Emotiva BasX MR1 11.2 Channel AV Receiver

Emotiva BasX MR1 AV receiver is a 13.2 channel multi-channel receiver for the modern era and is designed to deliver the performance of separate AV processor and multi-channel components in a single box. Overall performance and build quality is far beyond what you’d expect at this level and this is one of the best value AV receivers offering this number of channels on the market, allowing for many different multi-channel configurations.

The uncompromising sound is supplied by a 13.2 channel immersive surround sound processor. This is coupled with 11 channels of class AB amplification and a massive 1000VA power supply. All six HDMI inputs are eARC enabled. Usability is good with a comprehensive menu system and a backlit remote control. This is a class leading unit with all the latest capabilities.

Class H Power

MR1 has a massive 1000VA transformer that provides enough muscle to drive eleven channels, and operates in class H. The soft switch circuity monitors the audio output voltage swing and regulates using that reference. In this way the PSU provides just enough voltage for that particular output power. This allows the use of high quality class AB amplifier modules without the otherwise unmanageable power requirements. As a result, each channel delivers a maximum of 160 watts in 8 ohms. The output can drive difficult loads with ease.

Please note: the MR1 offers amplification for 11 channels (plus 2 subwoofer outputs) hence 11.2, but 13.2 channels of processing in total (the extra two channels are processing only with preouts for external amplification).

Great Connectivity

The MR1 can be used as the heart of the ultimate AV system. Unusually all six of the HDMI inputs support eARC as well as 4K UHD HDR video. The surround sound processor is the capable SHARC DSP, which supports the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS formats. Inputs include six RCA analogue inputs as well as two sets of Digital optical and coaxial inputs. There is also a USB socket for external drives as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

EARC - an explanation

eArc is a sound standard that is used by HDMI connectors. This connector carries both video and audio signals between AV equipment. The HDMI format has evolved over the years and can now handle 12K video as well as higher frame rates. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel and was developed as a means of sending audio without the need for a separate cable. The original ARC format had patchy support for hi-res audio and there was often only one HDMI socket that was eARC enabled. eARC was developed to allow for multi-channel audio with no compression. Notably, with the MR1 all the HDMI inputs are eARC capable.

Flexible Outputs

Speaker configurations are versatile with everything from a simple 2.1 setup to a blistering Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 system. Processing is available for 13.2 channels, with an additional two channel amplifier for the final two channels. More on 7.2.4 below.

EMO-Q Room Correction

The MR1 has the latest Emotiva EMO-Q sound correction system. The app has a comprehensive on-screen menu that graphically shows the output of each channel. The display shows the actual output of each channel along with the corrected version. In this way, a real-time adjustment can be performed, by using a microphone to monitor the overall sound. The backlit remote control should allow for easy operation in any lighting conditions. All the inputs have direct access along with live trim for all the speaker groups, such as subwoofer, centre and height speakers.

What is 7.2.4?

There are various surround sound speaker configurations. These are referred to using a dot number system. The first number refers to the number of speakers at ear level, in this case seven. The next number is the number of subwoofers, here it is two. The final number refers to the number of height speakers, in this case four - which can be up-firing or celling speakers. This configuration is used for Dolby Atmos or DTS systems.

The simplest “surround” system is 5.1, that is a left, right and centre speaker with two rear speakers and a subwoofer. 7.2.4 is seven channels (three front and four surround) with two subwoofers and four Atmos speakers, etc. with the MR1 capable of supporting a set-up upto 11.2 channels without further amplification or 13.2 channels with the last two channels amplified externally.