Official Emofest Notes by KlineMJ
Oct 5, 2024 7:12:42 GMT -5
LCSeminole, Natural1, and 14 more like this
Post by klinemj on Oct 5, 2024 7:12:42 GMT -5
Here are the tentative notes...I will clean them up tomorrow. But, enjoy!
+ Series Processors (XMC2+ and RMC1+)
Input switching is much improved…noticeable in demos. Damon quotes processor can switch in ~2 seconds, and when connected to TV takes as low as 4 (for 4K) and a bit longer for 8K (up to ~8) and this is TV and cable dependent. The demo of gaming was crisp, clear video with no visible lags or video defects. Audio was pretty amazing.
In the demo of the Dream Theater v2, they ran and RMC1+ (yes, it was running live) with the following gear: FR/FL XT3’s, XC3 center, Atmos top speakers of 2 XC1’s in front and a pair each of XA2’s for the center and rear, side speakers were pairs of XT1’s near the front/middle/back of the room, 2 XS15 subs, a DR3 amp for FR/FL/center, and 2 XPA6’s for the rest. Source for video was a Zidoo (8K Pro, I think) playing MKV files, a Hisense 100” TV, and an Xbox series X for a gaming demo.
UPDATE: All processors demo'd were running with the new 8K boards.
Equipment is HDMI 2.1b compliant w/ARC/eARC (all inputs and outputs), with the following other details: NextGen Panasonic/Nuvoton HDMI Processing, Fast switching HDMI, 4K 120 hz/8K 60 Hz, for gaming has variable refresh rate, Enhanced Dolby Atmos audio decoding, DTS:X Proc audio decoding, IMAX Enhanced Audio and video, built-in wifi and hard wired gigabit ethernet, fully embedded web setup and control system, new TI Burr Brown PCM1795 DAV board and upgraded audio, LM837 Op Amp (bi-polar), Muse 72343 volume controls, 200 w autoswitching power supply (2x prior). UPDATE: Also, the RMC1+ ships with the expansion phono stage and XLR Stereo input module included.
The web app demo was very nice…it avoids using the remote to toggle all over the setup menu. The web app is accessed via going to the processor’s IP address on a browser. Volume control, input switching, and setup can all be accessed via the web app.
Also, DIRAC now can run onboard via an RPi on the internet board. If I am not mistaken, this means the old “EDNIB” external box is not needed.
Current status is that chips are in for models going out for beta testing, and additional chips will be in early December to enable production. Basic chassis’ are being assembled now and will be finalized once the chips (and also a distribution board for the power supply) arrive in December. Net, if all goes as planned – timing is end of year.
This is an RMC1+ in the production area with all but the HDMI board and distribution board for the PS installed:
Pricing is $3999 for an XMC2+, $4999 for an RMC1+ for new units. XMC2’s and RMC-1’s can be traded in to get the respective + models for a trade-in value of $2000 and $3500. For RMC-1L users, they can trade in for an RMC1+ for a trade-in value of $3000, but there will be no official RMC-1L+ (NOTE: THIS WAS RE-WORDED DUE TO SOME CONFUSING WORDING INITIALLY WRITTEN...this wording is confirmed now. For clarity, to get the upgrade cost, subtract these values of the new unit prices). This gets them an all new product with all new warranty, and traded in models will be resold by Emotiva. XMC2 users can trade in for an RMC-1+ (with the appropriate trade-in value of an XMC2). There was some discussion about RMC-1L users also being able to upgrade their units to the new spec, but that’s not final and there will not be an official RMC-1L+ at this time. UPDATE: It was confirmed that users can use the trade-in value of their processor on any of the + series processors. So, for example, an RMC1 owner could apply $3500 trade-in value to get an XMC2+ instead of an RMC1+
UPDATE: XMC2+ is fully balanced on all channels.
UPDATE: Here's the process for the trade-in - They will send you a new unit. Once it arrives, you send in your old unit. It's a trade-in, technically...not an upgrade/replacement of parts for your old unit to (it's sometimes been referred to as an "upgrade", but it's a trade-in).They will likely be re-selling the traded in units as they did when people did a similar thing with their XMC-1's.[/s] UPDATE: Confirmed...old units traded in will be sold as factory renewed.
Additional Update to the Process: Some reported that Emotiva will provide shipping for the new unit and a return label to ship the old one back.
To answer some pre-Emofest questions:
1) Maximum ATMOS Channels: Atmos can handle up to 11.1.8 currently. The processors can handle 9.1.6 but will eventually be able to do 11.5.8 per Lonnie on the RMC-1+ (but not XMC2+)
2) DLBC will be available for an added cost but needs approved by Dirac.
3) ART could be done w/added Dirac layer. Their processors could support but it’s not known when.
4) A question was asked if there would be ability to use a digital out for a preferred L/R application or subs. Lonnie said it’s already there and is 2 channel 48K and can be used for whatever you want.
5) A question was asked if there’s an option to swap over to a VOG and center channel screen height channel with DTS:X Pro and Imax enhanced. Lonnie notes that VOG was only available on Auro (not the decoding that will be on the +), but they will include anything built into DTS:X Pro and Imax enhanced (and the latest ATMOS)
2 Channel Room Demo/news:
There were 2 setups shown. The first was the new streamer (DRS-1) along with the rest of the “Executive Stack”. This is a set of 4 small footprint components including the DRS-1, a preamp (DRP-1), a DAC (DRD-1), and amp (DRA-1). All are fully differential and can be purchased separately or as a system.
The DRS-1 includes a DAC which Dan describes as an XDA-3 without analog inputs but having streaming capability. It includes digital outs (Optical and COAX) so it can output to an external DAC such as the DRD-1 or other. It also includes an HDMI output to connect to a video screen to see the controller (Volumio). It can be hardwired for internet or use built-in wifi. It also has trigger in/out, is Roon-ready, has USB inputs (to read music off a USB stick/etc.).
This is what the executive system looks like, along with the screen display of Volumio on a TV above it and then the streamer with top off.
The boards are done, but the external cosmetics are not exactly what was shown…some minor changes were made for production.
The DRA-1 amp power is 250W (didn’t catch whether that’s 4 or 8 ohm…will follow up).
Timing and cost for the streamer at still not fully defined, but cost is likely (but not final!) in the $500-600 range. Timing is hoped to be 1Q25, maybe a little later. Timing for the other 3 is less defined as they are not in production yet, but Cathy is pushing for them to be ready soon.
The streamer was demo’d along with the other executive stack parts through some new XB1+ small speakers and a new 12” sub that’s a prototype and is as yet unnamed.
UPDATE: Per today's podcast, the XB1+ speakers will be "here soon" and are a 4.5” 2-way with Airmotiv tweeter bookshelf speakers. Podcast said ~$349/pair "in time for Holidays".
They also ran a laptop as a source through an XDA3 to a DR2 amp and XT3 towers.
Other 2 channel news is that there will be a new low-cost phono stage called the PH-1. No details on cost or timing were shared.
UPDATE: The PH1 phono stage is less pricey vs. XPS-1, but very quiet with a low noise external power supply and can be used with MC and MM. Cost is $49.99
Other Miscellaneous
Emotiva is working on new amp modules. These were designed by a young, but experienced amp designer (Dave Goodman) and – among other things – have new resistors in the output stage and more of them. They are better at power handling and are reportedly help the module be stable down to 2 ohms. Lonnie reported performance is great, and work remains on “intelligence” (essentially, operation with their power supplies). They will be able to be used in the current XPA chassis either as a new build or retrofit.
This is the new amp module:
The new XPA-compact amps were on display.
I'll add more pix tomorrow.
Mark
+ Series Processors (XMC2+ and RMC1+)
Input switching is much improved…noticeable in demos. Damon quotes processor can switch in ~2 seconds, and when connected to TV takes as low as 4 (for 4K) and a bit longer for 8K (up to ~8) and this is TV and cable dependent. The demo of gaming was crisp, clear video with no visible lags or video defects. Audio was pretty amazing.
In the demo of the Dream Theater v2, they ran and RMC1+ (yes, it was running live) with the following gear: FR/FL XT3’s, XC3 center, Atmos top speakers of 2 XC1’s in front and a pair each of XA2’s for the center and rear, side speakers were pairs of XT1’s near the front/middle/back of the room, 2 XS15 subs, a DR3 amp for FR/FL/center, and 2 XPA6’s for the rest. Source for video was a Zidoo (8K Pro, I think) playing MKV files, a Hisense 100” TV, and an Xbox series X for a gaming demo.
UPDATE: All processors demo'd were running with the new 8K boards.
Equipment is HDMI 2.1b compliant w/ARC/eARC (all inputs and outputs), with the following other details: NextGen Panasonic/Nuvoton HDMI Processing, Fast switching HDMI, 4K 120 hz/8K 60 Hz, for gaming has variable refresh rate, Enhanced Dolby Atmos audio decoding, DTS:X Proc audio decoding, IMAX Enhanced Audio and video, built-in wifi and hard wired gigabit ethernet, fully embedded web setup and control system, new TI Burr Brown PCM1795 DAV board and upgraded audio, LM837 Op Amp (bi-polar), Muse 72343 volume controls, 200 w autoswitching power supply (2x prior). UPDATE: Also, the RMC1+ ships with the expansion phono stage and XLR Stereo input module included.
The web app demo was very nice…it avoids using the remote to toggle all over the setup menu. The web app is accessed via going to the processor’s IP address on a browser. Volume control, input switching, and setup can all be accessed via the web app.
Also, DIRAC now can run onboard via an RPi on the internet board. If I am not mistaken, this means the old “EDNIB” external box is not needed.
Current status is that chips are in for models going out for beta testing, and additional chips will be in early December to enable production. Basic chassis’ are being assembled now and will be finalized once the chips (and also a distribution board for the power supply) arrive in December. Net, if all goes as planned – timing is end of year.
This is an RMC1+ in the production area with all but the HDMI board and distribution board for the PS installed:
Pricing is $3999 for an XMC2+, $4999 for an RMC1+ for new units. XMC2’s and RMC-1’s can be traded in to get the respective + models for a trade-in value of $2000 and $3500. For RMC-1L users, they can trade in for an RMC1+ for a trade-in value of $3000, but there will be no official RMC-1L+ (NOTE: THIS WAS RE-WORDED DUE TO SOME CONFUSING WORDING INITIALLY WRITTEN...this wording is confirmed now. For clarity, to get the upgrade cost, subtract these values of the new unit prices). This gets them an all new product with all new warranty, and traded in models will be resold by Emotiva. XMC2 users can trade in for an RMC-1+ (with the appropriate trade-in value of an XMC2). There was some discussion about RMC-1L users also being able to upgrade their units to the new spec, but that’s not final and there will not be an official RMC-1L+ at this time. UPDATE: It was confirmed that users can use the trade-in value of their processor on any of the + series processors. So, for example, an RMC1 owner could apply $3500 trade-in value to get an XMC2+ instead of an RMC1+
UPDATE: XMC2+ is fully balanced on all channels.
UPDATE: Here's the process for the trade-in - They will send you a new unit. Once it arrives, you send in your old unit. It's a trade-in, technically...not an upgrade/replacement of parts for your old unit to (it's sometimes been referred to as an "upgrade", but it's a trade-in).
Additional Update to the Process: Some reported that Emotiva will provide shipping for the new unit and a return label to ship the old one back.
To answer some pre-Emofest questions:
1) Maximum ATMOS Channels: Atmos can handle up to 11.1.8 currently. The processors can handle 9.1.6 but will eventually be able to do 11.5.8 per Lonnie on the RMC-1+ (but not XMC2+)
2) DLBC will be available for an added cost but needs approved by Dirac.
3) ART could be done w/added Dirac layer. Their processors could support but it’s not known when.
4) A question was asked if there would be ability to use a digital out for a preferred L/R application or subs. Lonnie said it’s already there and is 2 channel 48K and can be used for whatever you want.
5) A question was asked if there’s an option to swap over to a VOG and center channel screen height channel with DTS:X Pro and Imax enhanced. Lonnie notes that VOG was only available on Auro (not the decoding that will be on the +), but they will include anything built into DTS:X Pro and Imax enhanced (and the latest ATMOS)
2 Channel Room Demo/news:
There were 2 setups shown. The first was the new streamer (DRS-1) along with the rest of the “Executive Stack”. This is a set of 4 small footprint components including the DRS-1, a preamp (DRP-1), a DAC (DRD-1), and amp (DRA-1). All are fully differential and can be purchased separately or as a system.
The DRS-1 includes a DAC which Dan describes as an XDA-3 without analog inputs but having streaming capability. It includes digital outs (Optical and COAX) so it can output to an external DAC such as the DRD-1 or other. It also includes an HDMI output to connect to a video screen to see the controller (Volumio). It can be hardwired for internet or use built-in wifi. It also has trigger in/out, is Roon-ready, has USB inputs (to read music off a USB stick/etc.).
This is what the executive system looks like, along with the screen display of Volumio on a TV above it and then the streamer with top off.
The boards are done, but the external cosmetics are not exactly what was shown…some minor changes were made for production.
The DRA-1 amp power is 250W (didn’t catch whether that’s 4 or 8 ohm…will follow up).
Timing and cost for the streamer at still not fully defined, but cost is likely (but not final!) in the $500-600 range. Timing is hoped to be 1Q25, maybe a little later. Timing for the other 3 is less defined as they are not in production yet, but Cathy is pushing for them to be ready soon.
The streamer was demo’d along with the other executive stack parts through some new XB1+ small speakers and a new 12” sub that’s a prototype and is as yet unnamed.
UPDATE: Per today's podcast, the XB1+ speakers will be "here soon" and are a 4.5” 2-way with Airmotiv tweeter bookshelf speakers. Podcast said ~$349/pair "in time for Holidays".
They also ran a laptop as a source through an XDA3 to a DR2 amp and XT3 towers.
Other 2 channel news is that there will be a new low-cost phono stage called the PH-1. No details on cost or timing were shared.
UPDATE: The PH1 phono stage is less pricey vs. XPS-1, but very quiet with a low noise external power supply and can be used with MC and MM. Cost is $49.99
Other Miscellaneous
Emotiva is working on new amp modules. These were designed by a young, but experienced amp designer (Dave Goodman) and – among other things – have new resistors in the output stage and more of them. They are better at power handling and are reportedly help the module be stable down to 2 ohms. Lonnie reported performance is great, and work remains on “intelligence” (essentially, operation with their power supplies). They will be able to be used in the current XPA chassis either as a new build or retrofit.
This is the new amp module:
The new XPA-compact amps were on display.
I'll add more pix tomorrow.
Mark
