any brand comes with their own warts. Some are better, some worse.

With Emotiva's processors, you'll have to accept the fact that there will be bugs that may (or may not) affect you and, if they do, those bugs may (or may not) get fixed at "some point" down the road. Just being honest here.

If your true expectation is for an AVR that works "as expected" straight out of the box and is within the same price range as the MR1, the only brand that comes to mind that "I" would personally buy is Denon. When it comes to swift and effective firmware support, no one is better than D&M. Take that recommendation for what it's worth if you decide for "something else".

Hope this helps...

EDIT: Not sure if you knew, but there is an entire thread dedicated to the MR1 found HERE if it's of any help to you.

[cawgijoe]

I agree with doc on Denon being a brand receiver that I would not hesitate buying. I've owned a couple and they have been reliable. That being said, the sound quality of my Emotiva XMC-1 and now 2 is much better.

I like the MR1. I've checked reviews which have been positive. It looks like a well made, quality unit with excellent power. If I was in the market for a receiver, it would be my first choice. There is a 30 day return policy, if needed.

[ottaone]

I had a UMC-1 for 11 years of mostly trouble-free operation and upgraded to Anthem MRX 740 in December 2021. Sound quality of Anthem is better plus I needed a new receiver/pre-pro for the new tech like Dolby Vision.

I still have one UPA-1 driving the centre channel and waiting for a good deal on a stereo or 3-channel power amp. Regretted selling two other UPA-1s used for the LR.

I chose Anthem over XMC for the upgrade as I got scared with the XMC issues at that time. Buying Canadian was a bonus.:-)

[steveco]

doc1963, cawgjoe, ottaone;
Thanks for your feedback.  I've still got some things to think about, but I appreciate you sharing your insight and experience with the products.  That helps.  And I just saw that the new speakers are now available for pre-order :-)

[rjc]

I recently purchased an MR1L and so far so good. It has some quirks such as a long boot up process and it takes a few seconds to identify which source is selected and which mode (5.1, pure, stereo, etc.)is required. Also on some SACDs it defaults to pcm 2.0 instead of Dolby Digital or other surround modes, I can't figure this one out. All in all, I like it but I can say it significantly better then my old Denon 4802.