That is great news. One might imagine how this “entry-level” processor might equal others but to clearly beat is an amazing result. -Jon

I just got the XMC-2 about a week ago. I finally installed Dirac live and WOWWW. It sounded great with manual calibration, distances and levels. I really didn’t want to run dirac because I heard stories of it making the XMC-2 sound worse. Boy was I wrong. It opened up my sound stage completely.

@@raymondayala5355 Did you leave the distances the same that the Dirac analyzed, or did you adjust the distance manually afterward?

@@SavageAirCinema I left it to whatever dirac did. I haven’t changed the distances at all.

Actually, after running Dirac, the option to set “distances” is completely gone. If I’m using my preset 1 and one of the configurations I made for my speakers when using dirac, it doesn’t give me the option to change the distances. Interesting 🤔

So glad the content was helpful- Jon

Thanks for that feedback - I agree. I would also like to see the re-introduction of a high quality 7.1 AV processor for enthusiasts that can’t expand to the upper channels.-Jon

Yeah, tbh this has really been irking me; I don't understand why the price point is so high on these. Yes, I understand the argument that "since not many people demand them, they are going to cost more"... I understand basic economics. My point is, if they are going to develop them AT ALL then why not sell them at a reasonable price? If the demand is not high enough, then simply do not make them. The "prototype"/development of a product is where the majority of your resources go. And, in the case of these processors, it would seem that not very much "development" is needed: all they need to do is take the "brains" out of an already existing receiver, and transplant it into it's own chassis. My thinking is that the price point on these things is due to psychological snake oil bullshit: they "know" that most people looking for these are going to have money, so, they price it accordingly. It has nothing to do with anything else, it is simply them looking to make the most money possible (not that that is "bad") by doing the least work possible. I actually got kicked out of reddits hometheater subreddit for going on about this (tbh, I find the majority of subreddits to be extremely condescending these days... but of course that is not particular to reddit). I was asking them how might someone go about building something like this? I understand coding, computer software and hardware to an extent, and I would like to learn more. I also do NOT have a budget that can afford to buy something that would meet my needs: I buy everything second hand etc. I have (2) 12 channel amps which I paid $200 for total: I would use these (or one of them). These processors run on linux and the hardware looks inexpensive. Why couldn't I build one? My current setup uses (2) 5.1.2 capable avr's with opposing channel configuration layouts (one of them only allows 2 heights with rear surrounds, and the other allows only 2 heights with surrounds... so I am able to make it work). I paid about $140 for one (an onkyo) and about 200 for the other (marantz)... It is a bit of a pain in the ass to need to adjust using 2 remotes, and I never get it perfect, but it's better than paying an arm and a leg. EVERY atmos and dts: x content seems to play "properly" (I get unique sounds from each channel, and seemingly fluid movement), and MOST upmixed stuff seems to work fine also (I typically only use one receiver if the content is less than a 7.1 soundtrack). I think using a single processor may make the sound better, but to be honest, it does not sound bad at all. However, if you're going to do something at all, you should do it right. I would like to have MORE speakers (I think I would no longer want to upgrade if I have a 9.2.6 setup) and would like to use a single processor with external amp(s). This is simply the smart way to tackle this problem. But, shelling out more money than necessary is not smart. I think I am going to wait until the market has caught up, at the video creator suggested. I've been playing with the idea of getting one of the 9.1.6 capable emotiva products (this would be nice because I would have xlr outputs for when I upgrade my amp(s)... I would use adaptors as my current amps use rca) but I will probably wait. My plan is to, hopefully, eventually turn the garage into a dedicated home theater. I would do the whole thing myself: make most of acoustic treatment, and do the research/math to decide how to treat it; run all the wires through the walls (at the moment my wires are just hanging all over the living room...); get a screen and projector so I can hide some of the speakers behind the viewing area: the works. sorry for the long post... I'm half Irish.

Glad you enjoyed. -Jon

Thanks for think thoughtful first-hand feedback / review. Your assessment makes sense. As for room calibration tools, the tools automate tuning that can be achieved manually with varying success. Emotiva does deliver quality experience at a great value. -Jon

@@ripewave P.s.s.... I am replying from my personal account today.. hahaha.. I am the "ABX AUDIOPHILE" (yelling loudly with cupped hands in an evil voice) 🤣🤣

Thanks - and nice what your coverage of the Emotiva MC1 -Jon

@@ripewave sorry about that Jon just seeing your comment. I really appreciate what you do!! I absolutely love my MC-1 because of the price point, what it does, more importantly what it doesn’t do. I took your advice months ago and put the money I saved on the AVR/Pre pro and put it into my amps. I have the BasX A4 and the XPA5 Gen 3. Great advice and LOVE your work sir!!

I was unaware of the heat problems with the Outlaw 975 - that should be the case with it’s functionality. Glad the AC Infinity unit solved the problem nevertheless. I would like to see $1000 pre-pros from all brands. Let’s have a consumer’s market where they compete for our dollars. -Jon

Thanks for confirming that connection between the to brands. Very helpful.-Jon

Dane, I too would like to see HDMI 2.1 on all processors and receivers at this point. It has been years since the standard was introduced. Emotiva is working on HDMI 2.1 and I suspect what they come up with will propagate throughout their range including this entry level model. As for cost I believe there are both good and bad reasons. The good reason is that the whole idea of separates is to deliver a more premium experience using higher quality components and isolated the low voltage signals from the high voltage amplifiers. The bad is simple profit taking - companies like Tone Winner and Emotiva aim to deliver more value at lower cost - others really take advantage.-Jon

Why not use eARC and then it will work just fine for HDMI version ten thousand?

Thanks for sharing your positive MC1 experience. I hope to hear firsthand at some point and compare with their RMC-1. For me sound quality is the main goal. That is where perfection is most appreciated. I agree that the value of the MC1 is hard to match. ToneWinner and IOTAVX seen to be their main competition - albeit some technology is shared between the three. While 8K content is far from going mainstream, I still see the value of HDMI 2.1 compliance for 4K content which is easy to find. Quick Media Switching is one of those. So often I am waiting for adjustments to finish when video modes change. Rather not see the blackouts for seconds during those adjustments. eARC is also a HDMI 2.1 addition. Back to the MC1 - it is so great that we can enjoy immersive audio at lower price points in a time of supply issues and most companies raising prices significantly.-Jon

Yes - if your plan is to achieve a 9.2.4 configuration, it is best to select a processor that supports it without trade offs. The Anthem AVM 70 8K is a nice.choice for that goal. -Jon

Jim, the challenge you are facing is definitely much harder to navigate due to the lack of audio stores now for you to be able to audition as we did in prior decades. Denon and Marantz have had different sounds signatures despite sharing some components and ownership. General statements have been made that Denon can sound brighter and Marantz more warm. I feel that in some cases the difference can be in the age of a model. The Marantz AV8805A is based mostly on the AV8805 from 2018 with only the video board updated. So perhaps the X4700 benefits from a newer design. However traditional logic would still give the Marantz flagship the advantage with better power supply and DAC. Some of the measurements by ASR, which has been fueling some of this debate, may only be visible in test results and not result in the audible differences. Reports I trust suggest that the differences between Denon and Marantz are more subtle than either against Anthem and Emotiva which usually get better scores on sound quality over the Sound United models at similar prices. I would focus on the feature sets you care most about and use the reviews and secondary input in your decision to tip the scales one way vs another.-Jon

@@ripewave Once again Thank you for your insight and time and consideration greatly appreciate it. Yes I will look first at the features that suit my needs and go with that Thanks!

@@jimhamlin6551 I’m currently testing out both the Marantz Av7706 and the Denon x4700h in preparation and mode. I have emotiva Dr3 for front stage and an XLA 200 for surrounds. So far the Marantz sounds way cleaner and overall better including more bass from my subs at equal settings. I’m trying to sell my Denon on all the platforms as I went past my 15 day return policy from Magnolia lol. I have the Xmc2 coming in today and will order the Tonewinner to do a comparison. So far the Marantz is beating the Denon. The Denon is great btw but the $$1000 difference is noticeable to me.

@@raymondayala5355 thanks for your input ! I just got a tone winner 7300 amp it's a 7 channel ...I was running a Anthem MCA 325 up front 3 channels. And two mono blocks from Emotiva doing the rear. And my Marantz receiver was running the heights and surround backs. The Tone Winner is now running the 4 heights and front 3 and Emotiva are still in the loop and the Marantz is just doing the surround backs and the Anthem is just sitting there. So since I didn't know how the Tonewinner was going to sound this was just an experiment , if it sounded as good as the Anthem or better it would stay and the Anthem would be used if I go with a processor like the 7706 you have....well let me tell you this new ToneWinner 7300 which just got an up grade is like heaven when it comes to 2 channel music listening with my 4ohm LINN Majik 140s and hearing them in a way I never heard them before which is good.because I wasn't really listening to music like I use to because it wasn't sounding as good as when I had a Ortofon Moving Coil cartridge the MC 20..with the records at that time during late seventies...I have an OPPO 205 that I bought new and I think I finally hearing how good it really can be ...so it just goes to prove if you want better sound you have to get better power supply...I only imagine how the way higher price amps must sound. But the Tonewinner I so far am surprised at how well it sounds for me and my music and with the movies it is doing just as good as the Anthem and after I ran Audyssey...I checked the speaker levels as compared to prior settings and they were are set lower by at least 1 db. So Yes it is doing a good job for sure! I actually had the the Marantz 7706 on order before the price increase and cancelled it ...until I had enough external power...now I do...so the Marantz could be in the rack soon! Thanks again!

@@raymondayala5355 one more thing ...when it come to music listening if you have a good recording you will hear it....if you have a bad recording you will hear that also....so the equipment we use no matter how good it is ...it's not going to make a bad recording sound good...you will just hear if the recording was done good or bad...

I think your approach of starting with one external amp for you Denon 4700 is a good way to go. Keeps the investment small with each phase. -Jon

Lawrence - thanks for sharing your research with us. While I haven’t been including the DSP details knowing then can be as important as the DACS. So in this case you found them to be ADI ADSP-21573. I am curious know about how that DSP compares with those used in more expensive models.-Jon

Tibor - Nice to hear from someone in tune with the available pro-audio/video solutions. Home Theater has been slow to adopt standards designed for the professional market. Recently we have seen a lot more use of XLR balanced cables and a few AV Processors with AES/EBU interfaces. McIntosh supported HDBT on their MX170, but that was recently superseded by the MX180 which dropped support for HDBT. HDBT (or HDBaseT) provides for high quality, low-latency video distribution over CAT6 for distances up to 328 feet (100m) with signals up to 4K/60 4:4:4. HDBT does not require encorders/decoders as there is no compression. There is SDVoE technology for 4K uncompressed video over 10G Ethernet which competes with HDBT as a lower cost option uses off-the-shelf switching. However, I am not aware of an AV processor which utilizes it. Neither the HDBT or the SDVoE standards address audio so they lack the audio syncing capabilities of Audio/Video Bridging (AVB). JBL Synthesis has adopted Dante for uncompressed multi-channel, low-latency digital audio over Ethernet. Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet or simply "Dante" was developed in 2006 be Audinate, but this standard does not address video. AES/EBU is low-latency, but doesn't support CAT5/6 networking. However, it is more widely implemented in Home Theater and Audio components then all of these formats. Albeit, we see mostly in high-end products. Exceptions include Emotiva. As far as I can tell, Audio Video Bridging / Time Sensitive Networking (AVB/TSN) has yet to emerge for the home theater market despite having lower latency and lower cost then Dante. I agree that you should keep the signal in the digital domain until all stages of modification are complete. Solutions that switch back and forth D/A-A/D-D/A will loss quality. We are starting to see more speakers become self-powered, like sound bars. Sending direct digital signals to those can make sense, provided they are equipped with a good enough DAC and can be a lower cost option. What you are talking about (using DAW for Atmos production) is far more advanced then sound-bar applications (which I believe is the market NXP is targeting). The challenge with AVB/TSN, SDVoE, HDBaseT, Dante and others that strive to improve home distribution, there has not been universal adoption across brands - if at all. Without a common ecosystem, your choices become very limited. Adapter boxes may be required to match shelf-powered speakers with processors, etc.. Like it or not, HDMI is good enough for most consumers and has attempted to address synchronization, latency and multi-channel audio. It is universally supported and works up to 8K/60, 4K/120. with 7.1 channels of uncompressed audio. What is your read on these competing factors? -Jon

@@ripewave Thank you for this comprehensive answer. I agree that HDMI is good enough for consumers. For the moment I was shortened the problem. I ordered a Tonewinner AT-300 which has XLR outputs. Then I bought two snake cables with 8 XLRf to TSR, in total I can wire 16 analog balanced channels. For the moment I will plug into one MOTU Monitor 8 which has 8 inputs, and the remaining 4 useful which come out from Tonewinner, I will plug into 8pre-es. Not the most ideal solution for now, but the two are connected through AVB network. Later I will watch for a MOTU 16A, which would solve me all the inputs and outputs for Dolby Atmos. I am still playing with the idea to design and produce a hardware, composed from a 8x2 HDMI 2.1 matrix which has audio extractors in binary stream form, then add a Dolby Atmos, DTS-X etc decoder processor and integrate an AVB/TSN stack, thus saving the D/A-A/D and one more expensive device like MOTU 16A. But this would be a product which makes sense to sell, rather than waiting for it now. Therefore I had to invest on what is available now.

The Yamaha CX-A5200 is a well-built processor from 2019 - some sites currently showing as “discontinued” which may be true given its age and that it wasn’t updated with their receivers which targeted 8K compatibility. It outweighs the AT-300 x3 at 33.5 pounds and utilized better Sabre 9026 Pro DACS with DSD 256 support. It’s YPAO calibration is probably the same caliber as the TomeWinner solution and the same Atmos/DTS:x format are supported. It is 7.2.4 vs the 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 capability of the ToneWinner. So while you gain an independent subwoofer output, you loss the extra height channels or front wide support of the AT-300. At $1000+ less the ToneWinner certainly is a better value if the differences are acceptable to you.-Jon

@@ripewave Hi Jon, I'm watching your reviews part 7 under $5000. I'm still fighting with myself in my decision on the Anthem or Emotiva only because being upgraded. It also sounds that the Marantz 7706 it's a better choice over the 8805 Marantz. But I would feel better with the ones that can be upgraded. This is driving me crazy, but it's not really something that I have to have right now if you think it's better to wait. Thank U again Jon.

Noe, Marantz has provided HDMI 2.1 hardware updates despite not being advertised as “modular” as with the Emotiva RMC-1. The Anthem promised HDMI 2.1 will be a board swap as well, but dates not yet communicated yet. I think the Emotiva stands apart from the other two as the RMC-1 modules add inputs and outputs - not just upgrade functionality. Of the three, Marantz is the only one today with HDMI 2.1 support but that implementation is limited to one input unless you purchase an external adapter that splits that one input into three and is integrated with the firmware. My feeling is that we will have more / better options this summer. Marantz and Emotiva I suspect will have (or announce) new models that has less compromises. Emotiva requires and external adapter today to support Dirac due to an incompatibility that couldn’t be overcome with software alone. Anticipate a new Emotiva with HDMI 2.1 and Dirac built in. -Jon

@@ripewave yeah!! Even though the AT-300 will do what I need, I feel that I may regret it later. I call Choice Audio and James, told me that he will be getting 5 Anthem avm70 coming in soon. He had just sold out. I didn't ask what other brands he carried. Thank U Jon, for keeping up or putting up with me. You have been basically the only one communicating to me. I appreciate U doing so Jon.

Glad I can be of some assistance. The Anthem AVM70 seems like one of best balanced options right now.-Jon

Thanks for weighing in. Is there a particular reason that drives your decision? (quality, reliability, reputation, features, support, other?) No wrong answer, but I am curious about the factors that most influence decisions. -Jon

@@ripewave I have the Denon x4700h in pre amp mode and it’s great but the Marantz AV7706 sounds cleaner and way better. More channel separation. I also have the EMotiva XMC-2 coming in today to test out. I plan on ordering the Tonewinner as well so that I have all of these AV/Processors here to test out in my personal configuration. I have Arendal 1723s Monitors, surrounds, center for bed floor, 4 SVS heights installed up in the ceiling and 1 PB3000 with a Vava 4k 150’ screen. So far the Marantz is beating the Denon with sound clarity on all the 4k UHD Atmos Blu Rays I’ve listens to. I’m curious about the time winner because there’s a channel on KZfaq “Spec of Tech” that said it comes closer to the Marantz av7706. I don’t care about 8k as I just got the 4k Vava projector. Interesting to see who comes out on top on my set up b

@@raymondayala5355 That is an impressive in house comparison you are running. Is your intent to return all but the one you like the most? I am very curious about how the XMC-2 will compare. -Jon

@@ripewave Thanks. Yes, I plan to keep the best sounding one in my set up. The 7706 definitely beats the Denon 4700 in pre amp mode. I passed my return window at magnolia and I’m trying to sell the Denon with no luck. Soon, when there’s a processor shortage again, the Denon will sell at the price I’m looking for. Right now, the Monolith HTP-1 is out of stock and so are a lot of the AV7706s.

@@raymondayala5355 I like your plan. It would be great if you are willing to provide updates as you go. This is a very valuable shot out. -Jon

Stephen, perhaps but to what extent it is not clear. It could be that ToneWinner populates the PCBs then ships to Emotiva in Franklin, TN for final assembly - or they share the same design and Emotiva has all the pick and place machinery to populate the boards. There are some elements that differ such as the remote and back plane. Software also seems to have different elements. Who is doing the software work? Emoq and ToneWinner calibration are likely the same thing with different names and UI. Guessing probably gets us close.-Jon

Prices keep changing and may vary from country to country. I am seeing that the MC1 is currently $1,100 in the US - that is an increase since this review. -Jon

Coming from you I certainly need to review my notes and validate with resources provided by Emotiva. Of course, we sometimes find errors in material prepared by the supplies, and sometimes I misinterpret or make an outright mistake. -Jon

The MC-1 manual has the following which led me to believe the subwoofer outputs are common and not independent. “Note: The MC1 has two subwoofer outputs - SW1 and SW2. Both the balanced and unbalanced outputs carry the same audio signal and are active at the same time. When you select One Sub both SW1 and SW1 Bal will be active. When you select Two Subs, all four outputs will be active, SW1 and SW1 Bal will carry the same signal, and SW2 and SW2 Bal will carry the same signal.” Your thoughts? -Jon

Noe- Happy to address your question. I believe the “no compromise” solution doesn’t exist. There are trade offs with each approach. It comes down to what you feel is the most important. As you have invested in Parasound amplifiers there is no sense is exploring receivers at this point. That limits the field considerably as there are not a lot of AV Processor separates out there and most are over $5000. For someone who is hesitant to spend $3000 on the processor I believe these entry models deserve a look and should perform sufficiently for their price point. I would create a prioritized list of what you must have and what you are willing to live without. That is how I design my reviews - so you can see what items a product supports to aid with your decision. If you find yourself wanting items like multi-sub control, an advanced room calibration tool and higher quality sound output, then those may justify moving to the next tier up. If not, the AT-300 may serve you well. My feeling is that AV Processor feature sets get updated almost yearly. I feel much better about investing in speakers and amplifiers then I do the processor which go obsolete within a short period. You have to be willing to absorb the loss or be content with last year’s tech before jumping up to higher tiers. The ToneWinner gets the job done at an acceptable level for the most common use case less streaming support. Let me know if you have further questions. -Jon

@@ripewave Thank You Jon, (sorry, I thought your name was John) I truly appreciate your opinion on this topic. For my living room set up, I just feel the Tonewinner is going to do what I need. (truly hope so) If I had a dedicated room then that would be a different story. If you don't mind? Let me tell you what I got going on. For my music listening I have the Parasound a21+ with Parasound P6 running my Vandersteen 2Ce signature. (I love them, about 20+ year old) For my HT, I'm using the Parasound a52+ and if this works? I will still keep using my Denon AVR 4800 for my back speakers. (also 20+ year old) my other speakers are Emotiva, B1+, T1+, T2+, C2+, and sub SE8+ and set of Klipsch RP 600M, Klipsch RS3 II, KEF SP3115. Yes, again I would love to have the Anthem avm70, but I don't see or going to appreciate all features it offers, or the Emotiva RMC 1L. THANK YOU AGAIN JON. I hope this makes any sense to you? Or feel free for any other options you can help me with. PS, I can still change my mind, it's not to late in getting the Anthem or Emotiva. PSS, Jon, not that it makes a different? Where R U base at? USA or out. Of the US?

Noe, You have a real solid investment in speakers and amplifiers and those can serve you for a long time - decades as you already understand. The processor market has been in an unstable transition for the last decade as the HDMI standard continues to evolve. I believe we are real close to stability. Atmos has become the successor to 5.1/7.1 and all the surround formats in between have now been forgotten. The ToneWinner has Atmos so no risk there. Perhaps HDMI 2.0b with 4K, which the AT-300 also supports will be sufficient as well. One thing to consider is HDMI 2.1 also delivers enhancements to 4K with its quick media switching etc. The work around is to use your TV as the HDMI hub/switcher and send audio only signal from the TV via eARC - which again the ToneWinner supports today. So I believe you could survive 10+ years with the AT-300 provided the following: 1) the sound quality is acceptable. I understand it is on par with Marantz - which is not bad. 2) The room calibration is “good enough” - something which is hard for me to judge without more knowledge. 3) you don’t need independent multi-sub. However that can be overcome with a MiniDSP. The remaining differences are perhaps less critical. I am based in the US Northeast. Jon

@@ripewave Hi Jon, Thank You for the update. I had just calculated the different between the AT-300 with the Anthem and Emotiva. AT-300 is about $1400.+ to the avm70 and the RMC-1L. They come out to $2500. To $3100. extra over the AT-300. Since no one has the avm70, I'm just going to order the AT-300 this week. Thank You again Jon, have a good night. By the way, I'm in Central Florida. I'm originally from New York. I do miss all those electronic Home Theater Stores I used to go to in NYC.

@@ripewave Hi Jon, I decided to go all and just buy the Anthem avm70. It should be here on Monday. If U have any advice in setting up I would greatly appreciated. Thank U Jon.

There is a group of strong Auro3D up mix fans. I have yet to try as my speaker layout is based on Atmos. What I will try is faking out the AVR and call my ceiling speakers heights.-Jon

@@ripewave it's really that good,being able to switch Atmos, DTSX and Auro3D on my denon 4500 Auro3D is so natural sounding and actually uses height speakers

You make a great point. Not many processors/receivers are. They convert only at the output stage. While it still provides the benefit of noise reduction for the signal path to the amplifiers it does not have the internal benefit.-Jon

you sound like a thud did you see the XLR daughterboard on the tonewinner????

Exactly the same I was thinking when they offer XLR outs for this price point.

This series is a service which aggregates details into a common format for products can be easily compared. I also purchase select equipment to provide firsthand reviews.-Jon