Emotiva XMC-1 Pre/Pro Specs

[Josh]

Looks like I'll be holding out for this one. Rumored to MSRP at $999, this one is a workhorse:

XMC-1 Audio/Video Media Processor/Controller - preliminary feature set (updated 2/27/09)

Twin Cirrus® 32 bit dual core DSP’s for uncompromised high resolution HD audio decoding

Decoding support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, Dolby PLIIx, DTS, DTSES, DTS HD, DTS Master Audio, DTS Neo 6, SPDIF, PCM 8 channel (note: some audio formats only supported via HDMI)

Dual Genesis® Torino high performance video scaling engines with full Faroujda DCDi® processing for main zone and second audio/video zone. Enables simitaltanouus or independent selection of any audio/video source

Full HDMI 1.3a support

Front panel direct access control for inputs

Absolute HDMI bypass “reference” mode – hardware enabled, supports advanced bit depths

Independent dual zone capability for both analog and digital audio sources

Automatic Emo-Q™ multi channel room correction and automatic loudspeaker setup. Calibrated measurement microphone included.

Quadruple bass manager with independently selectable high and low pass frequencies from 40hz – 160hz

Independently selectable HP/LP slope rates of 12 or 24 db/octave

All legacy video inputs can be scaled and output over HDMI at up to 1080p in main and second zone

HDMI sources can be format converted to component video up to 1080i in main and second zone

Full color graphical OSD over live video, including HDMI in main and second zone.

All inputs are assignable and feature input labeling, selectable decode modes, selectable triggers, etc.

Independent graphic EQ and bass and treble controls
0.5dB level trims on all channels

Headphone output – front panel

Professional balanced (XLR) line outputs on main 7.1 channels with THAT Corp.™ OutSmarts® balanced line drivers for exceptionally high common mode rejection.

Analog Devices 24/192 DAC’s

Analog Devices 24/192 ADC’s

Premium quality signal path and component selection for uncompromised audio/video performance

High voltage, low impedance main single ended (RCA) analog outputs (7 VRMS)

8 - HDMI inputs and 3 HDMI outputs. 2 main, 1 Zone 2

1 - Precision phono input with MC/MM capability

1 - composite video input (RCA)

1 - S-video input (S-video mini DIN)

3 - component video inputs (RCA)

2 - component video outputs (RCA) main and Zone 2

4 - stereo analog audio inputs (RCA)

1 - stereo XLR input

1 - 7.1 analog input set (RCA)

4 - coaxial digital inputs, (RCA)

4- optical digital inputs (Toslink)

1- coax digital audio output (RCA)

1- optical digital audio output (Toslink)

1 - Stereo or 2 channel analog multi channel mix down output for fixed level monitoring (RCA)

1- stereo analog variable and independent Zone 2 output (RCA)

1 - stereo analog fixed level record output (RCA)
High performance AM/FM tuner with 24 FM and 6 AM presets

Full RS-232 control

4 - assignable trigger outputs Movie/Music/Ampx2 (3.5mm mini)

1- IR remote input (3.5mm mini)

1 - IR output (3.5mm mini)

1 - microphone input (3.5mm stereo mini)

1- USB data input (for software upgrades only)

3 RU chassis

http://emotivalounge.proboards54.com...ay&thread=4121

[Drew664]

From what I can tell, the only thing the XMC-1 has over the UMC-1 (that I would use) is the phone jack for headphones. Maybe some different DACs would make an audible difference, but at this point since I'm just peaking my head inside the world of separates the price vs performance ratio is a little much compared to the UMC-1.

Regardless, I can't wait for reviews to come in on these new Emotiva processors.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Drew664

From what I can tell, the only thing the XMC-1 has over the UMC-1 (that I would use) is the phone jack for headphones.

It also has 3 hdmi outs(versus 1 on the UMX-1), that can make things much easier for people with a dual display set-up like a projector screen that pulls down in front of a flat panel. Not to mention the balanced outputs and a balanced stereo input for audiophiles.

[Josh]

I personally like the balanced outputs, and I'm already dreaming up possibilities for all the HDMI-outs! Besides that, it sounds like they are just beefing up the components, which is fine by me.

[blujacket]

Wow. Looks great.

[sokrman14]

There are a few audible improvements over the UMC-1, but not enough. I agree that they should use upgraded DAC's, or something. The balanced outputs is the only thing that attracts me. 8 HDMI inputs is just plain silly and 3 HDMI outputs is nice, but I only need 1. I feel anything over 2 outputs would be just overkill. Great price for the features they do give you though, I would just rather see different types of upgrades. Quality upgrades not feature/convenience upgrades.

[Clark Kent]

Engineering a pre/pro is infinitely harder than engineering the equivalent amplifier and I am leery of getting an Emotiva pre-amp. The difference between a decent pre/pro and a great one is refinement and I am not sure a small company like Emotiva really has the resources to get the best quality out of those dacs. I will look at the reviews though and they can prove me wrong.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by sokrman14

8 HDMI inputs is just plain silly and 3 HDMI outputs is nice, but I only need 1. I feel anything over 2 outputs would be just overkill. Great price for the features they do give you though, I would just rather see different types of upgrades. Quality upgrades not feature/convenience upgrades.

I'm curious as to how many of the outputs can be active at once. It would be great for parties to be able to send the signal to different screens throughout the house so that no one misses a minute of the action.

[sokrman14]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

I'm curious as to how many of the outputs can be active at once. It would be great for parties to be able to send the signal to different screens throughout the house so that no one misses a minute of the action.

That is just overkill for me, and a feature that I don't see that many people using unless it passes Audio and Video at the same time and you can choose which ones pass audio or not. I would only use it for one surround sound system, but it may be cool to stream A/V to other TV's if it carries audio to them as well. The best would be if you can use the 2nd and 3rd HDMI outputs without the 1st being turned on.

[sheedoe]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Engineering a pre/pro is infinitely harder than engineering the equivalent amplifier and I am leery of getting an Emotiva pre-amp. The difference between a decent pre/pro and a great one is refinement and I am not sure a small company like Emotiva really has the resources to get the best quality out of those dacs. I will look at the reviews though and they can prove me wrong.

Its true that Emotiva is a relatively small company, but this is not the first time they are manufacturing a pre/pro. The DMC-1 got a pretty good review at audioholics. There are minor flaws on the DMC-1 and hopefully they have worked 'em out on their upcoming processors.

[sokrman14]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Engineering a pre/pro is infinitely harder than engineering the equivalent amplifier and I am leery of getting an Emotiva pre-amp. The difference between a decent pre/pro and a great one is refinement and I am not sure a small company like Emotiva really has the resources to get the best quality out of those dacs. I will look at the reviews though and they can prove me wrong.

I feel the exact same way, I hope they are great quality and can prove me wrong, but I will hold off until they prove me wrong.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Engineering a pre/pro is infinitely harder than engineering the equivalent amplifier and I am leery of getting an Emotiva pre-amp. The difference between a decent pre/pro and a great one is refinement and I am not sure a small company like Emotiva really has the resources to get the best quality out of those dacs. I will look at the reviews though and they can prove me wrong.

Agreed. Though not in the market, I will be interested in the reviews and the reports.

Rich

[Josh]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

I'm curious as to how many of the outputs can be active at once. It would be great for parties to be able to send the signal to different screens throughout the house so that no one misses a minute of the action.

As soon as I heard three HDMI outputs, I immediately drafted up a possibility:

HDMI Out 1: Projector
HDMI Out 2: Flat Panel at the bar outside the home theater
HDMI Out 3: 20" LCD in equipment room to queue up movie.

Of course, I would need a nice new basement first

[Jwilly019]

I know this is an old thread, but rather than start a new thread I thought I'd bump this one. Is there any new information about when the XMC-1 will be released?

Justin

[jlafrenz]

Originally Posted by Jwilly019

I know this is an old thread, but rather than start a new thread I thought I'd bump this one. Is there any new information about when the XMC-1 will be released?

Justin

Not as of yet. It was supposed to be designed along with the UMC-1 and come out shortly after, but it seems that it is going to be a while yet. The latest webcast didn't speak of it at all. I am just guessing, but correcting some of the UMC-1 has probably taken up a lot of time. Not to mention, that some of that same code (or similar) will likely be in XMC-1, so getting it right could also be holding it back.

[HTJunkie9]

Originally Posted by jlafrenz

Not as of yet. It was supposed to be designed along with the UMC-1 and come out shortly after, but it seems that it is going to be a while yet. The latest webcast didn't speak of it at all. I am just guessing, but correcting some of the UMC-1 has probably taken up a lot of time. Not to mention, that some of that same code (or similar) will likely be in XMC-1, so getting it right could also be holding it back.

As of Emofest yesterday, the XMC-1 will likely be released around first quarter of 2011. There are no legacy video inputs (7 HDMI 1.4a inputs, 1 HDMI out not 3 as previously asumed). There will be no phono input (they wanted to go with what the majority of clients want therefore did not want to jack up the price with unneccessary features) but they will offer an outboard phono jack around $70 or so (still in planning). All balanced 7.1 outs, 2 balanced subwoofer outs, upgraded DACs (1955 DACs if I remember right). I cant remember the rest but this seems to address some of the uncertainty. Oh yeah, they have also developed an app for ipad, ipod, iphone that turns the device into a remote. They had it available for us to play around with. Gonna be pretty cool (and yes, they will develop one for Droid phones as well). Price will be $999.

On a side note, they are going to release a new reference line of amps, the XPRs. The XPR-7 is a 7 seven channel class H amp 350 continuous watts per channel into an 8ohm load (around 4-500 into a 4 ohm load). The friggin power supply for this thing alone weighs like 40 pounds and is around 10 inches in diameter! Very efficient too. They had it running one of their theaters showing Avatar all day long and its wasn't even warm to touch. Very impressive. Price for this bad boy is $1999 and will be shipping in November of this year. They also will have an XPR-1 mono block amp that will put out 1000 continuous watts into an 8 ohm load and I think 1200-1300 into a 4 ohm load.

[Josh]

Originally Posted by HTJunkie9

As of Emofest yesterday, the XMC-1 will likely be released around first quarter of 2011. There are no legacy video inputs (7 HDMI 1.4a inputs, 1 HDMI out not 3 as previously asumed). There will be no phono input (they wanted to go with what the majority of clients want therefore did not want to jack up the price with unneccessary features) but they will offer an outboard phono jack around $70 or so (still in planning). All balanced 7.1 outs, 2 balanced subwoofer outs, upgraded DACs (1955 DACs if I remember right). I cant remember the rest but this seems to address some of the uncertainty. Oh yeah, they have also developed an app for ipad, ipod, iphone that turns the device into a remote. They had it available for us to play around with. Gonna be pretty cool (and yes, they will develop one for Droid phones as well). Price will be $999.

On a side note, they are going to release a new reference line of amps, the XPRs. The XPR-7 is a 7 seven channel class H amp 350 continuous watts per channel into an 8ohm load (around 4-500 into a 4 ohm load). The friggin power supply for this thing alone weighs like 40 pounds and is around 10 inches in diameter! Very efficient too. They had it running one of their theaters showing Avatar all day long and its wasn't even warm to touch. Very impressive. Price for this bad boy is $1999 and will be shipping in November of this year. They also will have an XPR-1 mono block amp that will put out 1000 continuous watts into an 8 ohm load and I think 1200-1300 into a 4 ohm load.

Thanks for the update. XMC-1 + XPR-7 sounds very tasty! Of course, Emotiva isn't exactly very effective at meeting release dates

[LordoftheRings]

I was searching for pictures of the XMC-1 front and rear panels, but couldn't find any!

[Josh]

There is nothing official yet. Another rumor I read was that the XMC-1 will be a HDMI switch - no video processing. This would go along with the idea of no analog inputs. So for $1000 it will process all audio, then another $1000 (or less if you go with the EDGE) for a DVDO or someting similar to process your analog video (if you have any). I actually like the idea or not having to pay for something I won't use.

[LordoftheRings]