Emotiva RMC-1 16CH Atmos/DTS:X AV Processor Preview

Emotiva announced their long awaited RMC-1 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X AV Processor, a no-holds-barred model that supports full 4K UHD video, with high speed video switching. This model offers full support  for Dolby Atmos and DTS-X object-oriented surround sound formats and is designed to be the best in its class, with 16 fully balanced channels, including an all-analog preamplifier section, precision 32-bit AD/DA conversion, and an advanced 4K UHD video management system. Eight HDMI inputs and dual HDMI outputs support 2.0b and HDCP 2.2, ensuring theater-like video quality from all 4K UHD HDR10 sources and equipment.

"A significant number of our dealer friends on the front line are entrenched in the custom channel, and an increasing number are specifying Emotiva for installations that call for a true high-performance sonic solution,” said Dan Laufman, President and Founder, Emotiva Audio Corp. “It’s what makes Emotiva a favorite among installers who need audio equipment that sounds great and is reasonably priced.”

On the audio side, the RMC-1 features a full 16 channels of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound (7.3.6 channels), with a decoded audio signal for each channel that is processed by a separate high performance AKM Verita™ 32-bit DAC, operated in what Emotiva refers to as "precision balanced mono mode". Support is provided for native audio decoding of single- and double-rate DSD digital audio signals, accepted from either HDMI or USB sources.  DSP processing is handled by two state of the art  dual core ADSP-SC573 SHARC DSP chips from Analog Devices.  Emotiva is currently the only AV manufacturer that we know of employing these chips.

Some of the guts of the soon to be Emotiva RMC-1 @ CES 2017

The RMC-1’s Reference Stereo mode helps to create a two-channel listening experience that is claimed to be unparalleled at the price point. Dirac Live™ automatic room correction, running on all 16 channels at a full 192 kHz sample rate, establishes the perfect synergy between the RMC-1, the listening room, and the rest of the system.   Support is provided for native audio decoding of single- and double-rate DSD digital audio signals, accepted from either HDMI or USB sources. (Auro 3D™is supported with an optional license.)  The fact that Emotiva is putting out a 16 channel processor with fully differential circuits from input to output at this price point is truly remarkable and should put the rest of the high end processor market on notice.  We can't wait to learn more about the capabilities of this product, especially the channel assignments and how it can really open up new possibilities beyond a 7.1.4 Atmos/DTS:X speaker layout typical in most immersive home theaters today.  The RMC-1 appears to leave nothing for the audiophile or videophile to desire other than to wait for its unannounced shipping date.

Similar to many Emotiva products, the RMC-1 will be manufactured on site at the company’s headquarters in Franklin, TN. 

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.