I have actually been wondering the same thing lately. I am considering comparing the Emotiva RMC-1 to my Anthem AVM90. I am not sure if you are aware, but I purchase or borrow most of the equipment I compare, most companies aren't will to work with me on review units just yet. It would be a pricey comparison, I just can't afford to keep buying equipment to compare, it is extremely hard on the pocket book. I do sell the equipment after my reviews and comparisons to help fund the next purchase, but even with that I lose money on each one. That money lost is not being replaced by the funds I make on YT, since I don't make enough ATM. With all that said, I have to be more careful with my purchases when they may be difficult to sell after, and Emotiva is a difficult sell because of their UI and firmware issues. I may be able to get my hands on an XMC-2 for comparison, but I would really like the Emotiva flagship to go against the Anthem Flagship. I suspect even the XMC-2 may sound as good, possibly slightly better, than the AVM90, but the AVM90 will win hands down in every other category.

​@@SpecOfTech I have seen most of your content as it was released and caught up by now on most back log from before I knew about your channel. IMHO easily one of the best, if not the best HT gear centric channel out there. From your vids I know how you organize your gear for reviews, which is very impressive. I am sure that, what I am going to write next has crossed your mind on more then few occasion ;), and I really don't want to write it, as I am really enjoying the unique work you are doing with comparisons. I would imagine that if brands would start sending you gear for reviews they would never let you do head to head like this with sound demos. Those comparisons are very powerful and lay things bare for potential customers out there to see how things are, while otherwise they can hide behind their marketing talk and who really have opportunity to do much demoing not to mention head to head comparisons before buying? Those are not exactly cheap things as you know best yourself. I would not be surprised if those comparisons is something that might be stopping brands from wanting to send you their gear... hopefully not! Please don't change the formula! :D To give you simple example how powerful your comparisons are. I was considering XMC-2 for a very long time. My finger hovered over buy button at least 3-4 times in recent 2 years time. I was interested in it, because I read about it's high sound quality but I also knew about it's legendary bugs and as I had no chance to hear it in my system or anywhere else for that matter I always decided against it fearing the bugs. In one of those situations I decided in favor of CX-A5200. It was the comfortable choice. I knew it will not be as good sounding but I did not know by how much XMC-2 could be better and for that unknown factor I was not willing to risk the potential bugs coming with it. In the end it was your XMC-2 vs AMV70 comparison after watching which I knew straight away that I am getting XMC-2. I could hear the SQ difference is real and as I am used to comparing ton of stereo gear in real life in my room your video told me all that I needed to know as to what kind of potential to sound better XMC-2 actually has. And I was not mistaken and your video was of invaluable help :). So thank you for that. On the other hand, without it, I would not buy any Emo pre. I would probably try to get HTP-1 or Trinnov down the line (which will probably still happen eventually but I am not in rush now as I know I have great sounding Pre (by listening to it)). To finish this part of reply - I am in EU but if I would live in Canada I would definitely be sending you my XMC-2 or CX-A5200 or both if would like for extended testing and comparisons. Not really a feasible option to do it from here. About the other part of your message - apparently nobody, including Emotiva themselves, as I believe stated by their staff on Emo forum, can tell any sonic difference at all between XMC-2 and their higher ranked RMC series. Apparently that is because of the only difference being, other than channel count, is that for RMC series all channels have two DAC chips per channel vs only LCR on XMC-2. All XMC-2 and RMC channels are fully balanced anyway. I might be mistaken if it is really two chips per channel or is it some other trickery but that how it is done in high quality stereo systems so probably here is the same. And apparently that makes no real difference, as all are balanced but some in a bit more audiophile way but for channels, for which let's face it, it is harder to notice the ultimate fidelity, especially when differences between internal audio signal path topology are so minute (XMC vs RMC). To sum up - all interested say they sound exactly the same, including people who compared them. Maybe your tests would prove different but until then I am happy to think it is the case and from what you are saying, that should make your comparison of Emo vs AVM90 a bit easier (and a lot cheaper) to organize :). And to finish off this ever longer reply. XMC-2 is a beast but in all of its aspects, good and bad. It sounds great but OMG the bugs are real :D. So yes I agree with what you have said about it vs AVM90. My Yamaha just works, each day and every day. XMC-2 is a constant anxiety inducing struggle... don't get me wrong, it works but you never know what kind of gremlin will jump at you randomly next :). Saying this, they hired some HDMI programming magician and are working on releasing new Firmware with his input in it and as ever with Emo processors, there is a hope it will all get resolved and fully stable. Until then you either agree to be a beta tester or just don't buy their processor as you will almost certainly sooner or later run into some odd behaviors or bugs. For most there are workarounds - but that is the problem, you don't want to have to do some steps to get it working you just want it to work... still the sounds quality is very good and those are priced extremely competitively and they offer cheap upgrade plans to new gen when it is released in 1-2 years. For a about 1k USD your current gen will be replaced with brand new equivalent from new line-up when it goes live. That is impressive if you are prepared to live with, what seems to be, never ending beta testing part... Comparison chart of different Emo processors: emotivalounge.proboards.com/attachment/download/35791 And the most important. Thank you for your honest reply!

Thank you.

Oh awesome, that's what I want to hear. I like how it captures everything moving around the room.

@@SpecOfTech easily one of the best demos/comparisons I have seen. This alone will increase traffic. Maybe you can start doing shorts to increase exposure, even if KZfaq doesn't monetize for copyright for movie clips, it will grow your base.

@@shaneducholke364 I 100% agree, I have been planning on doing shorts.

It seems to me that the Trinnov has better sound calibration that allowed it to control the bass. Even based on diagrams that's sort of what he stated up front. This would make a difference in music where you want a flatter response. I agree though not worth the 16k usd and you could flatten out the response other ways with the Anthem. Also that extra savings could do room treatment and better speakers. Those response curves looked horrid to me.

haha thanks Scott, if only it were that easy!

It was an amazing opportunity. I couldn't believe the gent who owned it was willing to bring it down, what a good sport he was.

Thanks brother. I definitely can be a lot of work, but at the same time it's fun playing with audio gear, so it's more like playtime lol.

The AVM90 is an amazing processor. I hope to work on the JTR review in the next few weeks. These things are beasts though.

@@SpecOfTech waiting for your JTR subs review. Curious to know if you replaced your x15s with JTRs?

No problem, I'm glad you found it helpful.

@Spec Of Tech thanks a lot. I see what you mean though. Cost difference is subjective. They seem to both sound phenomenal. I know my avm combined with my sopras is just enough for me. Can we all spend more yes but at some point there's a STOP BUTTON. As always appreciate the reviews🙏🏾. My home theatre room is almost done. And I can't wait to enjoy it fully in dedicated space 😌

Thank you, I appreciate that! Yes we used the Trinnov mic to calibrate it for my room.

We did use their fancy mic for the room calibration. The feature set and customization of the Trinnov is well beyond that of the Anthem

Thank you!

Trinnov has fantastic sound processing software. I'm sure you would hear a difference upgrading to the Trinnov. Their 3D sound placement is second to none.

Would be awesome if the detail level is increased. It can save money and provide a good alternative option to many

Thanks brother, I hope you enjoyed it.

I would love to, but it might be tough to get my hands on all 3, but who knows.

I have the Dolby App on my Xbox Series X, that app has that demo on it.

Stay tuned on the channel, I have a comparison coming between those two.

Thanks brother! I am using Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII towers, Sonetto CII center, Sonetto Walls for side surrounds and Sonetto II bookshelves for rears.

@@SpecOfTech we are still waiting for the review🙄

Thank you! Cheers!

And 2nd hand Alt16 tend to go for around 10-11k euro / USD :), which make them very much in ball park of new AVM90. Until in few years there are some low priced AVM90 on the market I see 2nd hand Alt16 as the only option to upgrade to for myself (or maybe a HTP-1 but that would be a side-step for me more than a upgrade).

Congrats, that AV10 is a beautiful unit!

😍

Did you also go with the matching amplifier from Marantz? Because I think getting that perfectly matched amplifier may do you wonders! Congrats 🎊

@Novilicious no. I already have 2 8-channel amps. The amp10 is definitely an interesting piece, and I'd love to hear it, but I build my own amps using the same modules that marantz puts in the PM10, which have more power, and less distortion, than the modules in the amp10

@@Cblan1224 Its been a few months since, I believe you received your AV10. How do you like it? What were you upgrading from if you had a previous processor? I wonder if anyone here has done a comparison between the AV10 and the AVM 90.

I don't foresee there being any major cons to that pairing, because you can always EQ the sound to taste. But, if you are using speakers that lean towards the cooler side of neutral, then you could find things leaning to the bright side with that pairing. The Anthem products are known to be on the cooler side of neutral, class D amps are also known to lean to the cooler side of neutral. Pairing that with speakers that lean on the cooler side may not be the best combination, unless you are familiar with using ARC to adjust for that.

Honestly, the Trinnov would be the best option because with the cal mic it can adjust the speakers location virtually to help get you the best response even without proper speaker placement. It can tell if your speakers are not optimally placed and adjust that in the software virtually.

Thanks!

They are Sonus Faber Sonetto.

I had to make it a little dramatic lol. The title had to be exciting.

@@SpecOfTech hehehe. 👊👊

I was the complete opposite haha

Have you seen the difference in response with EQ on both processors on the subwoofers? What will there be up to 20 Khz? This comparison is not objective or rigorous. written with translator Greetings

Music is a strong suit of the AVM90, it's a fantastic piece of gear.

I hope to get a review unit in the future, but I haven't had any luck this far.

@@SpecOfTech Im In Edmonton can always let you review mine

I pride myself in helping those spend money they didn't know they wanted to spend lol.

Interesting, I was the complete opposite haha, proves different ears prefer different things

Did Marantz step up the dac game or what? Why are they so expensive now? If I had 7k to spend I'd buy a used Marantz 7705 for the legacy inputs and probably an emotiva with the new prices they have. Maybe even have a grand or 2 left for an amp. If I had to choose one though I would probably go avm90. It seems like a very complete high end product for the price.

Have you seen the difference in response with EQ on both processors on the subwoofers? What will there be up to 20 Khz? This comparison is not objective or rigorous. written with translator Greetings

You can’t tell shit from this YT comparison sound 😂

hmmmm...tough to say really. It would depends on what "things" you would consider as "better" than the Trinnov lol. I could venture a guess of Storm Audio, but I wouldn't consider them to be "A LOT" less than Trinnov, depending on the models we are referencing. Long story short lol, I guess Storm Audio.

Could it be Storm Audio?

I would love to do that comparison, I am hoping to get my hands on an AV10. So far it's looking like I would have to buy a unit if I want to review it, and that is just too expensive for me to do unfortunately.

@@SpecOfTech Hopefully they'll send you one

I used my Xbox Series X, it has a Dolby Atmos app with demos in it.

@@SpecOfTech btw for the bass I have a preference for the Anthem to my ears

I'm not sure to be honest, I have never heard the JBL.

I did not have the time to play with all the intricacies. I had the unit for a limited amount of time. The calibrations used were there baseline calibrations, this is the only way to keep things fair and unbiased. Of course you can customize the sound of each processor, but then that introduces new ways for it not to be fair. You can adjust many different factors of each unit, but how do you do that while keeping it fair? If you want more bass, you can get that from each unit, if you want a calibration curtain, you can do that with both as well. I would say the software is the strongest attribute of the much more expensive Trinnov, as both units have world class hardware.

@@SpecOfTech It would be intresting to compare them without room optimizer as that would be easier to understand core performance. And as next step it would be to add the calibration as that is almost an artform with lots subjective and objective decissions that needs to be made etc.

You've got to be kidding, right? I don't think an MX123 would best a totl Denon

We didn't do a lot of comparison on the music side, but we did do some. With the calibrations, I found the Trinnov a little more neutral. The Trinnov is able to bring out the subtle nuances better, so I personally preferred it over the AVM90. That being said, the AVM90 is absolutely amazing for music, it's one of its clear strengths. Considering it is 4 times less $$ than the Trinnov, the AVM90 performs well over its price point for music.

Really against marantz, or your just playing...i don't even need the comparison..marantz, denon are overrated 😴

I have not heard the AV10, so maybe they have made some vast improvements on sound quality. But, given my past experience with Marantz, and from what I have read, I would expect the Anthem to be clearer and cleaner with less warmth (coloration). Take that with a grain of salt, since it is only based on my assumption with no real information from the AV10 itself.

@@SpecOfTech i totally agree with you from what heard also,plus i have the denonx8500h, and i regret buying it..can't wsit for my avm90. Im getting closer to making that move...already got the amps...great video as always.

@@blueflame0003what didn’t you like about the 8500?

lol Yeah you are 100% right, I pretty much live in a constant state of upgrade-itis!

Once you go with Trinnov there is nothing to “upgrade” to!

Thanks brother!

I bought an Emotiva RMC-1L. Definitely not the same league when it comes to UI and usability, but sound quality...we'll see ;).

@@SpecOfTechso 4 months later how ya feel about the emotiva?

@@demonreturns4336 I had to return it. Due to me having a YT channel and needing to test other equipment like amplifiers and speakers, I need something reliable. The Emotiva still has too many bugs IMO to be considered reliable enough to be used for a reviewer.

Yup StormAudio is the exclusive partner for Dirac 2023 tech (everyone has to wait for 2024) vs Trinnov.

I have heard of Storm Audio, and I wonder how they compare to Trinnov as well.

I am installing storm into my system... its superb

@@glynmatthews678 Very nice, congrats brother!

Totally false. Whether you have 5.1.2, 7.1.4 or 16 channels, the Trinnov is leaps and bounds better than these boutique processors. That’s like saying the Anthem is useless if you are using the same number of channels 5.1.2 etc. the Altitude 16 (now 20 via software upgrade) is easily the most future proofed processor out there. Huge difference between software based vs “cheapest chips” which eventually are outdated and running “some form” of the actual codec e.g. Dolby, DTSX, Auro.

The Anthem is 19 channels including the 4 subwoofer channels. The Trinnov Altitude 32 base model has 16 channels, but can do up to 20 with external DACs. the Altitude 16 also comes with 16 channels, but that is their entry level processor that has other differences from the Alt32 model. The Altitude 32 I had in house, was an Alt32, but it had 16 total channels, it's upgradeable to a higher channel count for a fee. I have no doubt you would love the sound of the Trinnov, it is something else.

@@SpecOfTech The base model for the ALT32 is actually only 8ch its called the Altitude 32-88.

@@Limpit_ca I stand corrected, there you have it @mrhamit64. Martin knows his Trinnov.

@@SpecOfTech Yeah I've heard the demo on that home theater dude. with the Triad speakers. FBruh sounds like a freekin movie theater. Yeah I'd love 1. Wiyth it's full chanal count. I found out about it when discussing I thik with Techno Dad my thing about how Atmos disks don't tell you their channal count. How my beliefe that if you can just get the full channal count so you hear everythiing in the ddisk. But I'm an audio nurd. I love listening to stems and multi tracks of songs as well. I've been nurding out on the Atmos stems of As It was by Harry Styles.

@@SpecOfTechAh yea thinks to Martin for that then. So any who yeah I love the idea of music in Atmos. Check out the channal pop Deconstructed they have the multi tracks for lots of songs. Ah I've also been nurding out on the stems for Post Malone I Like You A Happir song.

Mike, dropping the tough question lol. For me personally, I think the CAP2400 is the better value. You get peak performance to cost ratio out of those 3 choices. That said, despite it being designed very well, if you push the ported 2400 you will still hear port noise. The RS1 and RS2 will never experience that, so you get ONLY bass even at loud excessive bass levels. If you have the budget for the RS2's get them, if you want to save some denaro, but still get similar low end performance to the RS2, get the CAP2400's.

@@SpecOfTech it will be Sub upgrade time soon. You know I’m waiting on an XR13 review. My setup is in our main room so I’m not sure if the size of the RS2 will be a deal breaker. I also don’t know how a single 13” driver can match the RS2’s output - and they will be at similar price points I believe. The RS1 isn’t that much cheaper so it’s hard for me not to justify going the RS2 route. Thanks for your thoughts 👊

The front LCR are on the Tonewinner amps

That's an excellent goal, I have no doubt you would be impressed.

My rack has built in fans, no worries for venting 😉.

@@SpecOfTech doesn’t matter. There’s still way too much heat blowing in the wrong direction from the XBX

@@Fluterra Pretty hard to have an Xbox that is INSIDE an enclosed rack, blow air outside the rack. My rack is designed to create a chimney effect. It sucks in cool air from the bottom and fans blow the warm air created by all the equipment in the rack out the top. This includes the warm air created by the Xbox, but thanks for the concern.

The most accurate description 👌🏾

haha, no way man, that AVM70 is still a fantastic unit. It is just a fantastic unit in a different price category.

@@SpecOfTech LOL! I was just kidding but I would Love to have that 90 but that’s out of my price range! I bought my 70 before they sent them with the 2.1 upgrade and now they want $500. I feel they should give people who have already purchased the 70/90 a break and only charge $250. $500 to me is too much just for a 2.1 board and you have to send it in or take it to a shop.

@@JLRJ Did not know that. That is a bit greedy. Is it self install or does the unit has to be sent back?

@@sebna No,you have to send it in to Anthem or take it to an authorized dealer to have it installed. They will not allow the customer to self-install. So if you don’t have a nearby dealer you will have to box it and ship and Pray it doesn’t get damaged along the way!

@@JLRJ Not to mention potential customs charges etc. if sending between trading zones etc. Thanks for coming back to me :)

Yeah they both do sound fantastic, but there are some noticeable differences. You're right the general public won't be able to tell the difference, but I sure would lol. My system is about my enjoyment, it's a selfish hobby.

@@SpecOfTech no doubt , well said!

I would love to say, soon, but that probably won't happen. I am not able to get an AV10 review unit, so I would have to buy it just to review it and I definitely can't afford that.

lol Oh yeah, vastly unfair, so much so I had to make sure to make that clear in the video. This comparison was more for fun, and to help answer some questions in the community, because there were quite a few asking this question online. The Trinnov is such an amazing piece of kit, I can see why that was your goal for so long. I'm glad you were able to achieve it. I would love to hear your room, or at least a room like it, with Trinnov and Krix equipment. Although, I have a feeling I would want some upgrades coming out of it. Your space is just impressive, amazing looks, and no doubt, amazing sound. As always, thanks for watching brother.

I can only guess that Trinnov is better, but I have never heard the Arcam.

@@SpecOfTech alright but I will be happy if you can make a review on them because I know the Arcam sounds a bit better than the anthem. Anyway thank you for your reply

arcam too many bugs

@@junior-OG it’s been fixed with the new firmware

That would be an interesting one for sure. Do you have the HTP-1?

@Spec Of Tech yup I have the htp-1 , dual cap 4000-TL's and 7 channel JTR bed layer, 4 klipsch in ceiling for atmos

I've owned the avm70, HTP-1, and currently the Alt 16. DLBC is the only advantage the HTP-1 has. A custom UI to unlock BEQ is phenomenal, too. But it's clear who the SQ champ is. 🏆

@Nonametofame yes it great using BEQ using pinksodas UI...makes it super simple

@@nonametofame How was AVM70 vs HTP-1 sound quality only - forgetting the functions?

But in all honesty I don't see a justification in such a high price for the Trinnov unless your a commercial user. But my pockets aren't anywhere near deep enough for that kind of equipment so hats off to those can afford it.