Emotiva, Dirac Live, and Ascend

[GPeaslee]

I just upgraded the electronics in my 7.2 system from a Pioneer Elite SC-05 to Emotiva XPA-5 Gen 2 (for LCR and sides), Emotiva XPA-200 Gen 2 (for rears), and Emotiva XMC-1 preamp/processor. With correction from Dirac Live Full, the sound is spectacular! My speakers are Sierra 2's (fronts), Sierra Horizon RAAL center, HTM 200SE sides, KEF in-ceiling rears, and dual Epik Sentinel subs (my room is small, so I have to go small on the sides and use in-ceilings for the rears). I previously used an SVS AS-EQ1 to equalize the subs, but they sound great with Dirac. This was a fantastic upgrade, and I highly recommend the combination of Emotiva electronics and Ascend speakers.

[markie]

Very nice! I think you are at least the second person here using the XMC-1. I've heard that even without applying Dirac (and using 'just' the parametric equalization) there is improvement over high end receivers. Was that your experience as well? Also in what way specifically did the XMC-1 with Dirac sound better than the Pioneer? Thanks!
Mark

[GPeaslee]

I didn't work with the parametric eq before trying Dirac, but just input the speaker distances and balanced the levels. It sounded OK but not great. Dirac is a little finicky, but after some helpful tips on the Emo forum, I got a very nice result on my second attempt. The cool thing with the full version of Dirac is you can try different tweaks like adjusting the curtains or changing the target curve without having to redo the measurements. As for the sound, I would say with music there is better clarity, definition, headroom, impact, and more smoothness and warmth with the vocals. I haven't done much testing with movies, but the beginning of Chapter 2 in Casino Royale sounded spectacular. It seemed to fill the room better and pull me into the scene more than I remember.

There has been some talk on the Emo forum about the XMC-1's ability to handle multiple subs. The SVS AS EQ1 made a huge difference when added to my system. But I think Dirac does an equally great job. The corrections it is making to the other speakers look very impressive too on the before and after graphs. So yes, I would say that the XMC-1 with Dirac is a significant upgrade over high end receivers.

[Djoel]

I just set up Dirac this pass weekend after some weeks with the XMC-1, which sounds excellent without Dirac btw, but once you engage RC it's hits another level for sure. Listening to my SACD Dean Martin, Nat King Cole you can here so much detail, that's simply jaw dropping. I had to switch my Oppo 105D from DSD, to PCM as I was getting some odd static thumps. No biggie, I'll just wait for a FW from Emotiva, they're aware of the issue so I'm quite confident they'll have something soon.

I definitely want to purchase Full Dirac, and play with that, and see if I can squeeze any more SQ out the Emo. I purchsed a MiniDSP mic just for it

At the moment I don't have any Sub/s, one of the reasons I was looking in here, but I bet Dirac would help my finicky room.

DJoel

[GPeaslee]

Update - I also purchased a CS calibrated UMIK-1 mic and re-ran Dirac which took the XMC-1 up to a slightly higher level. After more music listening and movie watching, I am noticing how large the soundstage is yet sounds are placed with pinpoint accuracy. For movies, the XMC-1 is simply spectacular (it's turned my head several times). I also purchased Dire Straights' "Brothers in Arms" 5.1 SACD which through the Emotiva electronics and the Ascend speakers is the best music reproduction I have ever heard. The XMC-1 with Dirac has been a much better upgrade than I expected, and I can say it works very well with Ascend speakers.

[GPeaslee]

Update #2 - I got the sub upgrade bug. Had a chance to visit with Brian at Rythmik in person and showed him pictures of my room. Like many, it is not ideal and has openings on all 4 walls which severely limits sub placement options. Brian recommended an E15 HP for the front and an L22 for the rear (due to space limitations). He said they are close in output and should match well with each other. Boy was he right. These Rythmik sealed subs sound great. They go plenty low and have amazingly great definition for both music and movies (servo technology!). Even the uncorrected and corrected Dirac curves are better. Thank you to Dave, Brian, and Emotiva for your great products!