Emotiva Unveils New DR Series of Amps, DC-2 DAC, and Confirms RMC-1 Launch Date
(Emotiva) The new 650 Watt DR1 mono block amp(January 7, 2018) Several months ago, Emotiva arrived at CEDIA 2017 with a tantalizing new prototype 16-channel AV processor in tow. Originally previewed at CES 2017, the RMC-1 supports full 4K UHD video with high-speed video switching along with both Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio processing. AV fanatics have patiently waited for the receiver’s actual market release, which has now been confirmed to be late March 2018. Priced at $4,999, Emotiva President and CEO, Dan Laufman, says Emotiva opted to forgo live demos of the RMC-1 at CES 2018 “because the [company’s] suite is not suited to a true audiophile listening experience.” The company is, however, hosting a two-channel demo using components from its BasX lineup.
Emotiva is also previewing an update to its popular DC-1 DAC. The new DC-2 ($699) is also scheduled to begin shipping in late March. The unit features a solid steel chassis for noise immunity and is sized to require a half-rack of space. Internally, it carries a new 32-bit AKM Verita converter that’s fully compatible with common hi-res audio formats, in addition to DSD. The DC-2 also features a headphone drive stage with increased output, the ability to stream audio via Wi-Fi (when paired with an optional Wi-Fi module), and a bevy of inputs including unbalanced RCA, balanced XLR, S/PDIF digital (RCA, BNC, and Toslink optical), and USB digital.
“With so many music and movie fans using their computers as a primary source of listening, especially in desktop systems, a high-performance DAC has never been a more important addition to a desktop or rack system,” commented Laufman. “Enter the DC-2, which we designed to serve as a no-holds-barred converter for any enthusiast whose music library is stored on a computer or hard drive.”
(Emotiva) The new desktop DC-2 DACLastly, Emotiva is also debuting three new amplifiers as part of its effort to support high-end audio playback. The all-new Differential Reference Series (otherwise known as “DR”) includes the mighty XPA-DR1 Monoblock power amp. Relying on the company’s 3 kW switch mode power supply, the DR1 can output 650 Watts RMS (8 ohms). Much like Emotiva’s XPA line, the DR series is designed to be modular, allowing expansion to two- and three-channel configurations. The amp line can be ordered pre-configured as the DR1 ($1,199), DR2 ($1,599), or DR3 ($1,999).
The new DR Series of amps is scheduled to begin shipping this month.