Emotiva XMC-2 AVP Review (Sample 2)

[DonH56]

Hope it helps! Only took what, three years? Really hope all the owners can get to fully-functioning units now.

Still no DLBC...

 

[ChalupaRiddems]

Anybody try out the 3.1 firmware?

 

[Buckeye]

I have. Seems to work better. Still has some hiccups. Hopefully they can resolve these issues quickly but they have been pretty slow to fix these issues in the past.

 

[Dougey_Jones]

The upcoming Denon AVR-X3800H makes this and all other current AVPs obsolete.

This post didn't age well.

 

[BJL]

I noticed that the XMC-2 is now about $2500, and the RMC-1L is about $3200. I've read many of the comments in the relevant threads, primarily negative but with some dissenting positive. I understand that the audio quality (as indicated by objective testing) is somewhat lacking.

My first question is, what are the alternatives for a 9.1.6 processor with Dirac Live? From what I have seen, it would cost multiples of what Emotiva is charging to get equivalent features.

My second question is subjective. How is the audio quality as perceived, compared with common AVRs (Denon, Onkyo family etc.)? I have noticed that there are instances where the electronics tested quality is mediocre, but in use (with processing engaged), many folks are happy with the way music (or movies, TV) sound.

 

[Dj7675]

I noticed that the XMC-2 is now about $2500, and the RMC-1L is about $3200. I've read many of the comments in the relevant threads, primarily negative but with some dissenting positive. I understand that the audio quality (as indicated by objective testing) is somewhat lacking.

My first question is, what are the alternatives for a 9.1.6 processor with Dirac Live? From what I have seen, it would cost multiples of what Emotiva is charging to get equivalent features.

My second question is subjective. How is the audio quality as perceived, compared with common AVRs (Denon, Onkyo family etc.)? I have noticed that there are instances where the electronics tested quality is mediocre, but in use (with processing engaged), many folks are happy with the way music (or movies, TV) sound.

Closest you will come is Monoprice HTP1 or JBL SDP 55/58. But Emotiva does not have DLBC which remove it from consideration. IMO, handling bass frequencies, blending subs/mains, improving seat to seat variation is a must have. While not Dirac another option may be Anthem AVM70 if ARCg is to your liking.

 

[BJL]

But Emotiva does not have DLBC which remove it from consideration. IMO,

Lacking DLBC is less of a consideration for me, because I use the sub for the LFE (.1) channel only, and have my other speakers full range. I mainly listen to music, by the way, film/TV is collateral for my purposes. But very much appreciate the observation.

 

[Dwander]

I noticed that the XMC-2 is now about $2500, and the RMC-1L is about $3200. I've read many of the comments in the relevant threads, primarily negative but with some dissenting positive. I understand that the audio quality (as indicated by objective testing) is somewhat lacking.

My first question is, what are the alternatives for a 9.1.6 processor with Dirac Live? From what I have seen, it would cost multiples of what Emotiva is charging to get equivalent features.

My second question is subjective. How is the audio quality as perceived, compared with common AVRs (Denon, Onkyo family etc.)? I have noticed that there are instances where the electronics tested quality is mediocre, but in use (with processing engaged), many folks are happy with the way music (or movies, TV) sound.

It is your cheapest way in to a 16 channel Dirac processor but it does have issues. Emotiva cut the price bc they are planning to release their plus models in the summer which is suppose to add a bunch of features: hdmi 2.1, DLBC, imax enhanced. The current units can be sent in for an upgrade at a reasonable cost. However, with Emotiva you cannot take them at their word on anything so if you buy the unit now you should buy it bc of the features it has currently. It does sound really good though. I found it to be a significant upgrade in sound quality from my Marantz receiver. However, it can be very finicky and buggy. I personally couldn’t take it and sent it back. If I had to buy a processor now with budget in mind then I’d probably opt for the Anthem. If I could spend a little extra then definitely the JBL. The Monolith is what I have and absolutely love it but Monoprice has had them out of stock for so long and no one knows if they are going to sell more or not. Its unfortunately a limited processor market right now with no hands down choice.

 

[Sal1950]

I found it to be a significant upgrade in sound quality from my Marantz receiver. However, it can be very finicky and buggy. I personally couldn’t take it and sent it back. If I had to buy a processor now with budget in mind then I’d probably opt for the Anthem.

I could ask how you determined the Emo a SQ improvement over the Marantz in a bias controlled manner
but since you sent it back it doesn't really matter. That's the constant issue with the Emo AV gear "finicky and buggy".
A real shame, it surprises me they haven't cured these issues, the word on them is very thick on the internet. They could
probably sell twice as many if they'd improve their reputation. They're priced right and IMO a very handsome design..
After the recent death of my Marantz 7703 pre/pro due to a lightning strike, the only good option I could find
in my budget was a Denon X4700H, used as a complete pre/pro mated to the 5 outboard amps I already had.

 

[Dwander]

I could ask how you determined the Emo a SQ improvement over the Marantz in a bias controlled manner
but since you sent it back it doesn't really matter. That's the constant issue with the Emo AV gear "finicky and buggy".
A real shame, it surprises me they haven't cured these issues, the word on them is very thick on the internet. They could
probably sell twice as many if they'd improve their reputation. They're priced right and IMO a very handsome design..
After the recent death of my Marantz 7703 pre/pro due to a lightning strike, the only good option I could find
in my budget was a Denon X4700H, used as a complete pre/pro mated to the 5 outboard amps I already had.

I’m pretty confident in my assessment. Marantz is known for a specific sound signature which I found to be accurate description. I guess it a bit warm. Emotiva just seemed have clearer highs with a bit of that perceived sparkle. Honestly never knew what that meant until switching. Anyway, the difference was quite striking, and I kinda preferred it for the most part. Now, the LFE was a different story. I could never put my finger on it but I never thought the Emotiva sounded as good as the Marantz in that department. Im not sure what that was about, and I can’t be too confident about what I felt I was hearing there.

I really have a soar spot with Emotiva though. I try not to trash them like I used to when it was all fresh, but they know exactly what the customer wants to hear from them and they will say it whether it’s true or not. What they are doing with the new plus series is so typical of them. They never fully delivered on the current processors, but they try and keep you on the hook with the plus series which will include all the features you were told you were getting originally, and fix all the problems they couldnt fix for 5 years. IMO, they straight up stole $1000 from every one who purchased an RMC-1. Anyone who chose the RMC-1 over the RMC-1L chose it because it was upgradable. And turns out it’s not.

 

[Sal1950]

I’m pretty confident in my assessment. Marantz is known for a specific sound signature which I found to be accurate description. I guess it a bit warm. Emotiva just seemed have clearer highs with a bit of that perceived sparkle. Honestly never knew what that meant until switching. Anyway, the difference was quite striking, and I kinda preferred it for the most part. Now, the LFE was a different story. I could never put my finger on it but I never thought the Emotiva sounded as good as the Marantz in that department. Im not sure what that was about, and I can’t be too confident about what I felt I was hearing there.

If you found the difference "quite striking", I would tend to believe there was one of two things involved.
You were listening to one or both with the DRC engaged. Then you'd be easily hearing the difference in the correction curves determined by the DRC involved.
You were the victim of normal human bias after reading so much about the effect of the Marantz DAC's filter choice.. Yes there is a very minor
and measurable difference but it would be extremely subtle and very hard to pinpoint, not a "striking" difference.

 

[BJL]

It is your cheapest way in to a 16 channel Dirac processor but it does have issues. Emotiva cut the price bc they are planning to release their plus models in the summer which is suppose to add a bunch of features: hdmi 2.1, DLBC, imax enhanced. The current units can be sent in for an upgrade at a reasonable cost. However, with Emotiva you cannot take them at their word on anything so if you buy the unit now you should buy it bc of the features it has currently. It does sound really good though. I found it to be a significant upgrade in sound quality from my Marantz receiver. However, it can be very finicky and buggy. I personally couldn’t take it and sent it back. If I had to buy a processor now with budget in mind then I’d probably opt for the Anthem. If I could spend a little extra then definitely the JBL. The Monolith is what I have and absolutely love it but Monoprice has had them out of stock for so long and no one knows if they are going to sell more or not. Its unfortunately a limited processor market right now with no hands down choice.

Your comment is very clear and helpful. I'm bummed about all the negative experiences reported, because the XMC-2/RMC-1L have precisely the features that I want. I'm not sure if the Anthem does, because I haven't found a complete list of processing modes (even in the manual) and I am unsure about the Anthem's room correction vs. Dirac. Maybe I just have to purchase one of the Emotiva's and if I get a lemon, send it back, but what a hassle! The JBL models (at least the ones I noticed) are way over my budget, so I didn't spend time looking at them. Thanks again for your great explanation.

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

I’m pretty confident in my assessment. Marantz is known for a specific sound signature which I found to be accurate description. I guess it a bit warm. Emotiva just seemed have clearer highs with a bit of that perceived sparkle. Honestly never knew what that meant until switching. Anyway, the difference was quite striking, and I kinda preferred it for the most part. Now, the LFE was a different story. I could never put my finger on it but I never thought the Emotiva sounded as good as the Marantz in that department. Im not sure what that was about, and I can’t be too confident about what I felt I was hearing there.

I really have a soar spot with Emotiva though. I try not to trash them like I used to when it was all fresh, but they know exactly what the customer wants to hear from them and they will say it whether it’s true or not. What they are doing with the new plus series is so typical of them. They never fully delivered on the current processors, but they try and keep you on the hook with the plus series which will include all the features you were told you were getting originally, and fix all the problems they couldnt fix for 5 years. IMO, they straight up stole $1000 from every one who purchased an RMC-1. Anyone who chose the RMC-1 over the RMC-1L chose it because it was upgradable. And turns out it’s not.

Same with xpr amps.

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

Your comment is very clear and helpful. I'm bummed about all the negative experiences reported, because the XMC-2/RMC-1L have precisely the features that I want. I'm not sure if the Anthem does, because I haven't found a complete list of processing modes (even in the manual) and I am unsure about the Anthem's room correction vs. Dirac. Maybe I just have to purchase one of the Emotiva's and if I get a lemon, send it back, but what a hassle! The JBL models (at least the ones I noticed) are way over my budget, so I didn't spend time looking at them. Thanks again for your great explanation.

Go for the Anthem. Emotiva has bad reputation for a reason.

 

[BJL]

Go for the Anthem. Emotiva has bad reputation for a reason.

The Anthem AVM70 had a price reduction (or is on sale) it is $3200, same as the RMC-1L. Is their room correction effective?

 

[Dwander]

If you found the difference "quite striking", I would tend to believe there was one of two things involved.
You were listening to one or both with the DRC engaged. Then you'd be easily hearing the difference in the correction curves determined by the DRC involved.
You were the victim of normal human bias after reading so much about the effect of the Marantz DAC's filter choice.. Yes there is a very minor
and measurable difference but it would be extremely subtle and very hard to pinpoint, not a "striking" difference.

Who knows. Rock your Denon and enjoy.

 

[Lsc]

Your comment is very clear and helpful. I'm bummed about all the negative experiences reported, because the XMC-2/RMC-1L have precisely the features that I want. I'm not sure if the Anthem does, because I haven't found a complete list of processing modes (even in the manual) and I am unsure about the Anthem's room correction vs. Dirac. Maybe I just have to purchase one of the Emotiva's and if I get a lemon, send it back, but what a hassle! The JBL models (at least the ones I noticed) are way over my budget, so I didn't spend time looking at them. Thanks again for your great explanation.

I have the XMC-2 and fortunately I don’t suffer from all the bugs that others have mentioned. But I have a very simple system. ATV4K, Sony 4K Blu-ray player, iMac and PS5 are connected. My one annoyance was with HDMI ARC that didn’t work properly for 3+ years but with their latest firmware, they finally fixed it.

It’s not for everyone as it’s pretty evident in this forum but especially with the upgrade to the new processor (supposed to be released this year) that’ll cost me only $600, I’m sticking with it.

As far as sound quality, it’s very good. Now I plan on getting a DAC and a preamp with HT bypass for my salon2 but in the meantime it’s good. I literally use it daily.

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

The Anthem AVM70 had a price reduction (or is on sale) it is $3200, same as the RMC-1L. Is their room correction effective?

Yes.

 

[Rick@CAL]

I have the XMC-2 and fortunately I don’t suffer from all the bugs that others have mentioned. But I have a very simple system. ATV4K, Sony 4K Blu-ray player, iMac and PS5 are connected. My one annoyance was with HDMI ARC that didn’t work properly for 3+ years but with their latest firmware, they finally fixed it.

It’s not for everyone as it’s pretty evident in this forum but especially with the upgrade to the new processor (supposed to be released this year) that’ll cost me only $600, I’m sticking with it.

As far as sound quality, it’s very good. Now I plan on getting a DAC and a preamp with HT bypass for my salon2 but in the meantime it’s good. I literally use it daily.

I feel the same. The last firmware fixed a number of bugs, still not perfect, but overall I'm enjoying my XMC-2. Wasn't aware of the upcoming processor upgrade, I guess I'll have a decision to make sometime this summer.

 

[sealman]

I feel the same. The last firmware fixed a number of bugs, still not perfect, but overall I'm enjoying my XMC-2. Wasn't aware of the upcoming processor upgrade, I guess I'll have a decision to make sometime this summer.

This is deja vu all over again though not really in a good way.