Emotiva BasX MR1 Receiver and MC1 Processor – Quick Look

All Image Credit: Emotiva

Tennessee based Emotiva Audio have released their new BasX MR1 Cinema Receiver with 11.2-channels (13.2 channels of processing) and BasX MC1 Cinema Processor in the UK. For those who use active speakers their US best selling BasX MC1 is described as “the processor section of the MR1 designed for system builders with existing power amplifiers or a preference for pre/power systems”. Even though only supporting 4K, both provide “serious AV performance” at a very competitive price and for UK HT enthusiasts are now both avilable through the UK distributor Karma-AV.

BasX MR1 Cinema Receiver

The BasX MR1 cinema receiver combines a high performance 13.2 channel immersive surround sound processor, and 11 channels of audiophile power amplification, in a single chassis. The processor section of the MR1 supports 4K UHD video, including HDR and Dolby Vision, enhanced ARC (eARC), and the latest Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X™ immersive surround sound formats. The MR1 features six HDMI 2.0b video inputs, all of which support 4K UHD HDR video and two HDMI 2.0b outputs, one of which supports enhanced ARC (eARC). Included with the MR1 is a measurement microphone and the latest version of EmoQ, Emotiva’s well-regarded automatic room correction system. The MR1 also offers multiple analogue and digital audio inputs and an integrated Bluetooth receiver with aptX.

The massive 1,000 VA toroidal transformer and associated Class H power supply provides ample power to the eleven 100watt (8 ohms) Class A/B power amplifiers to support all the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive surround sound formats.

Main features at a glance:

• Video Inputs and Outputs: (6) HDMI 2.0b compliant HDMI video inputs (all with full support for 4K UHD video, HDCP 2.2, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision); (2) HDMI 2.0b compliant HDMI video outputs (primary output supports both ARC and eARC).
• Audio Inputs: (4) stereo unbalanced analogue audio inputs; (2) S/PDIF coaxial digital audio inputs; (2) Toslink (optical) digital audio inputs; (1) USB Audio (DAC) input; (1) Bluetooth (aptX) audio input (internal with rear panel antenna).
• Audio Outputs: (1) set of 13.2 channel unbalanced audio main outputs; (1) set of 11 channel speaker outputs; (2) balanced subwoofer outputs (in parallel with main sub outputs)
• Surround Sound Audio Formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Surround, DTS:X, DTS HD Master Audio, DTS
• Surround Sound Upmixers: Dolby Surround Upmixer (DSU), DTS Neural:X
• EmoQ Second Generation Automatic Room Correction (with graphical interface).
• Manual Room Correction (EQ)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.05 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.0025% @ 1 kHz, < 0.05% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: > 100 dB @ 1 kHz
• Power Output Per Channel; ELEVEN channels driven: 100 watts RMS / channel @ 8 Ohms; 130 watts RMS / channel @ 4 Ohms; < 0.1% THD
  • The speaker outputs can drive various configurations, including up to seven main and surround speakers and up to two pairs of height speakers.
• Heavy-duty linear Class H power supply powered by a massive 1,000 VA toroidal transformer.
• Operation from either 115 VAC or 230 VAC power with automatic line voltage detection and switching.
• Real time status information provided by a front panel VFD display and a convenient on-screen display.
• Convenient control options, including a full function illuminated infrared remote control, front panel menu navigation buttons, and front panel Volume control.
• Included infrared remote control provides direct one-button selection of audio and video sources, access to the MR1 Menu System, and features illuminated soft touch buttons.
• Multiple remote control options – including RS-232.
• Firmware update via USB stick – no computer connection required.
• Dimensions W x H X D mm: 432 x 330 x 584
• Weight: 23kg (50.7lbs)

BasX MC1 Processor

The BasX MC1 is built within a slender chassis and is basically the sound and video processing core from the MR1. It supports the same high performance 13.2 channel AV processing for 4K UHD video, including HDR and Dolby Vision, enhanced ARC (eARC), and the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive surround sound formats. The MC1 supports HDMI 2.0b over six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, one of which provides enhanced ARC (eARC) connectivity. It includes the newly refined version of Emotiva’s EmoQ automatic room correction engine that automates acoustical correction and offers the same selection of analogue and digital audio inputs, an integrated Bluetooth receiver with aptX and 15 RCA unbalanced and two XLR LFE balanced outputs.

Main features at a glance:

• Support for current surround sound and immersive audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. The MC1 supports up to thirteen main and surround sound channels plus up to two subwoofers.
• Exceptional video quality, with fast error free switching for up to six HDMI inputs, all of which support HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2, 4K UHD video, and HDR (including HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision).
• An internal Bluetooth (aptX) receiver for streaming audio from your smart phone and other mobile audio sources.
• Support for both standard ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (Enhanced ARC).
• Emo-Q™ Advanced Automatic Room Correction System (with graphical interface). (calibrated measurement microphone with internal buffer amplifier included).
• Video Inputs and Outputs: (6) HDMI 2.0b compliant HDMI video inputs (all with full support for 4k UHD video, HDCP 2.2, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision). (2) HDMI 2.0b compliant HDMI video outputs (primary output supports both ARC and eARC).
• Audio Inputs: (4) stereo unbalanced analogue audio inputs. (2) S/PDIF coaxial digital audio inputs. (2) Toslink (optical) digital audio inputs.(1) USB Audio (DAC) input. (1) Bluetooth audio input (internal with rear panel antenna).
• Audio Outputs: (1) set of 13.2 channel unbalanced audio main outputs. (2) balanced subwoofer
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.05 dB
• Total harmonic Distortion: < 0.0025% @ 1 kHz < 0.05% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: > 100 dB @ 1 kHz
• Real time status information provided by a front panel VFD display and a convenient on-screen display.
• Convenient control options, including a full function illuminated infrared remote control, front panel menu navigation buttons, and front panel Volume control.
• Included infrared remote control provides direct one-button selection of audio and video sources, access to the MC1 Menu System, and features illuminated soft touch buttons.
• Multiple remote control options – including RS-232.
• Firmware update via USB stick – no computer connection required.
• Dimensions W x H x D mm: 432 x 79 x 330
• Weight: 4.5kg (9.9lbs)