Emotiva RMC-1+ AV Processor Review

[NicS]

Just a quick update from Emo-World. Even though the debate about the ASR review of the RMC-1+ processor was ongoing, the moderators on the Emotiva forum saw fit to lock that particular thread, preventing any further discussion, at least for now, with this message:

"We will publish full detailed specs utilizing current firmware next week. As you know, we operate with total transparency and are confident in the performance of this platform. We will publish our normal test data along with the same test methodology of ASR."

This is a bit of a turnaround. And a welcome one. I hope the "current firmware" addresses the noise issue, just as a firmware update in the previous generation improved the audio performance too. I suppose the next thing to do is to get someone to let Amit test their R<C-1+ with the new firmware, and perhaps with the CR8 upgrade too. NOTHING would make me happier to see the RMC-1+ on the top of the leader table for AVP/R's. Well, not nothing. But you get my drift.

Again, I'd like to stress this, the people at Emotiva have always been helpful and courteous to me. While I'm rattled by their highly defensive action to Amir's assessment, I shouldn't be surprised; this is their baby and I'm sure they are heavily invested from an emotional standpoint. Which is why the response was heavy on defensiveness.

 

[amirm]

I've always wondered what the bandwidth was for this test as it has a noise component. From your quote above it sounds like the DAC is running at 48 kHz and measurement bandwidth is 24 kHz, is that correct?

Michael

The input sample rate (to analyzer) is at 96 khz with bandwidth of 45 khz. So you are right that it captures noise as well as intermodulation.

 

[Lsc]

Just a quick update from Emo-World. Even though the debate about the ASR review of the RMC-1+ processor was ongoing, the moderators on the Emotiva forum saw fit to lock that particular thread, preventing any further discussion, at least for now, with this message:

"We will publish full detailed specs utilizing current firmware next week. As you know, we operate with total transparency and are confident in the performance of this platform. We will publish our normal test data along with the same test methodology of ASR."

This is a bit of a turnaround. And a welcome one. I hope the "current firmware" addresses the noise issue, just as a firmware update in the previous generation improved the audio performance too. I suppose the next thing to do is to get someone to let Amit test their R<C-1+ with the new firmware, and perhaps with the CR8 upgrade too. NOTHING would make me happier to see the RMC-1+ on the top of the leader table for AVP/R's. Well, not nothing. But you get my drift.

Again, I'd like to stress this, the people at Emotiva have always been helpful and courteous to me. While I'm rattled by their highly defensive action to Amir's assessment, I shouldn't be surprised; this is their baby and I'm sure they are heavily invested from an emotional standpoint. Which is why the response was heavy on defensiveness.

The week ends tomorrow for them. NicS you have been great showing patience and giving Emotiva the benefit of the doubt. I’m not surprised by their reaction since it was pretty similar to when the RMC1 was reviewed. They obviously don’t think ASR’s reviews are important. 16 channel processor reviews that only show test results from left and right channel…not very comprehensive. But what’s funny is that these reviews are why I want to go check out the Marantz… as I posted in the Emotiva forum about thinking that $7-8000 is a bit much but the ASR review has me curious at least and has me shying away from getting the + models so…

My guess is the Emotiva’s test results of the RMC1+ will not be better than the ones taken for the RMC1. So, most likely they will drag their feet until people just move on and stop waiting.

 

[NicS]

The week ends tomorrow for them. NicS you have been great showing patience and giving Emotiva the benefit of the doubt. I’m not surprised by their reaction since it was pretty similar to when the RMC1 was reviewed. They obviously don’t think ASR’s reviews are important. 16 channel processor reviews that only show test results from left and right channel…not very comprehensive. But what’s funny is that these reviews are why I want to go check out the Marantz… as I posted in the Emotiva forum about thinking that $7-8000 is a bit much but the ASR review has me curious at least and has me shying away from getting the + models so…

My guess is the Emotiva’s test results of the RMC1+ will not be better than the ones taken for the RMC1. So, most likely they will drag their feet until people just move on and stop waiting.

I have no interest in seeing Emotiva fail.

Emotiva has a business model that favors enthusiasts. They are engaged and responsive, which in this case has devolved into knee-jerk defensiveness and “Rooster Whipping”. Anyone who attacks the messenger needs to take a hard look at themselves. I’m hoping that Emotiva redeems themselves. They must know by now they have made a PR boo-boo by seeking to dismiss or denigrate informed analysis, no matter how narrow the methodology. All it has done is to create a schism in their own community.

In a world where optimism can seem foolish, I hope this situation helps Emotiva in the long run. I also hope we’ll see a review of the CR8 upgrade that retains the older DAC / audio board.

 

[xaxxon]

one would expect a dedicated processor to at least perform its reduced duties relative to an AVR more competently than one. but there are many such cases where it does not. so it is a knock against the class of AV separates.

no, no one cares what the stuff you shouldn't buy does. Only what the stuff you should buy does.

It's like car companies that say they have the best fuel economy across their line of cars. Who cares if you're not buying all the cars.

 

[Goodfellas27]

I sold mine after over a decade of waiting for them to fix their bugs with their SSP, and never looked back

 

[Lsc]

I sold mine after over a decade of waiting for them to fix their bugs with their SSP, and never looked back

That was a sound move. Emotiva in ignorance mode now. Once my XMC2 dies, that’ll be the end of my relationship with Emotiva as well.