Emotiva RMC-1 AV Processor Review

[Jbrunwa]

Noticed this evening when playing 2CH hi-res files that no matter the resolution the display on my 1L always says 48/24 when my Gustard DAC varies from 48 to 96 and currently 352.8 MQA. My set up is Node coax to X16 balanced out to RMC-1L. While I am not complaining about the sound (Reference Stereo) I am curious why this may be. Will switch to CD soon just to make sure it indeed goes to 44/16 and isn't just stuck.

EDIT: Appears to be stuck. Using my ERC-4 for CD playback it still says 48/24.

Listening to Qobuz with Bluesound Node to Coax 1 my XMC-2 shows different bit rates based on the source material, for example 44.1/24 on Into the Heights and just now 96/24 on Mahler LA Symphony

 

[HSamwel]

Reference Stereo plays analog. Emotiva has the irritating thing that they
don’t update the display while playing analog, they simply show the default
value.. If you use digital inputs you will see changes.

I have reported this more than a year ago. I don’t know if they have it on their
list or not.. Maybe more important stuff First?

 

[Jbrunwa]

Reference Stereo plays analog. Emotiva has the irritating thing that they
don’t update the display while playing analog, they simply show the default
value.. If you use digital inputs you will see changes.

I have reported this more than a year ago. I don’t know if they have it on their
list or not.. Maybe more important stuff First?

Ha! So Reference Stereo mode actually performs NO processing

 

[tparm]

Ha! So Reference Stereo mode actually performs NO processing

 

[HSamwel]

Ha! So Reference Stereo mode actually performs NO processing

Yes, it will simply convert Digital to analog if used with a digital input. Minimal ”processing”.
From analog input it goes only through the volume then directly out.
Of course no Dirac, subs or anything..

The thing here is that Emotiva should display ”Analog” instead of ”48kHz 24bits”.
I have talked to them about this on subject several times.
When you play analog they don’t update the audio quality part of the info screen/display.
It’s confusing for the users if they show the wrong info. But they seem to not think
showing wrong info is a problem.

I also nagged them about AppleTV Atmos displayed as ”Dolby TrueHD Atmos” when
in fact it’s ”Dolby MAT w. Atmos”. They tried to convince me that Dolby required them
to display Dolby TrueHD.

 

[Dimifoot]

They tried to convince me that Dolby required them
to display Dolby TrueHD.

I am afraid it’s true

 

[HSamwel]

I am afraid it’s true

Then ALOT of manufacturers break the rules.. I saw a list a while back of what
is being reported with Dolby MAT from different manufacturers.. Only one
reported correct IMO. I think it was StormAudio.
Not a single manufacturer on the list reported Dolby TrueHD except Trinnov
(Emotiva not on this list), if I remember correctly.
Most reported Dolby Atmos or strange a mix of everything..

IMO output mode should report ”Dolby Atmos”, input bitstream should
report ”Dolby MAT w. Atmos” or ”Dolby MAT”.
Anything else is just plain wrong.
Even if the Atmos extension originates from Dolby TrueHD lossless audio.

 

[tparm]

Rack complete, move in one month from today. RMC-1L working beautifully running on 2.3.

 

[StuartC]

So as someone who is currently considering stepping up to an RMC-1, HTP-1, SDP-55 level of Processor, what is the current state of the RMC-1 and RMC-1L from a daily reliability point of view? Any comments from any owners? Would you recommend spending out on an RMC-1 or 1L currently?

 

[markus]

I am afraid it’s true

Dolby only requires them to NOT display "MAT" but they can show "Atmos Multichannel PCM". Showing "TrueHD" is Emotiva's own choice and it is wrong.

 

[RichB]

So as someone who is currently considering stepping up to an RMC-1, HTP-1, SDP-55 level of Processor, what is the current state of the RMC-1 and RMC-1L from a daily reliability point of view? Any comments from any owners? Would you recommend spending out on an RMC-1 or 1L currently?

I have no daily issues with the RMC-1. The switching speed is about 4 seconds, on par with my Denon X3700H.

- Rich

 

[StuartC]

I have no daily issues with the RMC-1. The switching speed is about 4 seconds, on par with my Denon X3700H.

- Rich

So one of the frequent uses I get from my Denon currently is the Zone 2 function, which I've found to be fairly solid. Is the RMC happy with multi-zone output from different inputs?

 

[RichB]

So one of the frequent uses I get from my Denon currently is the Zone 2 function, which I've found to be fairly solid. Is the RMC happy with multi-zone output from different inputs?

I don't use zones, so can't speak to that.

- Rich

 

[tabby]

So as someone who is currently considering stepping up to an RMC-1, HTP-1, SDP-55 level of Processor, what is the current state of the RMC-1 and RMC-1L from a daily reliability point of view? Any comments from any owners? Would you recommend spending out on an RMC-1 or 1L currently?

I also dont have any daily issues with the RMC-1, not much to report from here, the menu is much much more fast than 6 months ago.

 

[muslhead]

is the rmc having the same elevated bass boost software problems as the xmc?

 

[Lsc]

is the rmc having the same elevated bass boost software problems as the xmc?

Both share the same firmware.

I have the XMC2 - I don’t think the elevated bass is a problem in all cases. I heard people talking about it but I don’t have it. The bass seems fine on my unit.

 

[Robh3606]

is the rmc having the same elevated bass boost software problems as the xmc?

I don't have any issues do you have the loudness compensation on?

Rob :}

 

[Robh3606]

Reference Stereo plays analog. Emotiva has the irritating thing that they
don’t update the display while playing analog, they simply show the default
value.. If you use digital inputs you will see changes.

I have reported this more than a year ago. I don’t know if they have it on their
list or not.. Maybe more important stuff First?

That's right in the manual if want any processing just set-up default to stereo.

Rob

 

[HSamwel]

is the rmc having the same elevated bass boost software problems as the xmc?

Depending on what bass boost you’re talking about.
Unexplainable differences between users after firmware update, maybe I don’t know.

There’s a bug with bass management and multiple bass sources.
A thread about the issue exists on Emotiva forum.

Emotiva have recieved a lot of repeatable why/how/when info including measurements
with REW. They are apparently looking into the issue.

 

[HSamwel]

That's right in the manual if want any processing just set-up default to stereo.

Rob

You get the info display to show ”Analog” instead of ”48khz 24bit” when playing
analog sources? Please do tell me where in the manual it says how to change this.
AFAIK you can’t change how Emotiva reports input type.