• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Emotiva XMC-2 AVP Review (Sample 2)

Rate This AV Processor

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 143 77.7%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 30 16.3%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 5 2.7%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 6 3.3%

  • Total voters
    184
This is deja vu all over again though not really in a good way.
It depends on the perspective as it’s great for me. Emotiva realized the cost of trying to improve the G3P was not worth it. And since they still maintain this upgradable model, they decided it was just best to replace with a new model (hopefully OEM).
 
It depends on the perspective as it’s great for me. Emotiva realized the cost of trying to improve the G3P was not worth it. And since they still maintain this upgradable model, they decided it was just best to replace with a new model (hopefully OEM).
I bought the XMC-1 about 15 months before the XMC-2 was released. Most of the bugs had been fixed by that time so I never had any issues with it though I was aware of the time it took to get it to that point. I waited on trading in for the XMC-2 until the program was supposed to end and still got a half finished product. Like everyone else I was waiting for Dirac to be implemented along with all the firmware issues during the first 2 years. I am not remotely interested in being another beta tester for Emotiva.
So yes it does depend on your perspective.
 
I have had what I consider the two most frustrating purchases of my whole life: A Nordictrack treadmill that was never delivered and got a refund 4 months after and an Emotiva XMC-1 plagued with infinity bugs after the infamous HDMI 2.0 Board Upgrade. I think I did no less than 10 firmware updates in a period of 12 months just to get the XMC-1 to work with HDR and Dolby Vision and still, after 18 months when I decided to put it for sale, still had a few bugs. I even refused to do the upgrade to the XMC-2 for only $600. My recommendation is to stay away from Big Dan and his company at any cost. There are too many good options out there to even consider Emotiva as an alternative.
 
I bought the XMC-1 about 15 months before the XMC-2 was released. Most of the bugs had been fixed by that time so I never had any issues with it though I was aware of the time it took to get it to that point. I waited on trading in for the XMC-2 until the program was supposed to end and still got a half finished product. Like everyone else I was waiting for Dirac to be implemented along with all the firmware issues during the first 2 years. I am not remotely interested in being another beta tester for Emotiva.
So yes it does depend on your perspective.
I am actually a beta tester for Emotiva and do not mind it. I like being able to work through issues and also get first dibs at new changes.

Also I bought the XMC2 the first day it was available and never felt it was a half finished product since I didn’t have the issues that many others did. Was it slow in the beginning? Yes it was until they rewrote the firmware. Of course to those who had issues it’s natural to feel the way you do. Buy something else then right?

I’ll take the G4P with HDMI 2.1 and updated hardware that’s supposed to be 10x faster than the current version for $600. Should last me another 5 years. If I’m as lucky with the G4P that means I’ve had trouble free Emotiva processors since 2011. I should play the lottery :).
 
I have had what I consider the two most frustrating purchases of my whole life: A Nordictrack treadmill that was never delivered and got a refund 4 months after and an Emotiva XMC-1 plagued with infinity bugs after the infamous HDMI 2.0 Board Upgrade. I think I did no less than 10 firmware updates in a period of 12 months just to get the XMC-1 to work with HDR and Dolby Vision and still, after 18 months when I decided to put it for sale, still had a few bugs. I even refused to do the upgrade to the XMC-2 for only $600. My recommendation is to stay away from Big Dan and his company at any cost. There are too many good options out there to even consider Emotiva as an alternative.
Yes I heard that HDMI 2.0 board was terrible. This is why I’m so glad they aren’t upgrading the XMC2.
 
Yes I heard that HDMI 2.0 board was terrible. This is why I’m so glad they aren’t upgrading the XMC2.

Pretty sure you know as I remember you trying to help me troubleshooting my XMC-1 with HDMI 2.0 Board Upgrade back in 2018 over the Emo Lounge :)
 
I am actually a beta tester for Emotiva and do not mind it. I like being able to work through issues and also get first dibs at new changes.

Also I bought the XMC2 the first day it was available and never felt it was a half finished product since I didn’t have the issues that many others did. Was it slow in the beginning? Yes it was until they rewrote the firmware. Of course to those who had issues it’s natural to feel the way you do. Buy something else then right?

I’ll take the G4P with HDMI 2.1 and updated hardware that’s supposed to be 10x faster than the current version for $600. Should last me another 5 years. If I’m as lucky with the G4P that means I’ve had trouble free Emotiva processors since 2011. I should play the lottery :).
Emotiva needs to beta test before product release. I will never buy Emotiva again.
 
Pretty sure you know as I remember you trying to help me troubleshooting my XMC-1 with HDMI 2.0 Board Upgrade back in 2018 over the Emo Lounge :)
That’s hilarious! I don’t remember as I’m getting up there lol. Well it’s nice to meet you on ASR.
 
Amir, is there any balanced-output AV processor at this price point you can recommend?
The Anthem AVM 70 8K is priced at $3,399.00, down from $3,999.00 and it's on the recommend list ("Grading on a curve"). I purchased it about a month ago and I love it so far.
 
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.
I did eventually buy the XMC-2 and it has worked out well for me. There is a learning curve, as in, read the manual and take advantage of the video tutorials. The Dirac implementation is a bit awkward, but it is effective and I am very satisfied with the sound quality, notwithstanding the mediocre measurements reported. Downstream I have Buckeye Hypex 252 amps and Revel floorstanders, mostly F206; if the audio out of the XMC-2 was poor, I believe that I would notice. The XMC-2 replaces a Pioneer LX505 (used as preamp processor) and it is an audible improvement. I don't use bass management and very much appreciate that the sub output can be set for LFE only without any filtering (aside from Dirac or other intentional user EQ.) I would have had to pay more than double the money for a 9.1.6 processor with Dirac. The XMC-2 is a great value for me. Sorry for those folks that had bad experiences and appreciate the comments that made my purchase an informed decision.
 
I did eventually buy the XMC-2 and it has worked out well for me. There is a learning curve, as in, read the manual and take advantage of the video tutorials. The Dirac implementation is a bit awkward, but it is effective and I am very satisfied with the sound quality, notwithstanding the mediocre measurements reported. Downstream I have Buckeye Hypex 252 amps and Revel floorstanders, mostly F206; if the audio out of the XMC-2 was poor, I believe that I would notice. The XMC-2 replaces a Pioneer LX505 (used as preamp processor) and it is an audible improvement. I don't use bass management and very much appreciate that the sub output can be set for LFE only without any filtering (aside from Dirac or other intentional user EQ.) I would have had to pay more than double the money for a 9.1.6 processor with Dirac. The XMC-2 is a great value for me. Sorry for those folks that had bad experiences and appreciate the comments that made my purchase an informed decision.
It can definitely be a nice option, and it was a good stepping stone for me. I wanted a processor because I just wanted one, and figured it was the next step. However, I had no idea what "better" sound was and whether it was worth it for me to take a step up. Once I got it though, I really got a good idea of what that could mean. It wasn't perfect for me, but I was impressed and I knew that whatever I decided to do I wasn't going back to my receiver. In the end I fell in love with the Monolith. It was a perfect balance of what I would have wanted sound-wise. Also, the extra features and overall functionality was a pretty big step up. Emotiva is trying to bring most of that to the next generation though, which is cool. I'm a but biased bc I really dont like them, but I do think that some of their policies based around the next gen. is a bit of a kick in the face to existing owners. However, if you bought from them and plan to upgrade then shouldn't really be a factor and if all goes well then should be something to hold onto for a good while.
 
I am actually a beta tester for Emotiva and do not mind it. I like being able to work through issues and also get first dibs at new changes.

Also I bought the XMC2 the first day it was available and never felt it was a half finished product since I didn’t have the issues that many others did. Was it slow in the beginning? Yes it was until they rewrote the firmware. Of course to those who had issues it’s natural to feel the way you do. Buy something else then right?

I’ll take the G4P with HDMI 2.1 and updated hardware that’s supposed to be 10x faster than the current version for $600. Should last me another 5 years. If I’m as lucky with the G4P that means I’ve had trouble free Emotiva processors since 2011. I should play the lottery :).
I am a little late for a response but better late than never I guess.
It is great that you like being a beta tester and don't mind the issues that the XMC-2 has (had?).
Myself and I would guess most people do not buy a 2500.00 processor to be beta testers knowingly. I had a great experience with my XMC-1 and hoped the 2 would operate as good as it did.

As for the XMC-2 (as of early this year) being slow, yes it definitely is and was even worse at release. If you compare HDMI switching times with almost anything else the XMC-2 is WAY behind the power curve. It is not even close really. I got rid of my XMC-2 early this year so don't know what if any improvements any new firmware updates have done. Even if there was improvement it arrived way to late as the 2 is 5 years old at this point.

Also your "buy something else" is great for the people that can afford to buy and sell at a loss all the time but not so much for those that can't.

Yes you should play the lottery!
 
I have both the XMC-1 which I use a preamp and the XMC-2. My original XMC-1 was in my HT set-up never got the upgrade board and never had any issues. I traded that in and got the XMC-2 which died in about 1 month with a bad HDMI board. Had it "updated" and it has been fine since the replacement.

The new XMC-1I got simply because for the money it is a hell of a lot cheaper than a 2 channel with bass management and the programable tone controls. It's been working fine since day 1

That said I have had an EMO cd player die and an amp so seems hit or miss. Of course these "deaths" occurred after the second XMC-1 purchase.

Have my fingers crossed.

Rob :)
 
As for the XMC-2 (as of early this year) being slow, yes it definitely is and was even worse at release. If you compare HDMI switching times with almost anything else the XMC-2 is WAY behind the power curve. It is not even close really. I got rid of my XMC-2 early this year so don't know what if any improvements any new firmware updates have done. Even if there was improvement it arrived way to late as the 2 is 5 years old at this point.
I can only speak to the unit the I received from Emotiva, my XMC-2 switches inputs near instantaneously. Perhaps I got lucky, or maybe it is because I bought mine recently and they have been improved over the years. Also, I carefully followed the instructions setting up the inputs.
 
I can only speak to the unit the I received from Emotiva, my XMC-2 switches inputs near instantaneously. Perhaps I got lucky, or maybe it is because I bought mine recently and they have been improved over the years. Also, I carefully followed the instructions setting up the inputs.
So the video switches almost immediately but does the audio also? When I had the XMC-2 the video switching was definitely improved over the years (though still slower than my old Denon X4000 or the new 3800) but the audio still lagged behind by as much as 5 seconds.

I should also mention that my unit was replaced once and then repaired 1.5 years later.
Oh I will also mention the firmware bass bug that lasted for years.
 
So the video switches almost immediately but does the audio also? When I had the XMC-2 the video switching was definitely improved over the years (though still slower than my old Denon X4000 or the new 3800) but the audio still lagged behind by as much as 5 seconds.

I should also mention that my unit was replaced once and then repaired 1.5 years later.
Oh I will also mention the firmware bass bug that lasted for years.
I switched between two active HDMI inputs (a blu ray player and Apple TV) - you are correct it took some seconds. I would not have ever noticed this in my regular use because I never have more than one input active at a time, and this is therefore not a consideration for me. Is it important for some reason, other than theoretically?
 
I am a little late for a response but better late than never I guess.
It is great that you like being a beta tester and don't mind the issues that the XMC-2 has (had?).
Myself and I would guess most people do not buy a 2500.00 processor to be beta testers knowingly. I had a great experience with my XMC-1 and hoped the 2 would operate as good as it did.

As for the XMC-2 (as of early this year) being slow, yes it definitely is and was even worse at release. If you compare HDMI switching times with almost anything else the XMC-2 is WAY behind the power curve. It is not even close really. I got rid of my XMC-2 early this year so don't know what if any improvements any new firmware updates have done. Even if there was improvement it arrived way to late as the 2 is 5 years old at this point.

Also your "buy something else" is great for the people that can afford to buy and sell at a loss all the time but not so much for those that can't.

Yes you should play the lottery!
Well I’m at the point where this stuff isn’t important to me and I forgot what this was all about. Still have my XMC2.
 
I switched between two active HDMI inputs (a blu ray player and Apple TV) - you are correct it took some seconds. I would not have ever noticed this in my regular use because I never have more than one input active at a time, and this is therefore not a consideration for me. Is it important for some reason, other than theoretically?
I noticed it in regular use all the time. Not important per se but noticeable especially when you have been using a backup receiver for a month waiting for repair work on the XMC-2 and then have the audio lag after removing the backup receiver. After 2 repairs and some other issues (bass firmware bug) little things start to become more noticeable.
One day I found a good sale price on a Denon 3800 and pulled the trigger.
 
Back
Top Bottom