As Emotiva explains, the XMC-2's audio performance and innovative features are "consistently ahead of competitive products at any price point." From bit-perfect video switching to the company’s advanced audio decoding engine and proprietary audio processing hardware, the XMC-2 processor provides professional-grade A/V performance for any home theater. Included are on-board support for current Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-oriented immersive sound formats, with sound quality that is equal to and often better than many high-end stereo components.
“If the RMC-1 was our most anticipated product in recent years, the XMC-2 was right behind it,” says Dan Laufman, President and CEO, Emotiva Audio Corp. “Out of the gate, it’s the one that longtime customers have been drooling over, especially after word got out that performance is very similar to that of the our flagship RMC-1."
The new XMC-2, like the RMC-1, combines powerful new Analog Devices Sharc DSP technology (dual-core, 450 MHz) with audiophile-grade analog circuitry to deliver best-in-class sonics. Starting with the use of AKM5572 Verita converters on analog inputs, followed by hardware-based asynchronous sample rate converters between DSP stages for extremely high jitter immunity with digital audio sources, the XMC-2 offers digitally controlled precision analog ladder network volume controls powered by Cirrus CS3318 resistor ladder network volume controls on main zone and Cirrus CS3310 resistor ladder network volume control on secondary zones.
Emotiva’s proprietary OS controls the menu system and all the advanced control logic. Audio control options include support for up to three separate subwoofers, with independent level, distance, room correction, and EQ settings for each, as well as advanced bass management with fully independent crossover settings for each speaker group. Two sets of fully independent 11-band manual parametric speaker EQ settings, plus global Bass and Treble controls with user-selectable turnover points (independent from more complex EQ settings), allow total control in any reproduction scenario, including also user selectable true Fletcher-Munson loudness compensation curves and selectable dynamic range control.
The complete input options support an extremely wide variety of audio sources, including HDMI audio, analog audio, AM and FM radio, digital S/PDIF and USB PCM audio, and both single and double-rate DSD digital audio. With independent audio input selection for each video input, the user can associate any audio source with any video input, and even temporarily choose to listen to any audio-only source while watching any video input. A second audio zone with separate DACs and source selection is available.
The XMC-2 features the same advanced 4k HDR and Dolby Vision UHD video switching capabilities as the RMC-1, the same support for decoding and processing 16 discrete 16 channels of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound audio, and the same powerful yet simple to use Live AV menu and control system. Also like the RMC-1, the XMC-2 processor uses high-end AKM AK4490 32-bit DACs, providing 16 channels of fully balanced audio output. The AK4490, recognized as a superb fully differential stereo DAC, offers a super-high-quality mode called “mono mode.” The XMC-2 uses the front three channels and main LFE outputs in this mode, while the remaining channels use the AK4490 in its stereo differential mode.
Apart from the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats, the XMC-2 supports highest quality audio decoding for high resolution surround sound formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, plus stereo and surround sound PCM digital audio via HDMI. It supports formats up to 4k UHD 50/60Hz 4.4.4 with HDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision and features Audio Return Channel (ARC) and CEC support on the primary output. For high quality music experiences, the processor offers native support for stereo and surround sound DSD digital audio via HDMI, and for both single-rate and double rate stereo DSD audio via USB.
For intuitive operation, the XMC-2 features a large high-quality graphical OLED display and menu navigation interface. For remote control, the XMC-2 comes with a dedicated machined aluminum infrared remote control with discrete buttons for HDMI input selection, trim adjustments, and other major functions. Remote control apps are also available for macOS and Windows computers and Android phones, plus integration with universal infrared remote controls and popular infrared and network operated whole-home control systems. A total of four flexible Trigger Outputs can be independently configured to activate amplifiers or other trigger-enabled equipment.
www.emotiva.com
