Nathan - glad you like this type of content. We have some writing in with testimonials about their gear - both the pros and cons. I am aiming to road test going forward.-Jon
Thks for the most comprehensive spec comparison. Also nice that you touched on whether the model support auto switching to support 240V, that's important info to folks like me outside the U.S. Thks
Great video ! The room correction is a deal killer for me. It’s a shame bc getting a dedicated pre pro (with “good” room correction) is Uber expensive. I still think the best bang for the buck is the Denon 3700 (4700 if you need auro) Hopefully these new processors will challenge others to make a more cost effective solution. Thanks again!
Just catching up on my responses. Thanks for your comment. Yes - these stripped down processor take cuts in the features they deliver but aim to retain good sound quality. I can see why the room calibration will be a deal breaker for some. The Denon and Marantz models are great because they are feature packed. It would be good to directly compare the sound quality. With Denon of course they also come with amplification which helps to keep cost down for the overall system investment.-Jon
It would be useful to know the precise differences between these inexpensive processors and some known AVR (processor section only) like the Denon 3700. You mentioned no up scaling, no DTS Pro, No Auro 3D, No room calibration?.... What else? Thank you.
the IOTAVX AVX17 is still a 14 channel unit because the sub out is a single mono channel, but they are giving you delay and volume control over each sub separate.
Yes - content only have one LFE channel encoded so from a source perspective it is always “.1”. I consider the independently controllable subwoofer outputs as part of the channel count as the processor must be capable of handling each of those channels separate even if the source material is replicated to each subwoofer.-Jon
@@ripewave there is atmos being programmed in .2 though. so not for left and right but front and rear so instead of running inverted phase it is actual front back. that way if godzilla runs behind you it vibrates behind first then to the front. not saying godzilla is just using it as an analogy. this is kinda a deal breaker not being 2 ch sub because my Yamaha 3070 which is a few models back even has that
I just bought an Emotiva MC-1 that I paid $800 + tax on the trade-in event Emotiva was doing. I am having some HDMI bugs between the processor and my Sony TV. Does the the Tonewinner AT-300 and the IOTAVX suffer from the same/similar bugs? Mine are just handshake issues where when I power everything on sometimes I don't get video to the TV. I have to power down and back up again and everything works flawlessly. I love the picture and sound quality. I'm just having trouble deciding if it's worth $800 to put up with such bugs. I came from a Denon X3300W beng powered by Emotiva Basx amps.
I suspect, but can’t confirm, the IOTAVX and ToneWinner models will exhibit a similar problem when paired with your TV as I understand they share the same HDMI section. How does the MC-1 sound quality compare with what you are replacing? If significantly better, it could be worth a few issues. -Jon
I will check my database - I believe their are. Typically they are configurable either 7.x.2 or 5.x.4 without going over. Unfortunately many brands reserve their best circuitry for top of the line model which are only available with 15+ channels - going over your need and costing you more then necessary. - Jon
There certainly are. While they lack other features which may be packed into a receiver, they have the advantages that AV Processor separates delivery sonically so they are worth a look.-Non
Great job on comparing these new low budget processors. Here is my concern about this market segment. I see it has 13.3 RCA out but if you are going to use those why even upgrade to this processor? You would be better off getting a new 8k Denon/Marantz with its pre amplifier mode and a miniDSP. And if you are building from scratch with the intent of using the XLR’s, there are really no cheap amplifiers that have XLR outputs so to support 13 channels of processing you need two amplifiers at a minimum. And if you can support that finance wise then I would think the cost of your pre/pro should be the last place you are counting pennies. I personally would either save up for the 8k Marantz or the AVM70 if you don’t care about Auro3D. That extra 1000 to 1700 dollars over the life of usage is negligible and you get so much more for your money. This is just my opinion but in my mind a budget pre/pro is a misnomer. Like the new marketing term Affordable Luxury. But love the video and the continued information. Do you have a video coming up on the upper end of processors like the Trinnov, Steinway & Sons, and Storm Audios of the world?
Emotiva has inexpensive, not cheap amplifiers with XLR’s. Premaplifier mode is never superior to a stand-alone processor. At least to date that has not been shown to be the case. I support the purchase of the Mini DSP DDRC-88A if folk are hung up about room correction.
Fair points. I am finding there is not simple answer or one product that addresses my wish list fully. Buyers are in different stages of their journey and build out different parts first. For example, if you are not happy with current processors you may want to spend your money on speakers and amps first and purchase a low cost processor as a temporary processor until the market has what you want. -Jon
Any 4k/8k video into a processor/receiver seems like wasted materials/costs. I prefer going directly to TV from BD for video, just using processor/receiver for audio.
Just bought a processor this morning 😁 Marantz 7702, does everything I need, bought second hand from a store 3 months warranty... 400€ including shipping. Didn't realize a second hand processor for that price could do Atmos and 4k... (And has two extra zones🤣) Well my Frankenstein all electrostatic home theatre has a brain... Must remember to get a tv or beamer though 😎 Thnx for answering, it is still relevant 👍 your answer and your content.
@@ripewave thnx, waiting for the parcel service right now 😎 for me.. I am right under a pointy roof. Two highs is all that makes sense. If I try really hard I might get some wide in. But those would need to be conventional speakers, negating the whole idea 😎 besides what can they come up with that adds enough value to upgrade from this feature set (except more channels and being trinnov) 🤣
@@ripewave by the way, for my living room I am using active monitor speakers. I am looking for a "pre amp" that does 2.1 but with >2 HDMI in, one HDMI out and 2.1 pre amp out. And I don't even need the .1 just stereo is fine too. I can't find that anywhere.. have you seen something that does this?
I hear that too. There are feature trade offs. I think I would still go through the exercise as some buyers are willing to trade performance for additional features.-Jon
What is not clear to me is the company that designs the hardware and software. The common factory appears to be that of ToneWinner. Is the design 100% Emotiva or some combination? I feel that who owns the design is the lead owner of the technology. -Jon
@@ripewave the factory sells “solutions”. I can come to the factory and say I want this amp, with this many channels, with this much wattage and with this faceplate. And they build it for you without you knowing the first thing about audio.
At least someone is covering these units. I'd love if someone could actually take these things for a road test to see how they are to live with.
Nathan - glad you like this type of content. We have some writing in with testimonials about their gear - both the pros and cons. I am aiming to road test going forward.-Jon
Thks for the most comprehensive spec comparison. Also nice that you touched on whether the model support auto switching to support 240V, that's important info to folks like me outside the U.S. Thks
Good to hear the inclusion of 240V compatibility helps. It is such feedback that improves the content.-Jon
Great video ! The room correction is a deal killer for me. It’s a shame bc getting a dedicated pre pro (with “good” room correction) is Uber expensive. I still think the best bang for the buck is the Denon 3700 (4700 if you need auro) Hopefully these new processors will challenge others to make a more cost effective solution. Thanks again!
You can get the Mini DSP DDRC-88A for Dirac Live room correction and still be under $3k.
Just catching up on my responses. Thanks for your comment. Yes - these stripped down processor take cuts in the features they deliver but aim to retain good sound quality. I can see why the room calibration will be a deal breaker for some. The Denon and Marantz models are great because they are feature packed. It would be good to directly compare the sound quality. With Denon of course they also come with amplification which helps to keep cost down for the overall system investment.-Jon
The spec on AVX17 states , 5 programmable EQs can be set individually for each subwoofer.
This is great info - thanks for sharing. -Jon
It would be useful to know the precise differences between these inexpensive processors and some known AVR (processor section only) like the Denon 3700. You mentioned no up scaling, no DTS Pro, No Auro 3D, No room calibration?.... What else? Thank you.
the IOTAVX AVX17 is still a 14 channel unit because the sub out is a single mono channel, but they are giving you delay and volume control over each sub separate.
Yes - content only have one LFE channel encoded so from a source perspective it is always “.1”. I consider the independently controllable subwoofer outputs as part of the channel count as the processor must be capable of handling each of those channels separate even if the source material is replicated to each subwoofer.-Jon
@@ripewave there is atmos being programmed in .2 though. so not for left and right but front and rear so instead of running inverted phase it is actual front back. that way if godzilla runs behind you it vibrates behind first then to the front. not saying godzilla is just using it as an analogy. this is kinda a deal breaker not being 2 ch sub because my Yamaha 3070 which is a few models back even has that
I just bought an Emotiva MC-1 that I paid $800 + tax on the trade-in event Emotiva was doing. I am having some HDMI bugs between the processor and my Sony TV. Does the the Tonewinner AT-300 and the IOTAVX suffer from the same/similar bugs? Mine are just handshake issues where when I power everything on sometimes I don't get video to the TV. I have to power down and back up again and everything works flawlessly. I love the picture and sound quality. I'm just having trouble deciding if it's worth $800 to put up with such bugs. I came from a Denon X3300W beng powered by Emotiva Basx amps.
I suspect, but can’t confirm, the IOTAVX and ToneWinner models will exhibit a similar problem when paired with your TV as I understand they share the same HDMI section.
How does the MC-1 sound quality compare with what you are replacing? If significantly better, it could be worth a few issues. -Jon
Would love to know what differences there are regarding how they handle the day effects.
hey mate u seem to have a good knowledge. is there any atmos capable receiver/processor with 5.X.4 (not more) channels?
I will check my database - I believe their are. Typically they are configurable either 7.x.2 or 5.x.4 without going over. Unfortunately many brands reserve their best circuitry for top of the line model which are only available with 15+ channels - going over your need and costing you more then necessary. - Jon
I think these are great alternatives to $4k+ receivers.
There certainly are. While they lack other features which may be packed into a receiver, they have the advantages that AV Processor separates delivery sonically so they are worth a look.-Non
Great job on comparing these new low budget processors. Here is my concern about this market segment. I see it has 13.3 RCA out but if you are going to use those why even upgrade to this processor? You would be better off getting a new 8k Denon/Marantz with its pre amplifier mode and a miniDSP. And if you are building from scratch with the intent of using the XLR’s, there are really no cheap amplifiers that have XLR outputs so to support 13 channels of processing you need two amplifiers at a minimum. And if you can support that finance wise then I would think the cost of your pre/pro should be the last place you are counting pennies.
I personally would either save up for the 8k Marantz or the AVM70 if you don’t care about Auro3D. That extra 1000 to 1700 dollars over the life of usage is negligible and you get so much more for your money. This is just my opinion but in my mind a budget pre/pro is a misnomer. Like the new marketing term Affordable Luxury. But love the video and the continued information. Do you have a video coming up on the upper end of processors like the Trinnov, Steinway & Sons, and Storm Audios of the world?
Emotiva has inexpensive, not cheap amplifiers with XLR’s. Premaplifier mode is never superior to a stand-alone processor. At least to date that has not been shown to be the case.
I support the purchase of the Mini DSP DDRC-88A if folk are hung up about room correction.
Fair points. I am finding there is not simple answer or one product that addresses my wish list fully. Buyers are in different stages of their journey and build out different parts first. For example, if you are not happy with current processors you may want to spend your money on speakers and amps first and purchase a low cost processor as a temporary processor until the market has what you want. -Jon
Any 4k/8k video into a processor/receiver seems like wasted materials/costs. I prefer going directly to TV from BD for video, just using processor/receiver for audio.
If only they had a stereo out. Can the 2nd zone be used to get signal into my stereo pre amp?
Yes
Just bought a processor this morning 😁 Marantz 7702, does everything I need, bought second hand from a store 3 months warranty... 400€ including shipping.
Didn't realize a second hand processor for that price could do Atmos and 4k... (And has two extra zones🤣)
Well my Frankenstein all electrostatic home theatre has a brain... Must remember to get a tv or beamer though 😎
Thnx for answering, it is still relevant 👍 your answer and your content.
Enjoy your 7702. I am will you; older models still have a very useful life and often fully satisfy the speaker counts, and other needs. -Jon
@@ripewave thnx, waiting for the parcel service right now 😎 for me.. I am right under a pointy roof. Two highs is all that makes sense. If I try really hard I might get some wide in. But those would need to be conventional speakers, negating the whole idea 😎 besides what can they come up with that adds enough value to upgrade from this feature set (except more channels and being trinnov) 🤣
@@ripewave by the way, for my living room I am using active monitor speakers. I am looking for a "pre amp" that does 2.1 but with >2 HDMI in, one HDMI out and 2.1 pre amp out. And I don't even need the .1 just stereo is fine too.
I can't find that anywhere.. have you seen something that does this?
It seems that the best bank for money is the Marantz AV7706 at $3000
You should compare these to the receivers with pre-outs in the same under $2000 group. Ie using a receiver as a pre/pro.
Most reviewers will tell you the performance of these new processors is better than a standalone Marantz AV7706.
Great idea! I think I will.-Jon
I hear that too. There are feature trade offs. I think I would still go through the exercise as some buyers are willing to trade performance for additional features.-Jon
I am curious how it compares to a Denon x3700h. Running 7.1.4 but was expecting more performance.
I think my dad drove a ford tonewinner in the 70s
That’s funny. -Jon
No one used toroidal transformer?
Nice to see that Emotiva is using a toroidal transformer in their new receiver - the BASX MR1. -Jon
@@ripewave Marantz AV7706 also uses a toroidal transformer
It Was nakamichi brand earlier
Muito bom o vídeo.👏👏👍👍
Iam from Brazil
They’re all made by the same company with slight changes here and there.
What is not clear to me is the company that designs the hardware and software. The common factory appears to be that of ToneWinner. Is the design 100% Emotiva or some combination? I feel that who owns the design is the lead owner of the technology. -Jon
@@ripewave the factory sells “solutions”. I can come to the factory and say I want this amp, with this many channels, with this much wattage and with this faceplate. And they build it for you without you knowing the first thing about audio.
John john the piper's son😅😊😂
IOTAVX AVX17 looks no eARC support