After checking the website every day for 2 months, I was finally able to order an Emotiva BasX MC1. I spent a few hours calibrating it to my 7.2.4 setup with a 92-inch screen using a 4K HDR projector. The speakers I have are all powered by three Emotiva BasX series amps. All I can say is WOW! Compared to my Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 (only 7.2 channels), the MC1 made the sound go from ordinary to extraordinary!! I like the fact I can adjust each speaker's slope curve in the settings. I used a UMIK-1 microphone with REW and EqualizerAPO to calibrate the sound. I play all video content from my PC out to the MC1, and I set the Equalizer setting (in the MC1) to 'Bypass'. Seriously... this unit made my subwoofers go from sounding good to FEELING good. Even the picture quality on my projector looks a little bit brighter with the black levels also being a little bit darker. Very impressed with this unit, and it's a game-changer in the industry for the affordable price point
Hope it functions properly. Personally I would love a simple pre pro with 7.2 that is simple to set up for movies and music. Functions properly out of the box. Reliability is what I care about not every single option available on earth.
after having maxed my Denon AVR-4520CI for some years. I finally went this route. mc1 -> basX A7 *2 to complete my 7.2 (front bi-amp) upgrade to 7.2.4 and keeping bi-amp fronts. What a brilliant way to get people into separates. The Denon AVR-8500ha is almost double the price for the configuration I just mentioned.
@@ealanosborne I ordered the amps today but like everyone else, I can’t order the mc1 yet. haven’t been so excited about a product release since the palm pre! great video!! I was nodding my head to all of the points you made, as I was just finding the same answers in my research!
@@realNikoCousin Ah, gotcha. Yeah, my Emotiva rep doesn’t even know when I might get a chance to review one, if at all…unless I just buy it outright myself. If push comes to shove, I just might… 🤷♂️ Supply chain issues, man…ugh 😄
I agree with you Ealan at that price just getting into separates you can't beat that price. I just got into separates and got the XPA-11 Gen3 11 Channel amp and the Marantz AV7706. In fact I think I went with that setup after watching almost all your videos so thank you!
Thank you for going into basic detail. For user like me starting with nothing and can’t afford the $3k setup. This is a good middle ground to start off with something similar to what I have but not break my bank. A lot of people expect the world from these cheaper models but fail to see this was meant for users who want to start somewhere and there is nobody else doing this in the market at this price point! Thats why this thing shines. I don’t care if it fails. A 3 year warranty is enough for me to feel like I got my money’s worth. The amp I have high hopes for because of how it’s built. It’s simple but built like a tank due to simplicity. I respect that!!! Anyway, thank you for the honest review and not talking about it’s downsides compared to other offerings because there is no other offerings.
Props for being the first one on youtube to make this video! Def considering pre-ordering it since they also give you $200 in Emobucks for a future basx amp purchase along with 10% military discount :)
I would like HDMI 2.1 for the near future. I could not care less about Dirac. I didn't have a great experience with it and also didn't like having to leave it connected. Our local internet providers sucks and it definitely had an impact. Tread carefully. If it was in house after you paid for it like on board room correction it would be a lot better. At least for the consumer.
I just replaced my mc-700 with an x3700h. Its audio performance was great and its price was unbeatable but it had widespread issues with switching HDMI 2.0 signals. It "supports" hdmi 2.0 but apparently is 'so' picky about what cabling and devices you use that i've never found a combination of tv, cable, and UHD bluray player that didn't result in extremely visible noise or no image at all. I liked it, I'm glad it existed, but I can't deal with an HDMI switching/processing device that only works 8 times out of 10. I hope MC1 handles HDR better than the mc-700 did but i'm back to Denon for now. Their product may not be as good of a VALUE but if it works it beats anything else that doesn't.
Looks great, however, I don't look forward to the mass amount of bugs this thing will have... Emotiva still has not fixed the many bug issues with their current processors.
@@dan_hitchman007 I just posted the cirrus dac chipset, because EMOTIVA doesn’t state that in their specs, you have to actually call EMOTIVA to get that information.
I bought the Polk R 200s and haven't been able to choose between the Yamaha RXA4A for 1500 dollars or go Emotiva separates . If I went Pt1 and the A2 or A3 but was thinking the A2 would be a good start because it has more power than the A3 amp. Will the Emotiva sound better than the Yamaha RXA4A? When It comes to 120 frames for Xbox and stuff. Can I still hook the game to the TV and then send the audio to the system ? 🤔 if I remember correctly. I have a little sub too. I've been procrastinating for 6 months since I bought the Polk R 200s and waited too long to get the Yamaha rxa4a cus it been out of stock. I love the way the Yamaha looks. With this new Atmos processor/pre amp ? from
Yes, you can still get great sound by plugging your XBOX straight into the TV and getting sound via eARC through the MC1 or Yamaha. And really it’s just a matter of preference. It seems you have your heart set in the Yamaha, so I might just wait until it’s back in stock. 👍
I got my hands on the A4A ( using pre outs ) to replace my UMC-1. I have Magnepans. My old UMC-1 can still hang with current devices sound quality wise. The front LR pre out on the A4A are very quiet noise wise. I'd go separates but wait until it comes out wait for full detailed reviews
I just replaced my MC-700 with a Denon X3700H because the mc-700 suffered from all sorts of HDMI pops and glitches (video with no audio, audio with no video, resolvable by yoinking cables and resetting devices), plus pops and glitches while playing audio, plus an inability to play anything higher than 4k24 without glitching out (4k60 HDR was unusable even though its supposed to be HDMI 2.0 rated. 4k60 without HDR didn't work either. I think the audio characteristics of the mc700 were great but I also can't help but feel like I made the right choice to get an x3700h, the switching has been completely glitch free, and preamp mode means i'm not just heating up my room running power amps that I don't need. Anyway, I got a notification about the MC1 the day after my x3700h came. I hope this product works out but I'm glad I've got no-bullshit working HDMI a/v switching and processing now.
@@ealanosborne I don't think it came through in the original post but I'll add: I still recommend Emotiva and like their design principles (solid performance thats in line with price) and i reaaaaaaaally wanted to see if they came out with a new processor before they switched back to a Denon. I'd still say their pure analog stuff is great and they fill a niche that bigger companies won't touch.
yes, but can only control two LFE. it would have been nice if it were 4 LFE channels. and the LFE are only 5 point eq, vs 7 point eq for mains. still it is a stepping stone for entry into the world of AV separates without breaking the bank!
@@deankim6687 I don’t know. It would be worth finding out. This could be a dealbreaker. I am trying to some infrasonic level sound going as well, 10hz if I can.
Denon 6700h versus MC1+BasX 3 + 4 + 4? Same $3k give or take... Lots more power with the separates but room correction, build quality, and UI are ? for the Emotiva. Of course in a few years you can swap out the $1,000 processor for something with all the bells and whistles, and still keep using the amps... I'm really torn.
I hear ya. I would love to make a comparison video like that in the future once the MC1 is officially out. I too question the UI, software and room correction of the MC1. But I’ve had some weird video switching glitches with both a Denon x4700h and my current Marantz sr7015 (which are essentially the same product…kind of), so if one can afford a separates package like that, I’d go Emotiva, since an amp is an amp and can continue to be used with future preamp upgrades. But yeah…I am still hesitant in that Emotiva have been known to have great amps, but buggy software in their preamps. 🤦♂️🤷♂️
Emotiva paid for Dirac for their processors for a reason and it wasn't because their proprietary room correction software was good. This processor has Emotiva's room correction software not Dirac. No XLR outputs except for the subwoofers. No HDMI 2.1 support for 48gbps. Given Emotiva's track record of using early adopters as beta testers I would have some hesitation although this is such a basic prepro that there probably isn't much to mess up. Emotiva is touting this as an audiophile product. I beg to differ. You generally get what your pay for in consumer audio. So no internet or wifi. So if there are any bugs how would you correct them? The more I hear about this the less value I hear even at $1K. Least expensive doesn't always mean it is a bargain.
There's a USB port on the back that says update. So they'll just push firmware updates that you can download to a flash drive and then plug into the unit to update it.
no question this is not going to be as good as a unit with Dirac. it is also only $999 compared to multiple thousands for a Dirac compatible unit, often with an upcharge for Dirac licencing, correct? what is the cheapest way to get Dirac on an AV processor? $3500 when i looked before.
Seems intriguing as this price point was screaming out to be filled. Curious how the XLRs are for subs and not mains. I guess you're more likely to have a long run cable to your subs, still. I think I would omit it and have an optical out instead.
in the starters point of view i've better buy Denon AVR-X1700H which is less than $1000 price point that you can play right away. separates are not for starters in my humble opinion.
Thank you sooooo much for this Video...I was about to Pre-order one blindly! I wonder if these can be upgraded later for the HDMI 2.1, and in yuns opinion, I'm deciding between this with a basx 7 channel amp or the Onkyo RZ50. This looks like you need to know what you're doing and I'm not that guy. Then no wifi to update it...dunno. I mean how much better would it be than the Onkyo RZ50 or Denon 3700?
It does look very simmilar to tonewinner at-300 (tonewinner has all xlr outs) however as far as i know tonewinner used to be an oem for emotiva (probably still) My guess is they are internally very simmilar if not the same.
@@grewk2518 cost saving))) also emotiva basX amps do not have balanced inputs, it is also possible that tonewinner "balanced outputs" are not "balanced"
Guess I hyped up the Tonewinner a bit to much so let's try this again. At-300 is everything the emotiva is plus a little more. Tonewinner is most likely the OEM for this Basx pre/pro. It's a great alternative. I have personal experience with the Tonewinner so if the emotiva is the same, should be a great product.
yes, before this became available, i was considering the AT-300. it is certainly worth considering. an i am still considering Tonewinner amps! however, the AT-300 is $1400 and the MC-1 is effectively $800 right now, if you can apply the $200 emotiva bucks to one of their amps. also worth considering.
No "most likely." The MC-1 is the AT-300 without the XLR outputs (except for two). That helped cut the cost. If you need XLR outputs for all the channel outputs, get the AT-300.
"Available to the public sometime soon". Lol. That is the current quote of every manufacturer. Also, it's a "third of the cost" for a reason. I'll be interested in the product when/if you get it & review it.
It's been fairly recent, but since I moved up to a 7.2.4 setup, it really is that much more immersive having the surrounds to the side, and surround back speakers behind me. Just an added layer of audio encircling you like a warm blanket. :)
Do they includes any upmixer option? The reason I still love my old 1080p receiver is because of its upmixing options, eg. DTS Neo 6, manufacturer's DSP… these are also a value for me as I enjoy immersive music even if they aren't natively surround.
I love and have a couple of their basx amp but until emotive adopts hdmi 2.1 I will continue to use a denon AVR as my prepro and the basx amps to power my speakers
So I had this same mind set, but then I remember I have earc for atoms support off my Sony A8G, so why would it matter if I can’t do 8k over the processor? Let it process your sound. I game at 120hz and let my processor just do the sound.
@@JamesCook76131 you are correct you can do that. But you are then relying on your display to have multiple “high bandwidth” hdmi ports ( they just made hdmi 2.1 labels pointless). Or a tv that can properly handle earc let alone if it supports dolby. Yes as an oh owner I’m not at these disadvantages but there is also the ease of access of plugging everything into your process and running 1 hdmi cable to your tv
I'd also check out the Tonewinner 16 channel processor (about the same price) and the IOTAVX AVX17 processor (little more). Both offer about the same feature plus balanced outputs on all channels, EQ for individual speakers and in the case of the IOTAVX AVX17 4 subwoofer outputs. I've not seen many reviews on these but looks interesting.
The MC1 is basically the Tone Winner. They’re partners and EMO uses their boards. Last I checked the TW was about $300 more to get the balanced outs and the IO was almost $1600 to reached the balanced outs. The EMO and TW are basically the same unit internals and software wise…. All amazing units for the money. But the Emotiva still gives the best bang for the buck in my opinion. 😁😁😁
I think this definitely fills a gap in the processor/receiver market, but I'd very curious to see how functions. My XMC-2 was a mess in that regard. Also, curious if the room EQ is any good. Not doing HDMI 2.1 is fine in my opinion. Same goes for Imax Enhanced. But I think DTS-X Pro is something they should have included. Anyway, still curious to see how it pans out.
The ToneWinner AT-300 may be getting DTS: X Pro as it has the same SHARC chipset as the Marantz 8805 and they have told customers they are in discussions with DTS/Xperi. Of course, it has taken a lot of companies a long time to get through the DTS/Xperi certification process.
Emoq is pretty basic, but just setting the distance and levels works fine. My main bug was on startup, went away after awhile, now seems gone completely. You have to work with this thing, but what's important is the sound is great, and once sorted out is a pretty nice piece of kit for the price. My SACD player cost more than this. So did my center
OH CRAP!!! Im a die in the wool Sony ES fan, but it might be time to go 100% all in for seperates. Emotiva is looking goooooooooooood, and pared with their AMPs!!!
Will it get DTS-X Pro? Does it have the latest version of the Dolby Surround upmixer? If not then the only content that will use those extra two channels will be some Dolby Atmos soundtracks. I would hold off until this is confirmed otherwise you are better off buying a processor or AVR with 11 channels processing as those can be had below this price point.
I just bought one! I was using an Outlaw Audio processor that I bought in 2007, It died twice in 15 years and I had to send it back twice to get it repaired at $180 each time, It started to go again a few weeks ago and I was going to buy another Outlaw but it looks like they went under, no more choices on their site. So, I need to find a new processor. I have a Musical Fidelity dual mono intergrated Pre with tubes and 600 watts per channel that I use for 2-channel listening, it's been on for the past 19 years. I am not changing that device. it runs my fronts and I had a 5x200 Adcom amp for the center and surrounds, so I don't want a surround receiver, I need a processor. I wanted one of these but did not want to spend $1100 but it was for sale ($799) and I took the plunge! It arrived 5 days later, I hooked it up, It turns on my adcom fine, and I listenened to some content and I was, well ho hum, it's not that great but it works. But, then I used that microphone, and it ran through its test and OMG that sound that plays now is Amazing!! It just sounds so good! My cat think it's real because he's never whined the way he does now with the surround playing. The detail is incredible. I love it! Great Job Emotiva!
Cool you did a video on this new AVR. Question Ealan. If I only have my BasX 3 channel amp how will I plug in the rest of my speakers? I really hate to have to buy more amps at the moment. I would only have 5 channels since that AVR only has preouts. What do you think?
Yeah this is probably more for those who might already have a complete set of amps. Or maybe they have one amp and they’ll purchase another when they buy this MC1. 🤷♂️ You could have a cool 3 channel front soundstage for awhile, but I wouldn’t really recommend the MC1 with just a BasX A3.
@@ealanosborne yeah. I figured that's what it is. I. Just gona get the OnkyoRZ50 most likely. Thanks Ealan. You're awesome. I tell everyone about your channel and even the ones who like home theater.
Just to be clear here could you run this into active speakers like studio monitors and set up a surround system that way I’m just a new pair please help me out thank you for the good contacts keep it up
@@stacypeacock7716 Yes. I use the IOTA AVX17 which is rumored to have almost the same internal components as the Emotiva MC-1, and I like it much better than my Marantz SR7015 (which is the Marantz equivalent to your x4700h). 🤘
Nice. Seems like a good price for the spec. 👍🏻 Purely from an aesthetic point of view, I’d prefer it were taller, more like the Denon and Marantz units, but that’s just as I feel a bigger units looks a little more “high end”.
I'm confused. Did they just have a MASSIVE price hike or is it because I'm viewing their site from Australia and I'm seeing it in Australian dollars? Because it's no longer $999.00 but $1,414.00. I'm pretty sure that's U.S.D's. Love your channel mate. You've almost talked me into going separates👍
@@ealanosborne Cheers Ealan, Wow that must be Australian dollars then. It wouldn't be GST (goods and services tax). I might send them an email to be sure but that's just made things even more enticing seeing that I've been scaling up $1414.00 to U.S.D's. A lot of the boys here in Australia use and swear by the Emotiva brand. I was thinking of going the Denon X8500HA but have been watching your vids and think separates are the way to go. I'm doing my build on RUclips if interested. Thanks again mate!
In theory, yes! My buddy just set up a 5.1 system with his JBL active studio monitors that he wasn't using for 5.1 mixing anymore. Just hooked them up to a preamp and it worked!
Someone else mentioned Emotiva is probably selling these at very small profit margins. But they're banking on you shelling out $ to amplify those 13 channels. Smart move.
So what is the purpose of going separates? If you want to build an Emotiva 13.2 channel separates, you'd need the BasX MC1 for 1000, the XPA11 to power 11 channels for 2100, and then a BasX A2 for 449 for the final 2 channels. That's a grand total of 3549. Is that still a good deal, or is going separates going to give you that much better sound quality?
Going with separates allows for the separation of audio processing and powering. An AV receiver is all-in-one - a processor with amps inside. It does well, but when you have separate amps powering your speakers, you get much more detail and better distinct sound placement in your soundstage, and much more power per channel. That’s the ultimate goal for anyone who is serious about their home theater, willing to spend lots of money over time. Since this MC1 is part of Emotiva’s BasX line of products, you’ll save even more money sticking with their BasX amps as well. You could get 2 of their A7 amps for a total of 14 channels powered and an MC1 only costing $2400, which is peanuts in the world of separates. 🤘
I have the emotiva xmc2 it sounds fantastic it was a little buggy at first until the latest firmware update might get it with some basx amps for my living room setup
Emotiva and “very soon” based on their previous delivery history needs some caution attached to it. Hope they can make it happen though. Also, the Tone Winner AT-300 does basically everything this one does, but with XLR instead of RCA at $1,400.
The AT-300, which I have, has both RCA and XLR outputs. It only has one XLR sub out and the other two are RCA (though, all three subs outs are also RCA).
@@ealanosborne Would those speakers be good for home theater? I'm a total novice when it comes to audio. So I noticed that the powered speakers only have power on one speaker while the second speaker connects to the powered one. Would the Processor know how to process those speakers separately for Dolby Atmos surround sound?
@@archemity Oh, yeah that wouldn’t work. Each speaker would need to be connected to the processor individually for it to decode the audio signal properly. And honestly, post production facilities use powered speakers for the accuracy, but it’s also a lot more work to calibrate them, so that’s why it’s usually professionals that have that type of setup.
This would be out of this world value and really sell like hotcakes if it only had hdmi 2.1 ports instead of 2.0b I guess you could send your gaming systems to the tv but kind of sucks would like a all in one
i have a earc tv . but my soundbar only does arc , so soon as i can im getting a new sound bar with earc since i will never be able to afford anything better on a fixed income
@@anoopht9588 The AVX17 (also a ToneWinner) has four XLR sub outs. It would have been nice for the AT-300 to have the same, but you can't have everything.
It will still be a new special Emotiva bug box, where it will take a dozen firmwares to make it work, just looking inside is not very reassuring! I fought with an RMC-1 for 1 year which almost went through the window, Emotiva never again ...
I have a Onkyo rz830 im not gonna use the too extra channels for a lone time is it worth it at all to change I only use the onkyo for processing I run my speakers on 6 crown amps so im already good for power
Just ordered mine, I ordered one of there new basics amps and was very impressed with the quality which in turn drove me to ordering this processor and another basics amp. This stuff is high end quality hands down for a great price, bells and whistles don’t pay if not used so I’m good with quality over cheaper options. The Wi-Fi would have been and should have been included for firmware updates and additional options to be included for expansion.
A few bugs, mostly to do with audio. Seen to have worked themselves out. When it's running good save to backup. The video is passthrough, like a switcher. The sound? Frikkin awesome. I even run some digital sources and my nad tuner through it. What is great is the stuff it doesn't, have, like legacy garbage you don't need, enough heat to melt Ironman. Running with my Basx 5 channel and my Parasound 2 channel. 8k is vaporware, BTW.
@@ealanosborne Two or three weeks. Except for the bug where on startup the only sound comes from the input you start with until it gets going it's been pretty nice. I like to fiddle with my gear anyway. First time turn on the lottery show on HGTV was on and I just went Dang! When I got my Denon I thought it was great. Not as good as my two channel rig'(which has HT bypass) but this thing rivals my Parasound pre sometimes. Lambo experience on a beater car budget basically. Certainly worth a shot. Running my 7.2 straight Bowers set of speakers with this is a bit strange but hey, whatever works
Game changer. Belive it or not, I'm probably the only one who separated all internal speakers from the Nakamichi Ultra 9.2.4 and amped all channels externally. It sounds great! This preamp might change my mind.
Too many important features to me that are not included. Looking at what it offers and cost of materials seems pricey. Wouldn’t trust the room calibration. I have looked at Emotiva products several times, it just falls short in many aspects. The day it fills the gaps then Emotiva will become a front runner.
Ealan!!!! brother...should BasX change their name to "Advanced" or maybe even "Alternatives" in lieu of separates? :) just kidding...very great review...this is most helpful and informative!
I have asked Emotiva if the LFE extends below 20hz It seems to me the 20hz to 20Khz spec is perhaps for full range speakers without LFE We will see I am considering one A3 and two A5 amps to complete the package
I want it bro!! I don’t care at all about video, send it all directly to my display (LG CX). I’ve been waiting for an option like this!! I really don’t want to buy an AVR because I don’t need video, just audio and no, I don’t care about Auro3D… BOOM!! 💥
This is crazy. I just ordered one! Now I am going to need amps! And I need to learn a lot more about home theater separates! This to get front wides and I don’t know if they are worth it. And how good is their room correction???? I would say thanks for the heads up, but you just sent me down a new rabbit hole! LOL
Since this is a baby ToneWinner AT-300, it has decent room correction, but the better choice is using REW and a UMIK-1 mic and then plugging the data from the REW results into the processor manually.
@@SavageAirCinema The sound quality is excellent, although I note without using the emo Q equalizer setting. I ran the emo Q and it got the distances for the speakers right but it muffled the sound to me and cut out too much of the mid range and the highs. I just bypassed the EQ setting and it left the speaker distances corrected which is fine with me running it that way un E q'd. I would recommend this processor.
Basic Cirrus Logic 24 bit/192 kHz DAC's to save costs. They still sound quite good, though. The larger AT-300 from the MC1's parent manufacturer has had compliments with the sound being at least as good as a Denon. The problem with most consumer AV products is that they throw in 32 bit wiz-bang DAC's in upper tier products to look good on paper, but you would be hard pressed to get about 20 bits of actual audio reproduction out of them due to poor designing around the DAC's and lousy implementation. So, in actuality, a basic 24 bit DAC well conceived will sound about the same (or maybe a little better) than a 32 bit advanced DAC.
@@ealanosborne love your content bro!! In your honest opinion, do you prefer the Denon x4700 in pre amp mode or the emotiva XMC-2? I’m running Emotiva XLA Dr3 for front stage, XLA 200 for surrounds and XLA for Atmos. I currently have the demon but feel like the XMC-2 might be better. I was thinking about the Bassx mc you’re reviewing but it doesn’t have balanced outputs, neither does the Denon.
@@raymondayala5355 Yeah, I hear once you go pre/pro, you never wanna go back. The XMC-2 is going to be a step above an x4700h when it comes to just pure audio vs audio. But the price! Yikes! 😬 I still don’t personally own a pre/pro yet for that very reason…
@@ealanosborne thanks for your reply. What do you currently have? Which receiver and which speakers? I have the Arendal 1723s monitors for front stage, two 1723s surrounds and 4 SVS height elevations and 1 PB3000 and a Vava 4K projector on a 125’ screen. I feel like the Denon 4700 I currently have is great, especially with all the amps… but I’m always feeling like a dedicated pre pro could be better lol
@@raymondayala5355 Well, I’m currently building (slowly) a home theater testing room at my brother-in-law’s place, so nothing is hooked up at the moment. 😄 But once I get a setup back up and running, I’m rocking Aperion audio speakers (Verus concert V8s for front L/R, Verus center, Verus bookshelves, 4 height modules, 2 Bravus 12D subs, and 1 SVS Prime Elevation for Voice of God to rock a 10.2 Auro 3D configuration. And it’s all powered by a Marantz SR7015. No external amps yet, though. But the obvious goal is to power all speakers with external amps, then eventually get a pre/pro, for sure. And it sounds like you’re itching to take that next step, too! That x4700h is a beast, but anyone who is serious about home theater should have a pre/pro goal, ultimately. 😄
I want to want it, but I feel they made too many compromises. When you could order the onkyo tx-rz50, and get a ton more features and just giving up two channels for $400. I would have been ok if it was $300-500 more if it had things like HDMI 2.1, IMAX enhanced, and especially DIRC. It really is a down grade in features.
yeah, but the difference between a processor with separate amp and a receiver is night/day. I think youthman has done a couple videos about that. Agree that lack of HDMI 2.1 and other features you mentioned should make this a little cheaper, but it's a downright BARGAIN if you want to get into separates.
@@tedgray3061 but you can use the TX-RZ50 as just a processor. It has 11 unbalanced RCA outputs to connect amps too. You can set it up so you don't even use the internal amp and it's basically the same thing.
@@Cyclone311 you can, but there is still a huge difference in sound quality between a receiver used to send signs to external amps, and a processor sending signal to seperate amps. You should check out youthman’s comparison between a marantz receiver and a marantz processor sending signal to a monolith amp.
I’m in the same boat. They need something in between this and the XMC-2 level, which is 3,200. How about something in the 1,500-2,000 range with less compromise? They said there will be massive updates to the RMC and XMC line in 2022, but not sure if that means a more affordable model. A no compromise 7.2 processor would be ideal for me. I would pull the trigger on an XPA 7 right now, but the emo bucks are only good for 3 months. I thought about using the bucks to get a BasX A4 amp, but but I don’t need 11 channels of amplification. Maybe I just wait til next years emo bucks promo waiting for the updates and product reviews. Waiting sucks.
This and the ToneWinner AT-300, the bigger brother of the MC1, are budget pre-amps. These chipsets are not ready for prime time (look at all the horror stories) and they would jack the price up too much.
Seconded. Just switched from an mc700 to the x3700. I know its hard to compare because the x3700 costs more and comes with amps you may not need, but I think this is generally a better product when it comes down to a/v and hdmi functionality.
@@Cowclops I think I will stick with the x3700. I think it will have better processing and more sparkly features like imax. Plus the room correction is probably better. But I really like the balanced sub outputs. Also 13 channels won’t work for my setup. 11 channels is perfect for me
if you can even GET anything. I ordered an rz50 5 months ago, still not even an expected receiving date by the retailers, but "check back in january" .... I wouldnt hold my breath actually getting your hands on one for quite a while even with a preorder. I lucked out and found and in stock intregra and canceled my rz50 order.
@@hawkeytown Great news! Hope it checks all the boxes for your home theater needs! I was wondering about the Integra brand and if it would ever come out. Good to see Onkyo's top of the line series lives on 😯
@@kman9387 yeah it does, its basically the higher end rz50, it hurts to pay a bit more for it than the rz50 but whats a couple hundered bucks in the grand scheme of things XD and I can actually HAVE it. I cant wait to get it wired in, and replace the yamanha stand in i have, next week and get all my speakers running.
There are two more processors in the same category : ToneWinner AT-300 and IOTA AVX17, both are same and better than the Emotiva as they have balanced out for all channels
Absolutely better because of balanced outputs? I don't think so, because better is relative depending upon the end-user and their use case. How many end-users have cable runs that would see a benefit from XLRs?
Why are these so freaking hard to find if you don't know the exact terminology? lol. I want one of these, so I can build each sound system channel as powerful or weak as I want, without being restrained by the Wattage and Ohms of an amp that handles everything in the whole system.
Hey Ealan... seems like a beginner's wet dream. All you gotta do is buy more and more successive amps over time as you sell each of those pesky kids to science, one by one... LOL Seriously, start with two solid mains, then eventually a centre channel, then 1 or 2 SWs, then eventually some bed layer surrounds, then some heights. Pay as you play, and voila you got 7.2.4 or better with time. All the 2021 snapshot software/ formats are there... Nice, eh?
After checking the website every day for 2 months, I was finally able to order an Emotiva BasX MC1. I spent a few hours calibrating it to my 7.2.4 setup with a 92-inch screen using a 4K HDR projector. The speakers I have are all powered by three Emotiva BasX series amps. All I can say is WOW! Compared to my Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 (only 7.2 channels), the MC1 made the sound go from ordinary to extraordinary!! I like the fact I can adjust each speaker's slope curve in the settings. I used a UMIK-1 microphone with REW and EqualizerAPO to calibrate the sound. I play all video content from my PC out to the MC1, and I set the Equalizer setting (in the MC1) to 'Bypass'. Seriously... this unit made my subwoofers go from sounding good to FEELING good. Even the picture quality on my projector looks a little bit brighter with the black levels also being a little bit darker. Very impressed with this unit, and it's a game-changer in the industry for the affordable price point
@@ealanosborne first movie I re-watched was "FURY". Holy cow.. The background effects of planes flying overhead, the bullet flybys and the distant sound of bombs exploding was intense.
You can't really use that 13 channels all 4k movies don't even use that 13 channels they still using 5 channels but sometimes 7 channels. 7 Channels would have better to lower its price.
Just ordered one and LOVE IT…. Paired with the Emotiva A7 amp and it literally smokes any AVR under $3,000. Great job Emotiva 😍😍😍
After checking the website every day for 2 months, I was finally able to order an Emotiva BasX MC1.
I spent a few hours calibrating it to my 7.2.4 setup with a 92-inch screen using a 4K HDR projector.
The speakers I have are all powered by three Emotiva BasX series amps. All I can say is WOW!
Compared to my Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 (only 7.2 channels), the MC1 made the sound go from ordinary to extraordinary!!
I like the fact I can adjust each speaker's slope curve in the settings. I used a UMIK-1 microphone with REW and EqualizerAPO to calibrate the sound.
I play all video content from my PC out to the MC1, and I set the Equalizer setting (in the MC1) to 'Bypass'.
Seriously... this unit made my subwoofers go from sounding good to FEELING good.
Even the picture quality on my projector looks a little bit brighter with the black levels also being a little bit darker.
Very impressed with this unit, and it's a game-changer in the industry for the affordable price point
Hope it functions properly. Personally I would love a simple pre pro with 7.2 that is simple to set up for movies and music. Functions properly out of the box. Reliability is what I care about not every single option available on earth.
This. We need a 9.1 or even 7.1 Atmos capable budget preamp, could be the same ones that come on entry level Atmos AVR.
Mike what pre pro did u get same boat as u looking for a 7.2 that has xlr s for all channels any you guys recommend??
I wish more companies will follow their lead and come up with more similar in functions budget av processors.
after having maxed my Denon AVR-4520CI for some years. I finally went this route. mc1 -> basX A7 *2 to complete my 7.2 (front bi-amp) upgrade to 7.2.4 and keeping bi-amp fronts. What a brilliant way to get people into separates.
The Denon AVR-8500ha is almost double the price for the configuration I just mentioned.
Excellent! Did they give an estimate on when it will actually ship? Were you one of those who preordered it back in December?
@@ealanosborne I ordered the amps today but like everyone else, I can’t order the mc1 yet. haven’t been so excited about a product release since the palm pre!
great video!! I was nodding my head to all of the points you made, as I was just finding the same answers in my research!
@@realNikoCousin Ah, gotcha. Yeah, my Emotiva rep doesn’t even know when I might get a chance to review one, if at all…unless I just buy it outright myself. If push comes to shove, I just might… 🤷♂️ Supply chain issues, man…ugh 😄
@@ealanosborne wow. crazy time all around.
Supposedly the AT-300 from Tonewinner is the same unit but with XLR.
I agree with you Ealan at that price just getting into separates you can't beat that price. I just got into separates and got the XPA-11 Gen3 11 Channel amp and the Marantz AV7706. In fact I think I went with that setup after watching almost all your videos so thank you!
You’re very welcome! 😁
Imagine what it would be like with a real amp
@@ealanosborne Hey. What's the best sacrifice? 9.2.4 or 7.2.6?
@@josealfredfernandes I’m going to find that out for myself hopefully soon! Stay tuned!
One of these paired with a gigantic 5 channel amp off of eBay is the way to go for me
Thank you for going into basic detail. For user like me starting with nothing and can’t afford the $3k setup. This is a good middle ground to start off with something similar to what I have but not break my bank. A lot of people expect the world from these cheaper models but fail to see this was meant for users who want to start somewhere and there is nobody else doing this in the market at this price point! Thats why this thing shines. I don’t care if it fails. A 3 year warranty is enough for me to feel like I got my money’s worth. The amp I have high hopes for because of how it’s built. It’s simple but built like a tank due to simplicity. I respect that!!! Anyway, thank you for the honest review and not talking about it’s downsides compared to other offerings because there is no other offerings.
Thank you for the kind words! I truly appreciate it! And I wholeheartedly agree! 😁🎉
Props for being the first one on youtube to make this video! Def considering pre-ordering it since they also give you $200 in Emobucks for a future basx amp purchase along with 10% military discount :)
Discounts on discounts! I like it!
I don’t think you can combine discounts, per the terms and conditions.
I would like HDMI 2.1 for the near future. I could not care less about Dirac. I didn't have a great experience with it and also didn't like having to leave it connected. Our local internet providers sucks and it definitely had an impact. Tread carefully. If it was in house after you paid for it like on board room correction it would be a lot better. At least for the consumer.
The MC - 700 sounded so good. If this sound anything like that it's going to be a beast. thx for the vid. Been waiting on this.
I just replaced my mc-700 with an x3700h. Its audio performance was great and its price was unbeatable but it had widespread issues with switching HDMI 2.0 signals. It "supports" hdmi 2.0 but apparently is 'so' picky about what cabling and devices you use that i've never found a combination of tv, cable, and UHD bluray player that didn't result in extremely visible noise or no image at all.
I liked it, I'm glad it existed, but I can't deal with an HDMI switching/processing device that only works 8 times out of 10. I hope MC1 handles HDR better than the mc-700 did but i'm back to Denon for now. Their product may not be as good of a VALUE but if it works it beats anything else that doesn't.
Good video. I'm a beginner when it comes to audio. For a 5.2.4 setup, would you need two BasX A5 Five-Channel Power Amplifiers?
5 ear-level speaker + 4 height speakers = 9 channels, so you could get by with a BasX A5+A4. 👍
How would this compare with Receivers like Arcam, Anthem and Nad for movies.
Thanks for the video…all the way from the UK 🇬🇧
Finally I can afford a processor 🥲
Looks great, however, I don't look forward to the mass amount of bugs this thing will have...
Emotiva still has not fixed the many bug issues with their current processors.
The DAC chip used is the Cirrus DAC chip, not the AKM version used on their upper end of processors.
@@cruzgallegos5071 You cannot use the AKM chips anymore because, well, no more AKM plant.
@@dan_hitchman007 I just posted the cirrus dac chipset, because EMOTIVA doesn’t state that in their specs, you have to actually call EMOTIVA to get that information.
@@cruzgallegos5071 This is a ToneWinner built unit, so they are probably using the same Cirrus Logic CS42528 DAC chips as their in-house AT-300.
@@dan_hitchman007 If this is true, Emotiva decided to ditch the XLR capabilities. That ToneWinner looks very tempting with a few $ more?
I bought the Polk R 200s and haven't been able to choose between the Yamaha RXA4A for 1500 dollars or go Emotiva separates . If I went Pt1 and the A2 or A3 but was thinking the A2 would be a good start because it has more power than the A3 amp. Will the Emotiva sound better than the Yamaha RXA4A? When It comes to 120 frames for Xbox and stuff. Can I still hook the game to the TV and then send the audio to the system ? 🤔 if I remember correctly. I have a little sub too. I've been procrastinating for 6 months since I bought the Polk R 200s and waited too long to get the Yamaha rxa4a cus it been out of stock. I love the way the Yamaha looks. With this new Atmos processor/pre amp ? from
Yes, you can still get great sound by plugging your XBOX straight into the TV and getting sound via eARC through the MC1 or Yamaha.
And really it’s just a matter of preference. It seems you have your heart set in the Yamaha, so I might just wait until it’s back in stock. 👍
I got my hands on the A4A ( using pre outs ) to replace my UMC-1. I have Magnepans.
My old UMC-1 can still hang with current devices sound quality wise. The front LR pre out on the A4A are very quiet noise wise.
I'd go separates but wait until it comes out wait for full detailed reviews
I just replaced my MC-700 with a Denon X3700H because the mc-700 suffered from all sorts of HDMI pops and glitches (video with no audio, audio with no video, resolvable by yoinking cables and resetting devices), plus pops and glitches while playing audio, plus an inability to play anything higher than 4k24 without glitching out (4k60 HDR was unusable even though its supposed to be HDMI 2.0 rated. 4k60 without HDR didn't work either. I think the audio characteristics of the mc700 were great but I also can't help but feel like I made the right choice to get an x3700h, the switching has been completely glitch free, and preamp mode means i'm not just heating up my room running power amps that I don't need.
Anyway, I got a notification about the MC1 the day after my x3700h came. I hope this product works out but I'm glad I've got no-bullshit working HDMI a/v switching and processing now.
Thanks for your insight. 🤘
@@ealanosborne I don't think it came through in the original post but I'll add: I still recommend Emotiva and like their design principles (solid performance thats in line with price) and i reaaaaaaaally wanted to see if they came out with a new processor before they switched back to a Denon. I'd still say their pure analog stuff is great and they fill a niche that bigger companies won't touch.
After reading the MC1 owner manual, I believe you can hook up to four subs (using both the XLRs and RCAs) since the sub outputs are all mono.
4 subs should be in mono anyways so a couple of y adapters for 5 bucks will do it.
yes, but can only control two LFE. it would have been nice if it were 4 LFE channels. and the LFE are only 5 point eq, vs 7 point eq for mains. still it is a stepping stone for entry into the world of AV separates without breaking the bank!
In the specs, the frequency response only goes to 20hz. Do you know if that means sub 20hz signals will not make it to the subs?
@@deankim6687 I don’t know. It would be worth finding out. This could be a dealbreaker. I am trying to some infrasonic level sound going as well, 10hz if I can.
Denon 6700h versus MC1+BasX 3 + 4 + 4? Same $3k give or take... Lots more power with the separates but room correction, build quality, and UI are ? for the Emotiva. Of course in a few years you can swap out the $1,000 processor for something with all the bells and whistles, and still keep using the amps... I'm really torn.
I hear ya. I would love to make a comparison video like that in the future once the MC1 is officially out. I too question the UI, software and room correction of the MC1.
But I’ve had some weird video switching glitches with both a Denon x4700h and my current Marantz sr7015 (which are essentially the same product…kind of), so if one can afford a separates package like that, I’d go Emotiva, since an amp is an amp and can continue to be used with future preamp upgrades.
But yeah…I am still hesitant in that Emotiva have been known to have great amps, but buggy software in their preamps. 🤦♂️🤷♂️
We'll see, I pulled the trigger on MC1 + BasX5 x 2 + BasX3 - 13 robust channels for 9.2.4. for less than $2500.
Emotiva paid for Dirac for their processors for a reason and it wasn't because their proprietary room correction software was good. This processor has Emotiva's room correction software not Dirac. No XLR outputs except for the subwoofers. No HDMI 2.1 support for 48gbps. Given Emotiva's track record of using early adopters as beta testers I would have some hesitation although this is such a basic prepro that there probably isn't much to mess up. Emotiva is touting this as an audiophile product. I beg to differ. You generally get what your pay for in consumer audio. So no internet or wifi. So if there are any bugs how would you correct them? The more I hear about this the less value I hear even at $1K. Least expensive doesn't always mean it is a bargain.
There's a USB port on the back that says update. So they'll just push firmware updates that you can download to a flash drive and then plug into the unit to update it.
no question this is not going to be as good as a unit with Dirac. it is also only $999 compared to multiple thousands for a Dirac compatible unit, often with an upcharge for Dirac licencing, correct? what is the cheapest way to get Dirac on an AV processor? $3500 when i looked before.
This isn’t for you Karen… lol
@@stevenpaul3886 And blues music clearly isn't for you . You definitely do not feel the music.
Seems intriguing as this price point was screaming out to be filled. Curious how the XLRs are for subs and not mains. I guess you're more likely to have a long run cable to your subs, still. I think I would omit it and have an optical out instead.
in the starters point of view i've better buy Denon AVR-X1700H which is less than $1000 price point that you can play right away. separates are not for starters in my humble opinion.
Thank you sooooo much for this Video...I was about to Pre-order one blindly! I wonder if these can be upgraded later for the HDMI 2.1, and in yuns opinion, I'm deciding between this with a basx 7 channel amp or the Onkyo RZ50. This looks like you need to know what you're doing and I'm not that guy. Then no wifi to update it...dunno. I mean how much better would it be than the Onkyo RZ50 or Denon 3700?
Yeah I’d love to put those against each other too. 🤞
It does look very simmilar to tonewinner at-300 (tonewinner has all xlr outs) however as far as i know tonewinner used to be an oem for emotiva (probably still) My guess is they are internally very simmilar if not the same.
yeah that's exactly what this is. curious about the choice to go with unbalanced outs
@@grewk2518 cost saving))) also emotiva basX amps do not have balanced inputs, it is also possible that tonewinner "balanced outputs" are not "balanced"
Guess I hyped up the Tonewinner a bit to much so let's try this again. At-300 is everything the emotiva is plus a little more. Tonewinner is most likely the OEM for this Basx pre/pro. It's a great alternative. I have personal experience with the Tonewinner so if the emotiva is the same, should be a great product.
yes, before this became available, i was considering the AT-300. it is certainly worth considering. an i am still considering Tonewinner amps! however, the AT-300 is $1400 and the MC-1 is effectively $800 right now, if you can apply the $200 emotiva bucks to one of their amps. also worth considering.
No "most likely." The MC-1 is the AT-300 without the XLR outputs (except for two). That helped cut the cost. If you need XLR outputs for all the channel outputs, get the AT-300.
"Available to the public sometime soon". Lol. That is the current quote of every manufacturer. Also, it's a "third of the cost" for a reason. I'll be interested in the product when/if you get it & review it.
Is it worth it to go beyond 5.1.4?
Are the extra speakers discrete?
It's been fairly recent, but since I moved up to a 7.2.4 setup, it really is that much more immersive having the surrounds to the side, and surround back speakers behind me. Just an added layer of audio encircling you like a warm blanket. :)
works for small to medium room. ok performance for price
Do they includes any upmixer option? The reason I still love my old 1080p receiver is because of its upmixing options, eg. DTS Neo 6, manufacturer's DSP… these are also a value for me as I enjoy immersive music even if they aren't natively surround.
It has DTS Neural X and Dolby upmixer, yes. 👍
I love and have a couple of their basx amp but until emotive adopts hdmi 2.1 I will continue to use a denon AVR as my prepro and the basx amps to power my speakers
So I had this same mind set, but then I remember I have earc for atoms support off my Sony A8G, so why would it matter if I can’t do 8k over the processor? Let it process your sound.
I game at 120hz and let my processor just do the sound.
@@JamesCook76131 you are correct you can do that. But you are then relying on your display to have multiple “high bandwidth” hdmi ports ( they just made hdmi 2.1 labels pointless). Or a tv that can properly handle earc let alone if it supports dolby. Yes as an oh owner I’m not at these disadvantages but there is also the ease of access of plugging everything into your process and running 1 hdmi cable to your tv
I'd also check out the Tonewinner 16 channel processor (about the same price) and the IOTAVX AVX17 processor (little more). Both offer about the same feature plus balanced outputs on all channels, EQ for individual speakers and in the case of the IOTAVX AVX17 4 subwoofer outputs. I've not seen many reviews on these but looks interesting.
Yeah I’ve reached out to both companies, so hopefully I can check them out!
The MC1 is basically the Tone Winner. They’re partners and EMO uses their boards. Last I checked the TW was about $300 more to get the balanced outs and the IO was almost $1600 to reached the balanced outs. The EMO and TW are basically the same unit internals and software wise…. All amazing units for the money. But the Emotiva still gives the best bang for the buck in my opinion. 😁😁😁
I think this definitely fills a gap in the processor/receiver market, but I'd very curious to see how functions. My XMC-2 was a mess in that regard. Also, curious if the room EQ is any good. Not doing HDMI 2.1 is fine in my opinion. Same goes for Imax Enhanced. But I think DTS-X Pro is something they should have included. Anyway, still curious to see how it pans out.
The ToneWinner AT-300 may be getting DTS: X Pro as it has the same SHARC chipset as the Marantz 8805 and they have told customers they are in discussions with DTS/Xperi. Of course, it has taken a lot of companies a long time to get through the DTS/Xperi certification process.
Emoq is pretty basic, but just setting the distance and levels works fine. My main bug was on startup, went away after awhile, now seems gone completely.
You have to work with this thing, but what's important is the sound is great, and once sorted out is a pretty nice piece of kit for the price. My SACD player cost more than this. So did my center
OH CRAP!!! Im a die in the wool Sony ES fan, but it might be time to go 100% all in for seperates. Emotiva is looking goooooooooooood, and pared with their AMPs!!!
are you going to be doing a review on the iotavx vx17 processor
Yep! Once this dang testing theater is finished, it’ll be the first to be reviewed! 🤘
Will it get DTS-X Pro? Does it have the latest version of the Dolby Surround upmixer? If not then the only content that will use those extra two channels will be some Dolby Atmos soundtracks. I would hold off until this is confirmed otherwise you are better off buying a processor or AVR with 11 channels processing as those can be had below this price point.
ToneWinner, the parent manufacturer, is looking at adding DTS: X Pro. They are in discussions with DTS/Xperi.
I just bought one! I was using an Outlaw Audio processor that I bought in 2007, It died twice in 15 years and I had to send it back twice to get it repaired at $180 each time, It started to go again a few weeks ago and I was going to buy another Outlaw but it looks like they went under, no more choices on their site. So, I need to find a new processor. I have a Musical Fidelity dual mono intergrated Pre with tubes and 600 watts per channel that I use for 2-channel listening, it's been on for the past 19 years. I am not changing that device. it runs my fronts and I had a 5x200 Adcom amp for the center and surrounds, so I don't want a surround receiver, I need a processor. I wanted one of these but did not want to spend $1100 but it was for sale ($799) and I took the plunge! It arrived 5 days later, I hooked it up, It turns on my adcom fine, and I listenened to some content and I was, well ho hum, it's not that great but it works. But, then I used that microphone, and it ran through its test and OMG that sound that plays now is Amazing!! It just sounds so good! My cat think it's real because he's never whined the way he does now with the surround playing.
The detail is incredible. I love it! Great Job Emotiva!
Excellent!!! 🤘
Cool you did a video on this new AVR. Question Ealan. If I only have my BasX 3 channel amp how will I plug in the rest of my speakers? I really hate to have to buy more amps at the moment. I would only have 5 channels since that AVR only has preouts. What do you think?
Yeah this is probably more for those who might already have a complete set of amps. Or maybe they have one amp and they’ll purchase another when they buy this MC1. 🤷♂️ You could have a cool 3 channel front soundstage for awhile, but I wouldn’t really recommend the MC1 with just a BasX A3.
@@ealanosborne yeah. I figured that's what it is. I. Just gona get the OnkyoRZ50 most likely. Thanks Ealan. You're awesome. I tell everyone about your channel and even the ones who like home theater.
Just to be clear here could you run this into active speakers like studio monitors and set up a surround system that way I’m just a new pair please help me out thank you for the good contacts keep it up
Yes, you could connect active studio monitors, since there are no amps inside the MC1. 🤘
I was looking to replace my denon x4700 for one of these. But I’ve heard it’s full of bugs and just not a good processor
I’ve heard some things, but I’m still waiting to get a review unit to find out for myself.
@@ealanosborne will this processor be any sort of upgrade to my denon x4700h? I’ll be using it with the basx a3 and a7 amps
@@stacypeacock7716 Yes. I use the IOTA AVX17 which is rumored to have almost the same internal components as the Emotiva MC-1, and I like it much better than my Marantz SR7015 (which is the Marantz equivalent to your x4700h). 🤘
Captain E.O to the rescue....
Nice. Seems like a good price for the spec. 👍🏻
Purely from an aesthetic point of view, I’d prefer it were taller, more like the Denon and Marantz units, but that’s just as I feel a bigger units looks a little more “high end”.
I'm confused. Did they just have a MASSIVE price hike or is it because I'm viewing their site from Australia and I'm seeing it in Australian dollars? Because it's no longer $999.00 but $1,414.00. I'm pretty sure that's U.S.D's. Love your channel mate. You've almost talked me into going separates👍
Thanks, mate! It must be in Australian dollars, cuz I just checked, and it still shows $999. Or are the import taxes that high down under? 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne Cheers Ealan, Wow that must be Australian dollars then. It wouldn't be GST (goods and services tax). I might send them an email to be sure but that's just made things even more enticing seeing that I've been scaling up $1414.00 to U.S.D's.
A lot of the boys here in Australia use and swear by the Emotiva brand. I was thinking of going the Denon X8500HA but have been watching your vids and think separates are the way to go. I'm doing my build on RUclips if interested. Thanks again mate!
Awesome review!! Thank you.
Hope you can answer my question, can I directly connect my B&O speakers beolab 8000 to the line in ? For a 5.1 or 7.1 and be done with it ?
In theory, yes! My buddy just set up a 5.1 system with his JBL active studio monitors that he wasn't using for 5.1 mixing anymore. Just hooked them up to a preamp and it worked!
Someone else mentioned Emotiva is probably selling these at very small profit margins. But they're banking on you shelling out $ to amplify those 13 channels. Smart move.
So what is the purpose of going separates? If you want to build an Emotiva 13.2 channel separates, you'd need the BasX MC1 for 1000, the XPA11 to power 11 channels for 2100, and then a BasX A2 for 449 for the final 2 channels. That's a grand total of 3549. Is that still a good deal, or is going separates going to give you that much better sound quality?
Going with separates allows for the separation of audio processing and powering. An AV receiver is all-in-one - a processor with amps inside. It does well, but when you have separate amps powering your speakers, you get much more detail and better distinct sound placement in your soundstage, and much more power per channel. That’s the ultimate goal for anyone who is serious about their home theater, willing to spend lots of money over time.
Since this MC1 is part of Emotiva’s BasX line of products, you’ll save even more money sticking with their BasX amps as well. You could get 2 of their A7 amps for a total of 14 channels powered and an MC1 only costing $2400, which is peanuts in the world of separates. 🤘
@@ealanosborne thanks for the reasoned reply. that does make sense when you put it that way!
I have the emotiva xmc2 it sounds fantastic it was a little buggy at first until the latest firmware update might get it with some basx amps for my living room setup
Just pulled the trigger on this today, could not see paying more when my main love is audio. Fingers crossed.
I'm waiting for them to be in stock again. How is the MC1 compared to an AV receiver, night and day?
Emotiva and “very soon” based on their previous delivery history needs some caution attached to it. Hope they can make it happen though.
Also, the Tone Winner AT-300 does basically everything this one does, but with XLR instead of RCA at $1,400.
The AT-300, which I have, has both RCA and XLR outputs. It only has one XLR sub out and the other two are RCA (though, all three subs outs are also RCA).
@@dan_hitchman007 You're totally right, I should of said "in addition to" rather than "instead of"
Would this work with a set of powered speakers? Like a dozen of those Mackie studio monitors. They have sizes from 3 inch up to 8 inches.
Yep! That’s how audio post production studios are set up, since they’re in need of accurate, flat response speakers with no coloration.
@@ealanosborne Would those speakers be good for home theater? I'm a total novice when it comes to audio. So I noticed that the powered speakers only have power on one speaker while the second speaker connects to the powered one. Would the Processor know how to process those speakers separately for Dolby Atmos surround sound?
@@archemity Oh, yeah that wouldn’t work. Each speaker would need to be connected to the processor individually for it to decode the audio signal properly.
And honestly, post production facilities use powered speakers for the accuracy, but it’s also a lot more work to calibrate them, so that’s why it’s usually professionals that have that type of setup.
This would be out of this world value and really sell like hotcakes if it only had hdmi 2.1 ports instead of 2.0b I guess you could send your gaming systems to the tv but kind of sucks would like a all in one
i have a earc tv . but my soundbar only does arc , so soon as i can im getting a new sound bar with earc since i will never be able to afford anything better on a fixed income
Tonewinner at-300 got these brands backs against the wall.
IOTA AVX17 too (same as 300)
@@anoopht9588 The AVX17 (also a ToneWinner) has four XLR sub outs. It would have been nice for the AT-300 to have the same, but you can't have everything.
Can you do a review of this product now that it's released??? Thank you!!!
I wish! Supply chain issues have delayed any review products to go out, but I’ll hopefully get my hands on one soon!
It will still be a new special Emotiva bug box, where it will take a dozen firmwares to make it work, just looking inside is not very reassuring! I fought with an RMC-1 for 1 year which almost went through the window, Emotiva never again ...
the lack of auro 3d, imax enhanced and dts-x pro puts me off.. good product though
I have a Onkyo rz830 im not gonna use the too extra channels for a lone time is it worth it at all to change I only use the onkyo for processing I run my speakers on 6 crown amps so im already good for power
Eh…might be a wash in that case. 🤷♂️
Just ordered mine, I ordered one of there new basics amps and was very impressed with the quality which in turn drove me to ordering this processor and another basics amp. This stuff is high end quality hands down for a great price, bells and whistles don’t pay if not used so I’m good with quality over cheaper options. The Wi-Fi would have been and should have been included for firmware updates and additional options to be included for expansion.
True. Maybe wifi will be a future expansion? 😬
@@ealanosborne I doubt it as it would be a hardware thing but who knows.
I’m thinking about getting emotiva amps and a Schiit Vidar for main LR
A few bugs, mostly to do with audio. Seen to have worked themselves out. When it's running good save to backup. The video is passthrough, like a switcher.
The sound? Frikkin awesome. I even run some digital sources and my nad tuner through it. What is great is the stuff it doesn't, have, like legacy garbage you don't need, enough heat to melt Ironman. Running with my Basx 5 channel and my Parasound 2 channel. 8k is vaporware, BTW.
Oh sweet! How long have you had it?
@@ealanosborne Two or three weeks. Except for the bug where on startup the only sound comes from the input you start with until it gets going it's been pretty nice. I like to fiddle with my gear anyway. First time turn on the lottery show on HGTV was on and I just went Dang! When I got my Denon I thought it was great. Not as good as my two channel rig'(which has HT bypass) but this thing rivals my Parasound pre sometimes. Lambo experience on a beater car budget basically. Certainly worth a shot. Running my 7.2 straight Bowers set of speakers with this is a bit strange but hey, whatever works
@@musicman8270 awesome! Thanks for your insight! I hope to get my hands on one soon! 🤘
Hi Ealean, thank you for nice video. Can you pls advice how to connect with my Denon AVR-X4400H receiver and Emotiva A-700 amp. Thank you.
Yeah those others are $3000 but they come with amplification so it's not really a third of the price once you calculate at least an 11ch amp.
Very cool announcement for Emotiva. If this had Dirac it would be a major disruptor. Not sure how legit Emo-Q is...
True. Hoping to find out myself soon… 🤞
Room EQ is just a good starting point and must be defined with a meter afterwards. Crossovers should also be turned as well.
DSD bitstreaming support? (SACD)
Game changer. Belive it or not, I'm probably the only one who separated all internal speakers from the Nakamichi Ultra 9.2.4 and amped all channels externally. It sounds great! This preamp might change my mind.
That sounds nuts. I would like to see a video about that.
Me too! Anthony - would you mind emailing me a breakdown of how you pulled that off? ealanosborne@gmail.com
@@ealanosborne sure enough. Bedtime for now. I'll gather pics tomorrow.
@@Waddamattau Absolutely! No rush. 😁👍
Too many important features to me that are not included. Looking at what it offers and cost of materials seems pricey. Wouldn’t trust the room calibration. I have looked at Emotiva products several times, it just falls short in many aspects. The day it fills the gaps then Emotiva will become a front runner.
Ealan!!!! brother...should BasX change their name to "Advanced" or maybe even "Alternatives" in lieu of separates? :) just kidding...very great review...this is most helpful and informative!
I have asked Emotiva if the LFE extends below 20hz
It seems to me the 20hz to 20Khz spec is perhaps for full range speakers without LFE
We will see
I am considering one A3 and two A5 amps to complete the package
Should we be concerned that the frequency response only extends to 20hz?
Nope. That's standard industry speak.
Thanks again for the review
I want it bro!! I don’t care at all about video, send it all directly to my display (LG CX). I’ve been waiting for an option like this!! I really don’t want to buy an AVR because I don’t need video, just audio and no, I don’t care about Auro3D… BOOM!! 💥
This is crazy. I just ordered one! Now I am going to need amps! And I need to learn a lot more about home theater separates! This to get front wides and I don’t know if they are worth it. And how good is their room correction???? I would say thanks for the heads up, but you just sent me down a new rabbit hole! LOL
I ordered one also and I'm looking forward to it.
Since this is a baby ToneWinner AT-300, it has decent room correction, but the better choice is using REW and a UMIK-1 mic and then plugging the data from the REW results into the processor manually.
@@michaelduncan123 I'm waiting for them to be in stock again. How is the MC1 compared to an AV receiver, night and day?
@@SavageAirCinema The sound quality is excellent, although I note without using the emo Q equalizer setting. I ran the emo Q and it got the distances for the speakers right but it muffled the sound to me and cut out too much of the mid range and the highs. I just bypassed the EQ setting and it left the speaker distances corrected which is fine with me running it that way un E q'd. I would recommend this processor.
BasX MR1......!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you actually buy it?
I have the Denon S540BT right now. I'm hoping they can knock this out of the park otherwise i'll go with the 3700H.
Can it work for 9 speakers
Of course! Any configuration up to 13.2, honestly. 🤘
What's DACS is this thing using?
Basic Cirrus Logic 24 bit/192 kHz DAC's to save costs. They still sound quite good, though. The larger AT-300 from the MC1's parent manufacturer has had compliments with the sound being at least as good as a Denon. The problem with most consumer AV products is that they throw in 32 bit wiz-bang DAC's in upper tier products to look good on paper, but you would be hard pressed to get about 20 bits of actual audio reproduction out of them due to poor designing around the DAC's and lousy implementation. So, in actuality, a basic 24 bit DAC well conceived will sound about the same (or maybe a little better) than a 32 bit advanced DAC.
Great review of a useful product... I wonder if the New Osborne Home will get this Processor + 13 MONOBLOCKS!? Get'RDone!
That would be insanely cool! 🤞
@@ealanosborne love your content bro!! In your honest opinion, do you prefer the Denon x4700 in pre amp mode or the emotiva XMC-2? I’m running Emotiva XLA Dr3 for front stage, XLA 200 for surrounds and XLA for Atmos. I currently have the demon but feel like the XMC-2 might be better. I was thinking about the Bassx mc you’re reviewing but it doesn’t have balanced outputs, neither does the Denon.
@@raymondayala5355 Yeah, I hear once you go pre/pro, you never wanna go back. The XMC-2 is going to be a step above an x4700h when it comes to just pure audio vs audio. But the price! Yikes! 😬 I still don’t personally own a pre/pro yet for that very reason…
@@ealanosborne thanks for your reply. What do you currently have? Which receiver and which speakers? I have the Arendal 1723s monitors for front stage, two 1723s surrounds and 4 SVS height elevations and 1 PB3000 and a Vava 4K projector on a 125’ screen. I feel like the Denon 4700 I currently have is great, especially with all the amps… but I’m always feeling like a dedicated pre pro could be better lol
@@raymondayala5355 Well, I’m currently building (slowly) a home theater testing room at my brother-in-law’s place, so nothing is hooked up at the moment. 😄 But once I get a setup back up and running, I’m rocking Aperion audio speakers (Verus concert V8s for front L/R, Verus center, Verus bookshelves, 4 height modules, 2 Bravus 12D subs, and 1 SVS Prime Elevation for Voice of God to rock a 10.2 Auro 3D configuration. And it’s all powered by a Marantz SR7015. No external amps yet, though.
But the obvious goal is to power all speakers with external amps, then eventually get a pre/pro, for sure. And it sounds like you’re itching to take that next step, too! That x4700h is a beast, but anyone who is serious about home theater should have a pre/pro goal, ultimately. 😄
I want to want it, but I feel they made too many compromises. When you could order the onkyo tx-rz50, and get a ton more features and just giving up two channels for $400. I would have been ok if it was $300-500 more if it had things like HDMI 2.1, IMAX enhanced, and especially DIRC. It really is a down grade in features.
yeah, but the difference between a processor with separate amp and a receiver is night/day. I think youthman has done a couple videos about that. Agree that lack of HDMI 2.1 and other features you mentioned should make this a little cheaper, but it's a downright BARGAIN if you want to get into separates.
@@tedgray3061 but you can use the TX-RZ50 as just a processor. It has 11 unbalanced RCA outputs to connect amps too. You can set it up so you don't even use the internal amp and it's basically the same thing.
@@Cyclone311 you can, but there is still a huge difference in sound quality between a receiver used to send signs to external amps, and a processor sending signal to seperate amps. You should check out youthman’s comparison between a marantz receiver and a marantz processor sending signal to a monolith amp.
Ted is correct but it definitely depends on the processor; which emotiva has had issues with in the past.
I’m in the same boat. They need something in between this and the XMC-2 level, which is 3,200. How about something in the 1,500-2,000 range with less compromise? They said there will be massive updates to the RMC and XMC line in 2022, but not sure if that means a more affordable model. A no compromise 7.2 processor would be ideal for me. I would pull the trigger on an XPA 7 right now, but the emo bucks are only good for 3 months. I thought about using the bucks to get a BasX A4 amp, but but I don’t need 11 channels of amplification. Maybe I just wait til next years emo bucks promo waiting for the updates and product reviews. Waiting sucks.
Where is the 120hz...?
This and the ToneWinner AT-300, the bigger brother of the MC1, are budget pre-amps. These chipsets are not ready for prime time (look at all the horror stories) and they would jack the price up too much.
Oooooooo. I’m in the market for something like this. Was looking at the denon 3700. And eventually upgrading to get a 11 channel emotiva amp. Hmmmm.
Get the 3700, you'll like it. I've got the 4700. I'll be Adding amps to that later in '22. But imo, don't go emotiva 11 channel amp.
Seconded. Just switched from an mc700 to the x3700. I know its hard to compare because the x3700 costs more and comes with amps you may not need, but I think this is generally a better product when it comes down to a/v and hdmi functionality.
@@Cowclops I think I will stick with the x3700. I think it will have better processing and more sparkly features like imax. Plus the room correction is probably better. But I really like the balanced sub outputs. Also 13 channels won’t work for my setup. 11 channels is perfect for me
It's a good deal but no Auro3D,not for me ! 😁
Don't worry about a pretty dead format.
Can it be used on 5.1 configuration?
Sure! Any configuration up to a 7.2.6 or 9.2.4, so you can definitely start with 5.1 and expand from there. 👍
Using my marantz SR 7015 in full preampmode with xpa-5.
I don't this emotiva will compete.
Is there a chance to update this processesor to auto 3d?
Now you have me reconsidering getting the Onkyo RZ50🤦😁
Well...it's still unknown when that elusive RZ50 will be released, soooooooo...😄
if you can even GET anything. I ordered an rz50 5 months ago, still not even an expected receiving date by the retailers, but "check back in january" .... I wouldnt hold my breath actually getting your hands on one for quite a while even with a preorder. I lucked out and found and in stock intregra and canceled my rz50 order.
@@hawkeytown Great news! Hope it checks all the boxes for your home theater needs!
I was wondering about the Integra brand and if it would ever come out. Good to see Onkyo's top of the line series lives on 😯
@@kman9387 yeah it does, its basically the higher end rz50, it hurts to pay a bit more for it than the rz50 but whats a couple hundered bucks in the grand scheme of things XD and I can actually HAVE it. I cant wait to get it wired in, and replace the yamanha stand in i have, next week and get all my speakers running.
@@hawkeytown Awesome! What speakers are you driving?
There are two more processors in the same category : ToneWinner AT-300 and IOTA AVX17, both are same and better than the Emotiva as they have balanced out for all channels
Absolutely better because of balanced outputs? I don't think so, because better is relative depending upon the end-user and their use case. How many end-users have cable runs that would see a benefit from XLRs?
No balanced outs other than for subs? 😒👎
Why are these so freaking hard to find if you don't know the exact terminology? lol. I want one of these, so I can build each sound system channel as powerful or weak as I want, without being restrained by the Wattage and Ohms of an amp that handles everything in the whole system.
Hey Ealan... seems like a beginner's wet dream.
All you gotta do is buy more and more successive amps over time as you sell each of those pesky kids to science, one by one... LOL
Seriously, start with two solid mains, then eventually a centre channel, then 1 or 2 SWs, then eventually some bed layer surrounds, then some heights.
Pay as you play, and voila you got 7.2.4 or better with time.
All the 2021 snapshot software/ formats are there...
Nice, eh?
no HDMI 2.1 :-(
Not important unless you are a crazy gamer. Even then, most products only have one HDMI 2.1 40 Gbps port and some don't even work properly.
I might do it if they add IMAX enhanced
Not worth it and it is not on the horizon. The licensing fee would jack up the price beyond the price point ToneWinner is going for.
I have the 6700 and it kind of sucks
It has been 2 months, I am still waiting for the actual review of the processor. Specifically, the sound quality and room correction.
Yep. Wish I could get my hands on one ASAP. Everything is behind, of course… 🤷♂️
After checking the website every day for 2 months, I was finally able to order an Emotiva BasX MC1.
I spent a few hours calibrating it to my 7.2.4 setup with a 92-inch screen using a 4K HDR projector.
The speakers I have are all powered by three Emotiva BasX series amps. All I can say is WOW!
Compared to my Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 (only 7.2 channels), the MC1 made the sound go from ordinary to extraordinary!!
I like the fact I can adjust each speaker's slope curve in the settings. I used a UMIK-1 microphone with REW and EqualizerAPO to calibrate the sound.
I play all video content from my PC out to the MC1, and I set the Equalizer setting (in the MC1) to 'Bypass'.
Seriously... this unit made my subwoofers go from sounding good to FEELING good.
Even the picture quality on my projector looks a little bit brighter with the black levels also being a little bit darker.
Very impressed with this unit, and it's a game-changer in the industry for the affordable price point
@@SavageAirCinema Whoa, what an incredible setup! Congrats!!! 🎉🤘
@@ealanosborne first movie I re-watched was "FURY". Holy cow..
The background effects of planes flying overhead, the bullet flybys and the distant sound of bombs exploding was intense.
This is great no BS
Thanks
Hey come up with some budget streaming devices fr quality content streaming?! The source other dan blue rays
You can't really use that 13 channels all 4k movies don't even use that 13 channels they still using 5 channels but sometimes 7 channels. 7 Channels would have better to lower its price.
I can find not a single review of this product