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Post by steveco on Jan 28, 2024 21:53:28 GMT -5
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.
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Jan 28, 2024 22:33:14 GMT -5
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.
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Post by steveco on Jan 29, 2024 21:06:06 GMT -5
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.
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Post by steveco on Jan 30, 2024 23:32:23 GMT -5
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?
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Post by doc1963 on Jan 31, 2024 10:04:29 GMT -5
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. |
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Jan 31, 2024 13:53:42 GMT -5
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.
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Post by ottaone on Feb 1, 2024 1:22:36 GMT -5
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.:-)
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Post by steveco on Feb 1, 2024 19:15:33 GMT -5
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 :-)
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rjc
Seeker Of Truth
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Post by rjc on Feb 5, 2024 16:37:14 GMT -5
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.
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Post by mikec1231 on Jun 17, 2024 11:10:27 GMT -5
I have a new MR1L that is currently connected to my Sony Bravia TV, AppleTV, and surround speakers. My house is pre wired in 4 rooms with stereo speakers, including outdoors. I would like to be able to listen to music outside by the pool from Spotify via my TV apps. I also have an Adcom gfs-6 speaker selector available that is currently not connected.
Can someone tell me if I can connect any of these additional speakers to my Emotiva and how?
Thanks
Mike
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Post by audiosyndrome on Jun 17, 2024 11:43:43 GMT -5
Steveco I agree with Doc; you wouldn’t go wrong with Denon, Marantz (or Yamaha). But for, me the MR1 has two major shortcomings for an AVR. It doesn’t have the ability to biamp the front channels and it doesn’t provide HDMI pass through in standby mode.
If you’re serious about getting an AVR I’d give serious consideration to the Integra DRX-8.4. It appears to meet anything anyone would need, in spades.
Russ
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Jun 17, 2024 12:08:27 GMT -5
1. If you want Video-on-Standby on the MC1 and the MR1 go to SETUP | OPTION | HDMI OPTIONS | STANDBY VIDEO. 2. VERY few AVRs do actual active-crossover type BiAmping... What they do is what is commonly known as "vertical bi-amping" or "horizontal bi-amping"... What this means is that they send the same signal to both speakers on that channel. SOME do offer the ability to set the levels for each individually... or even EQ each individually... And, no, the MR1 doesn't offer this option... with its internal amplifiers. However, if you want to do it with the MC1, and you're using similar amplifiers, or you're using the pre-outs on the MR1, you can just use passive splitters on the RF and LF outputs. (If the amplifiers have the same gain then you WANT to be sending the same signal to both amplifiers on each channel anyway.) Steveco I agree with Doc; you wouldn’t go wrong with Denon, Marantz (or Yamaha). But for, me the MR1 has two major shortcomings for an AVR. It doesn’t have the ability to biamp the front channels and it doesn’t provide HDMI pass through in standby mode. If you’re serious about getting an AVR I’d give serious consideration to the Integra DRX-8.4. It appears to meet anything anyone would need, in spades. Russ |
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Post by audiosyndrome on Jun 17, 2024 13:36:05 GMT -5
Hi Keith downloaded the MR1 manual (for the first time) and confirmed video-on-standby is available. BUT you would think that very important feature would have been highlighted in the features or overview write up on the product page. 🙄 I don’t believe Dan mentions it in the you tube video either.
Russ
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Post by audiosyndrome on Jun 19, 2024 19:46:48 GMT -5
So based on Keith correcting me above, I’ve read through all 16 pages of the MR1 thread. Noted that a few people complained about the “long boot time”. No issue for me as I would be using HDMI pass through in standby.
Can any MR1 owners confirm that this mode works correctly as designed? It does not in my XMC-2 or either of the RMCs. The audio level in this mode is 🤬 up!
Russ
PS - for the record Keith reported several months ago that the audio problem has been resolved for the X and R processors but no new firmware yet. ☹️
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kttk
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Post by kttk on Jul 13, 2024 10:14:44 GMT -5
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". does the MR1, need to be driven hard to sound good, or does it sound equally good at low levels? My media room is 28x38 w/ 12ft vaulted ceiling, just carpet and heavy drapes, no dedicated sound treatments. and honestly one of the most obvious improvements that jumped out to me that I didn't consider or expect compared to my other receivers I've had (Sony ES, Pioneer Elite, and Marantz) was the low volume TV/Movie watching. Previously when the volume was low the legibility of dialog was very difficult, so moving up to low-medium volume levels it would be a bit more legible, but then the rest of the audio effects would become too loud, cranking the center channel didn't really help at all it just made everything sound very imbalanced, so I was constantly adjusting the volume as we watched.. Once I got some volume up considerably then everything would sound terrific, but that is obviously not what family's want for just late night veggin' out to normal TV content. The moment I installed the MR1, even before the room calibration, it was absolutely night and day, even at extremely low volume settings dialog was perfectly legible, and the audio/sound effects do not overpower the dialog at any volume levels. I've had the MR1 for a few months now, and the receiver sounds amazing, and every night I am still so impressed with the low volume night-time tv watching. Most people get so impressed with great high volume listening without distortion, but marketing never really touts extremely low volume listening quality, which is a more common daily driver-use scenario for the majority of people buying integrated AVR's to use in family rooms, dens, bedrooms, etc... The MR1 to me sounds extremely even throughout the entire volume range. As you crank the volume it seems to sound exactly the same all the time, just louder. Where moving the volume levels up on other AVR's I've had such as the Sony ES especially, would seem like it was going though volume stages of not enough->something->everything->way to bright. Now I loved my Sony ES, it sounded fantastic at the 'everything volume mode' and I am absolutely missing some great technical features from it moving to the Emotiva, but **** this MR1 sounds so good. Maybe I am just lucky with my room and speaker combination, but if low volume tv watching is a big concern of yours, due to my experience I would 100% recommend trying an MR1 (or maybe other Emotiva processor options) for this, since they have the great 30-day tryout return policy as well. But YMMV, if it sucks don't blame me  |
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kttk
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Post by kttk on Jul 13, 2024 10:26:26 GMT -5
So based on Keith correcting me above, I’ve read through all 16 pages of the MR1 thread. Noted that a few people complained about the “long boot time”. No issue for me as I would be using HDMI pass through in standby. Can any MR1 owners confirm that this mode works correctly as designed? It does not in my XMC-2 or either of the RMCs. The audio level in this mode is 🤬 up! Russ PS - for the record Keith reported several months ago that the audio problem has been resolved for the X and R processors but no new firmware yet. ☹️ HDMI passthrough does work fine and WITH AUDIO and sound levels seem fine to me but on HDMI output 1 only, not output 2, as output 2 does not get anything passed through when the AVR is off. Whatever input the MR1 was last on when turned off is what will output on HDMI 1, it is not assignable. When the AVR is ON however, there is NO AUDIO OUTPUT ON EITHER HDMI PORT. And it is the single BIGGEST complaint I have about this receiver, (which seems like such an easy firmware update to change, but I am not a software engineer so maybe not). I cannot understand why they would do this, every single HDMI capable AVR I have ever had output the audio signal from the HDMI outs. Especially for HDMI output 2??? The biggest use-case of a secondary hdmi output is to feed another zone somewhere else in the home, or in my case an HDMI recording device/capture card. What else would you be using the second HDMI port for that would NOT need the audio sent with it? The only scenario I can think is maybe a LCD with a drop down screen/projector in front of it, but that is pretty tiny user base compared to the amount of wired homes sending a HDMI A/V feed to another zone/tv that would NEED the audio sent with it? Yes, the amp has a pretty long boot time, my computer cold boots into windows long before there is any audio coming out of the MR1, but it's never bothered me at all, I don't have any use-case to be turning the amp on-off constantly, I think it is just something people are not used to in the past, and so it just seems odd to everyone when they first hook it up. |
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Post by audiosyndrome on Jul 13, 2024 19:57:11 GMT -5
kttk thanks for your reassuring response for HDMI pass through. 👍
Russ
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Jul 16, 2024 10:36:21 GMT -5
Just so everyone understands... The "normal situation" for pre-pros and AVRs is that, when the processor is on, it "strips off and processes the audio and passes JUST THE VIDEO on to the TV". This has always been "the way HDMI is supposed to work"... Many products in the past, including some of ours, did include an option to continue to pass audio on to the TV along with the video (while the processor was "ON"). (But this has always been an extra option - and not the standard configuration.) The reason for this is that, with HDMI, the source device negotiates both audio and video parameters with the destination device. And, as far as HDMI is concerned, there should be one source device and one target device... This makes it very tricky for a source to successfully negotiate one set of parameters with both an AVR and a TV set or projector... (And it's become more complicated now that we have so many new audio formats... while many projectors don't accept audio at all.) I believe that "the original logic" was that, if you needed audio in Zone 2, then you got an AVR or pre/pro with a Zone 2 audio output to control it. And, incidentally, as for uses for that second HDMI output... It used to be not uncommon for someone to have a living room... Equipped with a "regular TV" that they used for normal TV viewing... As well as a projector and screen which were only "rolled down and fired up" on movie night... And a good set of speakers that were used for both of those as well as music listening... (Or maybe a good set of big stereo towers for music and a less impressive complement of surround speakers for watching movies.) Tastes change... And, nowadays, it's not unusual for someone to have a second TV in a second room or out on the deck... But... even if you have "a wired home"... most people these days do mostly streaming... And, if that's the case, it really doesn't pay to "run everything from a central location"... It's much easier to just put a second streaming box in that room... or use the streaming apps on the TV itself... And, instead of both an audio connection and an HDMI connection, all you need is Ethernet or WiFi. And, at that point, it's easier to just put a separate AVR or pre/pro in that room... So based on Keith correcting me above, I’ve read through all 16 pages of the MR1 thread. Noted that a few people complained about the “long boot time”. No issue for me as I would be using HDMI pass through in standby. Can any MR1 owners confirm that this mode works correctly as designed? It does not in my XMC-2 or either of the RMCs. The audio level in this mode is 🤬 up! Russ PS - for the record Keith reported several months ago that the audio problem has been resolved for the X and R processors but no new firmware yet. ☹️ HDMI passthrough does work fine and WITH AUDIO and sound levels seem fine to me but on HDMI output 1 only, not output 2, as output 2 does not get anything passed through when the AVR is off. Whatever input the MR1 was last on when turned off is what will output on HDMI 1, it is not assignable. When the AVR is ON however, there is NO AUDIO OUTPUT ON EITHER HDMI PORT. And it is the single BIGGEST complaint I have about this receiver, (which seems like such an easy firmware update to change, but I am not a software engineer so maybe not). I cannot understand why they would do this, every single HDMI capable AVR I have ever had output the audio signal from the HDMI outs. Especially for HDMI output 2??? The biggest use-case of a secondary hdmi output is to feed another zone somewhere else in the home, or in my case an HDMI recording device/capture card. What else would you be using the second HDMI port for that would NOT need the audio sent with it? The only scenario I can think is maybe a LCD with a drop down screen/projector in front of it, but that is pretty tiny user base compared to the amount of wired homes sending a HDMI A/V feed to another zone/tv that would NEED the audio sent with it? Yes, the amp has a pretty long boot time, my computer cold boots into windows long before there is any audio coming out of the MR1, but it's never bothered me at all, I don't have any use-case to be turning the amp on-off constantly, I think it is just something people are not used to in the past, and so it just seems odd to everyone when they first hook it up. |
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