Emotiva LMC-1 & LPA-1 review. - Axiom Message Boards

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Hi everyone,

Here are my impressions of the LMC-1 and LPA-1, which I have been running in my HT for the past two days.

Review of LMC-1 bugs posted online.

1. Missing channel with Dolby 5.1:

I have yet to exhibit this issue. According to Lonnie it was rectified in the latest firmware. FIXED.

2. No DTS ES or NEO on DTS 5.1 sources:

I can confirm this is a bug. If you try selecting either ES or NEO, it reverts back to regular DTS.

3. Signal Acquisition delay:

I have to say mine takes 2-4 seconds, and rarely over 3. FIXED.

4. Dolby EX is displayed when the LMC is in fact only decoding 2.0 or 5.1

I have only a 5.1 setup, so I have not fully tested this. What I can say is that my unit properly displays and decodes 2.0 and 5.1 sources.

5. The unit gets “confused” when switching sources. It does not remember which processing to apply.

I have tried to confuse the unit, and I haven't been able to. I had my cable box running a DD 2.0 feed, and then my DVD player running a DTS feed. Switching between the two was faultless. It played the DD 2.0 as such, and DTS as DTS.

I then tried the following. I put the LMC on the DD 2.0 feed from my cable box. I switched the DVD source from DTS to DD EX. I switched the input back to DVD, and it properly displayed and played back in DD EX mode.

6. Inability to switch processing modes on DD 2.0 or 5.1 sources.

There really is only one problem with this unit, and it’s with Dolby Digital sources. There is a Dolby button on the remote which allows you to toggle between DD modes (PLII music, PLII movie, AC-3, etc). But it often does not work properly.

For example: You are watching TV and the feed is 2.0, and you set your LMC to play it back in PLII movie mode. Then, you switch channels to a 5.1 feed. You want to set your LMC to play in DD mode, but when you press on the Dolby button, it often does nothing. It will stay stuck on PLII music. You have to do a few button presses to go into a sub menu to select either DD or DD EX. Lonnie from Emotiva said its inability to make the change was due to the processor not being able to do so, but obviously it can, it just takes a few (6 or so, depending on situation) extra button presses. This absolutely must be fixed in the next firmware release.

General review.

I am extremely impressed by the LMC-1’s sound quality. It is far better than the Yamaha, HK and Denon receivers I have used with my Axiom setup (M80’s, VP150, QS8’s). Movies both in DTS and DD have a much better soundfield than previous. 2 channel stereo imaging in incredible. My M80’s truly disappear. Highs are crips, midrange is smooth, and bass is tight and punchy. SACD and DVD-Audio also sound great.

I won’t write anymore about the sound quality, since there seems to already be enough online ranting and raving about it. It really is superb.

I have coupled the LMC-1 with the LPA-1. I absolutely adore the LPA-1. Even at extremely loud volumes, the sound remains clean and it controls the Axioms very, very well. It’s an absolute beast at 63 pounds. It’s also a very pretty unit, and the LMC-1 looks great sitting on top of it (yes, they can be stacked). It does not generate nearly as much heat as I thought it would – a sign of a really good amp, considering the low impedance of the Axioms I own. At $499, I think it’s a steal. You’d be hard pressed to find a better amp than this at this price, brand new, backed with a 5 year warranty.

Overall, I would give the LMC-1 an 8/10 (maybe 8.5 due to superb SQ), and the LPA-1 a 10/10. If Emotiva can fix the LMC-1 bugs with DTS and DD modes as described above, I will give it a full 10/10.

But will I keep the LMC-1? I am not certain. I will see over the next few days. If the bugs really bother me, I’ll return it. If I can live with them, I’ll keep it. I’m really 50/50 right now. I will also be contacting Lonnie about these bugs, and depending on whether or not I think Emotiva will fix these issues in a forthcoming firmware will also weigh heavily on my decision. There is also the %40 discount on future generation pre/pro’s to factor into the decision, however, that might be at least a year away, so I’ll have to decide whether or not I can live with the LMC-1’s quirks for that amount of time. It is also assuming that the next generation will not exhibit the same problems.

Would I recommend its purchase? I would most definitely recommend the LPA-1. I can’t say yes for the LMC-1, though. It’s really a personal decision of “do I want to live with quirks for outstanding sound performance at its price?” Outlaw Audio’s least expensive pre/pro is just slightly more expensive (roughly $180 USD more) than the LMC-1, but apparently it is bug free, and its performance and build are nearly identical.

I think I'll have to go for the LPA-1 at some point. It sounds like it would be the right amount of amplification for me, and not overspending on something would be a nice change of pace.

I just don't know how much of a difference it will make over the $1699 Onkyo receiver I'm looking at.

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Highs are crips

Damn. My M60s have mids that are Bloods. I guess I won't be looking into Emotiva!

Nice review!

Curious how you have found the support at Emotiva. I have sent 2 emails and received no response so far. It's been 2 days. I called yesterday and got voice mail. Left a message but no one has returned my call. Today, I can't even get voice mail. The system just goes into a black hole. Maybe I'm just not supposed to buy from them.

Dan, Robert, and Lonnie are the only people that answer the phones. Normally they answer within the first few rings. Back when I had an MPS-1 I had better luck calling than email. They get hundreds of emails a day.

Overall, I was very pleased with their CS support, to bad the amp didn't work out with my 80's.

Sounds like my experience with Swan. Except I gave them a lot longer than 2 days and tried faxing as well.

cgolf,

from my experience, emails to Emotiva often end up in their Spam / Junk email box. Lonnie has told me that when I emailed him from both of my addresses, they both often end up in there.

When I call I generally get an answer right away. If not, I get called back on the same business day.

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from my experience, emails to Emotiva often end up in their Spam / Junk email box.

I don't want to raise anyone's hackles, because I have no love nor distaste for Emotiva, but....

That's no excuse. I have the same issue in my business and it just means you have to check the SPAM folders a few times a day.....

I’ve lived with the Emotiva Ultra Theater Combo LCM-1 (pre) & LPA-1 (power) for the past week…Wow, what a one\two knockout punch!!!

SOUND:
This Ultra separate pair BLOWS Away my Sony DE885 receiver (100w X 5) in sonic purity and sheer dynamics! I’ve gained At Least 6db of Clean, undistorted dynamic audio output that is far clearer and cleaner than I heard -at any level- on the Sony! The sound stage has become more detailed and defined with much greater spatial clues and nuancances, creating a lucid 3-D effect I didn’t have before! The extended bandwidth of the combo reflects in absolutely totally effortless highs and lows that seem to have no boundaries! There is so much “air” around every note and sound, I become completely immersed in the clarity of details and subtleties that I never heard before!! If I would describe the overall sonic presentation in one word, it would be “Pure”!!! I am thrilled with the fidelity increases these electronics have made to my HT audio system. The fact that these very notable improvements have been realized using a humbling Bose Acoustimass 15 system as my main\surround speakers (please, no flames…came with the house) is a strong testament to the Emo engineering!! The sound of this electronic pair is Superb, Especially considering it’s delivery “total cost” of less than $900!!!

FUNCTION:
Basic, simple and uncomplicated comes to mind while I setup and tested the Ultra Theater pair! The LMC-1 has shown no bugs or quirks during my trials, but I’m a newbie when it comes to all of the DD\DTS codes and applicable functions…seems to work well for me! I’m running a simple 5.1 surround and getting great separation and clarity of DD\DTS mixes…no complaints! The LPA-1 is a high current, wide bandwidth, low impedance, low distortion amp that I’ve not been able to drive into clipping…it just seems to have no audible headroom limitations! It has Never gotten above 95degf (barely warm to the touch), even after being on all day and cranking to super-clean loud theater volumes in action HD-DVD movies! (BTW, my HT room is 5300cf with a large opening to another 2000cf space!)

LOOKS\BUILD:
FANTASTIC on Both accounts!

EMOTIVA CS:
A+

RECOMMENDATION:
If you have the space, this pair appears to be very competitive (performance & price) when compared to other separates, specially when considering other all-in-one \ middle-of-the-road receivers!!!
IMHO, considering it’s $$$ value, superb sonic attributes and future 40% upgrade discount, I don’t believe you will find a much better pre\pro\amp combination!!! I'm sure the A1400-8 amp will be a beast in comparison to the LPA-1, but at 6X the price, it should be!

Hope to find out in the near future how this Emo combo drives the Epic 80 HT system...can't even begin to imagine the Auditory Improvements this will have over the Bose system!!!

Ted

I have to say, the LPA-1 is looking more attractive all the time.

A word-of-mouth makeover!

BTW, Pictue of my HT Setup is posted Here...#54:

http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=21086&page=4

Ted

Hey, nice setup, Ted. The color works. I can't wait to see it with the new speakers.

Theo,

glad you like your Emotiva products.

I'm curious to know if you have experienced the DTS NEO:6 and DD mode switching issues that I have with the LMC-1.

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Theo,

glad you like your Emotiva products.

I'm curious to know if you have experienced the DTS NEO:6 and DD mode switching issues that I have with the LMC-1.

Only quirk has been that although my Toshiba HD DVD is outputting Toslink-Bitstream w\ DD+ (most HD DVD audio formats), the LCM-1 calls it [ DTS 3\2 + LFE 48K ]...but no problem, it Still Sounds Awesome!!!

My Direct TV Satelite always displays DPL II on the LCM, also sounds great!

Have yet to try any audio 2-channel upconversion through DTS NEO:6!?

Again, I'm an ancient "Stereo" nut from back 3 centuries (or is that decades, I always forget), so my experience w\ DD or DTS surround audio is very limited...Still have much to learn...just hope I have the Time!!

Ted

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Only quirk has been that although my Toshiba HD DVD is outputting Toslink-Bitstream w\ DD+ (most HD DVD audio formats), the LCM-1 calls it [ DTS 3\2 + LFE 48K ]...but no problem, it Still Sounds Awesome!!!

If you have the first generation Toshiba HD-DVD players, I believe this is typical of the player, and not the Emotiva. The player was transcoding the DD+ to DTS 1.5kbps.

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If you have the first generation Toshiba HD-DVD players, I believe this is typical of the player, and not the Emotiva. The player was transcoding the DD+ to DTS 1.5kbps.

I have the 2nd generation Toshiba A2 HD-DVD, but the DTS 3\2 + LFE 48K (if that is a transcode of the DD+) showing on the LCM still sounds fantastic..not really worried!!

Ted

Theo,

the DD bug is as follows:

If you are receiving a DD 5.1 source, and you are pressing the Dolby button on your remote to switch through DD modes, it gets stuck at PLII Movie.

If you are receiving a 2.0 feed, it gets stuck at AC-3.

To continue switching, you must go into the Mode Select menu.

For DTS, I have only noticed the bug to be with DTS 5.1 sources. I have never tried upconverting a 2.0 source, as I have no DTS 2.0 sources. Mind you, I have some Pink Floyd in 4.0, I'll give that a try.

If you are or are not having these bugs, I'd be really curious to know. In fact, so would Emotiva, as they are working on fixing them.

Thanks Ted,

Ravi.

Hello Ravi,

At this time, my DD 5.1 sources (via HD DVD) flash the LMC display as a DTS 3\2 + LFE 48K code, then shows "DTS"! When I press the remote Dolby button, it flashes "N\A", then reverts back to that DTS code! I may have to upload the latest firmware to my Toshiba A2 player.

On All of my Direct TV HD\SD feeds, I can select any of the DD matrixes...Movie, Music, Matrix, Virtual, 3 Ch...and the LMC powers up on the previous choice! Also on the satelite feed, I can choose DTS NEO6 C6, and that sticks when power cycling!

When playing Stereo CD's (on the HD-DVD), the LCM still allows me to select the DD matrixes (any of the 5) or DTS NEO6 decoding. My previous setting selection also remains after a LMC power down\up sequence!

Hope this helps!?

Ted

Ted,

thanks for the reply.

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I have to say, the LPA-1 is looking more attractive all the time.

you took the words right out of my mouth.. How much is duty on Lpa-1 .. anyone got any idea??

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I have to say, the LPA-1 is looking more attractive all the time.

you took the words right out of my mouth.. How much is duty on Lpa-1 .. anyone got any idea??

Where are you located? Call Emotiva and inquire about their rates...they are Great people to deal with, as here at Axiom!!!

Ted

AVdude,

I ordered the LPA-1 and LMC-1 for a combined $899USD, which was about $950 CAD. Duties, customs, taxes and fees all added up to $280CAD, so I would expect more or less $150 for just the LPA-1 (I believe it is currently selling for around $517USD).

thanks Ravi... it would seem if you can get it delivered to a "ameri friend" across the boarder you could save a bit... I have emailed Emotiva twice now to get an answer about shipping and duties with no reply.. I will give them a call mon if I haven't got a answer from them ..

Stan

I am thinking of ordering the Chassis and three EMP-300 top run my fronts.
I was told that multiply the cost by 1.4 - 1.5 and that is about the final landing costs. But, that was also at a time when the CDN was at 64 cents to the USD

I called today.. I was told that shipping would be $70 and to check UPS web site for duties...I tried to find a landed cost but not sure if I did it correctly it gave me a price of $64 not sure how correct that is .. I have sent an email to UPS to see if they can give me a the correct figure .. will keep yu posted..

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2. No DTS ES or NEO on DTS 5.1 sources:

I can confirm this is a bug. If you try selecting either ES or NEO, it reverts back to regular DTS.

Please note that I have made a mistake. You need to have a 6.1 setup in order to initialize all 6.1 modes in DTS, so this is not a bug.

Ok .. here's the scoup.. Electronic Items MADE in the USA are duty free.. Items made outside of the USA are charged 6.5% duty .. Emotiva is made in China so it is chaged the 6.5% .. These number's came from Canada customs and I called Emotiva to find out where they are manufactured..They are great to deal with, calling is the best way to contact them .. it's toll free and if they don't have an answer they will call you righ back when they get one.. I hope this is the new way of doing business on the net .. Axiom and Emotiva are some of the best Internet sellers I have ever encountered..

I think you can also add that shipping from Emotiva will be $70.But .....once it goes to customs UPS brokerage also charges, I think it is $35 plus then SHipping from customs to your home. also the $65.

I only paid an extra $40USD to have it shipped to Montreal.

I think my total bill was very close to $1280 CAD, including shipping, duties, customs, taxes and all that.

Ok UPS tried to deliver my LPA1 today... I was tracking the package and it somehow came from fort Erie in 45 minuntes this afternoon ... On the delivery attempt notice it lists COD charges as $156 .. So Landed cost of an LPA1 to Ont.. is $760 ($500 + 70(ship)US $) + ($156)(can$)(duty, taxes and misselanious charges)= $760 canadian .. I'll put an exact breakdown of the charges here tomorrow when I recieve it .. So much for real time tracking .. I checked at noon and it had not left Fort Erie, not sure how they got it here so quick .. lol .. Oh well I will be waiting with my nose agaist the window tomorrow for the big brown truck ..

Avdude

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Ok UPS tried to deliver my LPA1 today...
[snip]
.. Oh well I will be waiting with my nose agaist the window tomorrow for the big brown truck ..
Avdude

Something women will never understand! How a grown man can be so impatient when it comes to audio/video/electronics/ computer equipment!

avdude,

You'll love the LPA-1. I don't think you can find an amp this good and this nice-looking at its price, even used.

Congrats on your purchase. Let us know how you like it.

Well the LPA-1 did not disapoint ..It arrived with the outside box fairly beat up but with no damage to the amp itself .. the double box did it's job! I listened to a little bit of music tonight and was quite impressed with the smoothness of the sound .. I love not having to crank it up to achieve decent listening levels

.. Now for the breakdown of landed costs .....

Duty $31.22 (6.5%)
Broker fee $53.83
BROKER GST $3.23
GST $30.59
PST $40.79
Total = $159.56

As you can see by the #'s UPS is commiting HWY robbery with brokerage fee's .. I plan on calling tomorrow to get an explanation as to why the broker fee is so high .. That is just crazy to charge that much for filling out a piece of paper.... Now back to enjoying my new Amp before I leave for work .. Hope this info helps those on the fence that are looking to grab one of these ..

AvDude