ADA Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV: Official Owner's Thread

This looks to be a fantastic piece. Sold out of first two runs and next batch out in August.

My Halcro SSP-200 is sold. I was waiting for a worthy replacement. This looks to be it. Expect to receive mine sooner than later.

-Swap-able boards to HDMI 1.4 per manufacturer
-Full Parametric EQ
-Trinnov processing / room correction coming as ADD-ON OR INTERNAL. News at CEDIA on that.
-THX processing (yes, I wouldn't buy an SSP without it.
-Most sophisticated and detailed RS-232 control I've ever seen.
- Excellent support




Dolby TrueHD & DTS HD Master Audio
Multi-Channel (192KHz/24 Bit) PCM Audio
Full 7.1 EX/ES, THX Ultra 2, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo 6
8 HDMI Inputs with HDMI Equalization Settings per input
2 (Dual) Mirror HDMI Outputs with HDMI Equalization Settings
Parametric Multi-Band Equalizer
8 Stereo Analog Audio Inputs
6 Digital Audio Coaxial Inputs
2 TOS-Link Optical Digital Audio Inputs
8 Channel DVD Audio/SACD Input With Bass Filters
8 Composite Video Inputs
8 S-Video Inputs
8 Component Video Inputs
Analog And Digital Audio Record Outputs (2nd Zone)
2 Main And 2 Record (2nd Zone) Composite Video Outputs
2 Main Component Video Outputs
Rear Panel Ethernet Connection (ADA Net)
2 Programmable Low Voltage Output Triggers
ADA MX-900 (Universal Remote Control) Included At No Additional Charge
90-260Volts AC 50/60Hz 40 Watts
23 lbs 3.5"H x 19"W x 17.5"D



The Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV is ADA's flagship home theater controller/preamplifier. It features 8 of everything - 8 HDMI inputs, 8 component video inputs, 8 S-Video Inputs, 8 composite video inputs, 8 analog audio inputs, 8 digital audio input, and an 8 channel analog bypass input. There are also dual mirror outputs for each video signal type helping separate the Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV from other preamplifiers on the market. Instead of relying on a cheap scaler/doubler video chip, the Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV acts as a video switcher with a loop-through. Every type of video input can output to an external high-quality video processor, looping back into a single HDMI input, so that only one HDMI cable is run to the video display. While the Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV does all the switching, you can still incorporate your video processor of choice.

The Cinema Rhapsody also has incredibly unique features that make it the only controller choice for many home theaters. In addition to featuring a simple to read and operate front panel control and its abundance of connection jacks, the Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV incorporates two bass crossovers, one in the DSP and one in the analog domain. This makes it possible for the Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV to work with full-range speakers, permitting them to play bass information while at the same time summing the bass of full-range channels with channels that are rolled off as well as the LFE (low frequency effects or ".1") channel. The subwoofer (speaker best designed to deliver bass) plays the bass from all channels simultaneously with the other speakers that are capable of delivering bass. With any other preamp, full range speakers would need to "roll-off" (not play bass) so that the subwoofer would play the bass. Not so with the Cinema Rhapsody Mach IV. Similar to providing a video loop facility so that one can incorporate the very best video processing, the Cinema Rhapsody makes it possible to incorporate the very best speakers into your system without compromising performance.


USER REVIEW


Well, many movies later, I can really provide some good insight. Want to start a new thread as the other contains a lot of speculative info and anyone who clicks on this thread will see the review up top (rather than getting lost in the current one).

SET UP: How simple is that!!!
a. I have 5 sources (2 Blu Ray, 1 HD DVD, 1 DVD, 1 HD DVR). So, 5 HDMI cables!! No more analog cable mess!
b. 2 HDMI OUTPUTS (2 zones)
c. RS-232 hook up: Splice a CAT-5 wire from your control processor into the ADA Bus on back and you're done (Thanks Neil - Ceenhead).
d. iRule iPad control. Simply plug into the LAN ADA input from your router and control is there.
e. ADA SET UP SOFTWARE: Works wirelessly from your PC (or MAc with emulator) or via ethernet crossover cable.
f. 12 VDC trigger and low volt trigger (two total)



1. The piece simply works. Can't take that for granted these days. No pops, clicks, HDMI issues, etc. As stable as an analog preamp. No gremlins. One nit-pick is that on occasion, the volume and video may get clipped for a second or two (or less) when swapping chapters. It has never impacted viewing or been an issue but something of note.

a. Unique feature: Each HDMI input can be tweaked in power if HDMI handshakes become a feature. You can change the signal power (equalizer) from 'auto' to 'low, low medium, medium, medium high, high'. All 5 HDMI inputs are on auto for me. No issues. Nice for long runs or finicky cables, players.



2. Programming via the ADA software (automatic 2-way) so you can see and hear changes to your set up on the fly. Works as advertised. A very slick programming interface. Never need to touch the front panel for programming (but it can be fully programmed from the front panel but more painstaking). You can save back up files in case of a crash.



3. Video:A great pass through. No up-conversion (thank-you). No changes in black levels (as was the case with my previous Halcro) and no signal modification at all I can see (or test). With 8 HDMI ins and 2 outs, you're pretty well set. Moreover, there is no internal OSD. This is by design so as to keep the video chain as 'pure' as possible. The front screen display gives all info needed (speakers engaged, surround mode, gain, dialnorm, etc) and can be set to turn off after 60 seconds or less.

4. Control: RS-232 wise there is no more commands for an SSP on any piece on the planet. There is direct control of every conceivable adjustment. I can't go into how much direct control of buried features there are but you can set some very precise macros. Amazing.

5. Tweakability: Nothing comes close. You can store:

a. Up to 4 different speaker levels / delays memories. So up to four sweet spots can be saved for if you sit in the front row or the back row or wherever..
b. Save up to 4 volume presets. Turn on volume, volume when switching sources. Volume MAX (limit), Volume minimum (limit)
c. Internal full parametric EQ. Variable on a 'per input' basis.
d. Separate crossover settings for every input. Say you have a music mode and want to run your fronts at full range. That's fine. Movie mode, they can run at limited range at any crossover you pick. This is on a per source basis.
e. Virtual inputs (up to 20).
f. Custom Dolby movie and audio surround modes (change tone, reverb, etc). Highly modifiable - make the mode(s) sound exactly like you want it.
g. Ability to customize a surround mode to add only certain THX features of your choosing (e.g. decorrelation and/or THX re-eq, and/or timbre match).
g. Fully balanced
h. LAN (ethernet) input. Important feature on today's SSPs.
i. Too many other features to list



6. Customer service: Top notch. I chatted quite a bit with Richard prior to purchase along with my dealer (Dave V. - Mr. Integration) and found both smart and customer oriented. ADA appears to be on solid financial ground as I surmised at their large CEDIA booth and progressive product line. They had many employees at CEDIA. I met both Richard and Dave V. at CEDIA (as wel las Curt Hoyt - Trinnov) and I can see these guys love this stuff. They have been around a long time and are moving forward with technology for those who want the best. Who else is releasing a new, designed fomr the ground up SSP these days??? Not many. Dave, my dealer... what can I say. Highly recommended.



7. Sonics:Fantastic. I have played a number of discs and even my wife prefers it. It is not quite as analytical as my previous Halcro. It trades that for a warmer, more authoritative tone. Very dynamic. Watching films at reference is a breeze and there is zero strain. Surround effects are far better refined and placed. I can hear the more nuanced effects that I couldn't before. Ambiance is excellent. Bass is right on with proper LFE implementation (+10 db). The unit is so quiet in terms of noise floor and it's internal fan is a whisper (though I wouldn't sit any closer than 5 -10 ft.). Center channel dialog is excellent... right up their with the Halcro SSP-220 (Halcro's biggest strength) and superior to the Lex MC-12HD I had for a month prior to getting the ADA.



Things I'd like added to the software / wishlist:

1.The front display cannot be dimmed (this would be a nice feature the as blue display gives off a large cast to my screen that sits opposite to the Mach IV 28 ft away).

2. Also, I'd like to see is an option to have the OSD light up if any command is sent to the unit. I am not 2 way yet and I'd like to see modes on the OSD for example if I am scrolling and have the display set to off. Or to see the actual volume level if I change it.

3. Simpler software initiation. There are a number of steps to load the previous software (Update all, send all). Prefer a single button or better, an automatic upload of the player's settings upon software initiation. I'm sure there is a good reason for the current iteration.

4. Ability to toggle ON or OFF THX implementation. No way to do this. You choose a THX mode or another non-THX mode to get out of it.


Overall, a solid, well built, reliable, sonic feat... I'm keeping it. My SSP search is over!

Hi!

Balanced version. I wanted a more polished HDMI 1.3 SSP (no lpcm for audio) and internal parametric EQ. Trinnov option a bonus. I looked at Classe. Nice piece / great Stereophile review except 1. No shelf filters nor 2. THX processing.

Me, too.

Ah... Does anyone own one and have it up and running???

Mine is about 2 weeks out...

They did leave most out of the Balanced version. There are no component video inputs - only composite.

The non-balanced version has all the useless large amounts of component and composite inputs.

ADA rep has announced a 4,8,12 add-on TEQ (Trinnov) for the unit.

The TEQ's (-4, -8, & -12) will be more than just on display at Expo. In CEDIA's Technology Pavilion, the theater will be driven by an ADA preamp and amp ensemble all processed with the TEQ-12 Trinnov based room correction system

Very cool. Still awaiting mine.

I do not know...

Finally, my ADA MACH IV B arrives today. I'll get it going this weekend and report back.

Looks to be a very sophisticated piece and a potential top value in the under $10K crowd.

Stay tuned...

I'm not close to any review. In fact, it took the weekend to get the control down on my iRule and RTI systems.. As you know, I am transitioning out of RTI to iRule. Just picked up an iPad yesterday to do the duty.

I hope to get it into the rack tonight and get it going later in the week. I am going to initially run it with my QSC DSPs in place until after CEDIA. Before I get an audio calibrator to do the audio, I want to see what the story is with the new TEQ-8 DSP at CEDIA as I may go right to that and skip the PEQ. We'll see...

However, I ran my Halcro with the QSC DSPs in place and it was the best sonic experience I've had in any theater. The QSCs are very clear. I will get a good indication of the ADA sound with them in place and things will likely improve once all EQ is done internally (be it PEQ or TEQ) once I decide the route to go.

For now, I can say the unit is esthetically gorgeous, the fans are quite quiet, and the programming software is as extensive as I have ever seen. Anything is possible. There are over 300 RS-232 commands for the most precise macros and control. Unlike the Halcro, the RS-232 commands are lightning fast to execute. You can save the set up configuration to a computer file so as to save your set up which is always nice in case of a wipe out of the memory. Also, you can change speaker crossovers and EQ on a PER INPUT basis. The flexibility is remarkable. You can set limits on a per input basis of EQ, bass output, max volume, anything.

The lan port works for feedback while programming.

I can't say enough for the ergonomics and sophisticated programming that is possible. This is a modern SSP unlike anything else that is out there.

It has to sound good, and that is the big question at this point. Stay tuned...

Studio Reference Amplifiers. DIscontinued but I believe QSC brought the line back and renamed them. 700W per channel and whisper quiet.

I use QSC DSPs (EQ) and, yes, those have made y room into the sonic experience that it is. I will use those initially until I get the ADA PEQ fully calibrated.

Did some more extensive listening.

Lord of the Rings (BD):

Played at full reference: Still sounded as good as my Halcro. It seems to climb a bit higher than the Halcro in terms of output. Surround effects are definetely improved. Dialog intelligibility seems very similar (a high complement). During the Balrog scene, at full reference, I could hear all of Gandolph's screams and whispers amongst the back drop of loud 115 db peaks without issue. No strain whatsover. Big soundstage, too. This piece is 'warmer' than my Halcro as I preferred THX for this title but used straight discrete (non-THX) on the ADA without any consequence. With my Halcro, I had my surrounds pumped up 3 db. Not here and no need to do so. Very good ambiance. The piece appears to be properly applying LFE in bitstream mode. Would like to check that it is the proper 10 db (which test disc has such a test)??



Celine Dion (BD):

Listened to the 5.1 recording and the 2 ch PCM. Preferred the PCm with the Quad Bypass and Quad reverb modes. This is the superior recording on that disc. These are very good modes - better than Arena and Club. However with the latter two, you can tweak them to desirability and I hadn't done this. the 2 channel matrixing to 7.1 was great. Involving.

Overall, it better than the Halcro? Hard to say, the Halcro had a quality I can't put my finger on. The ADA is at least it's equal. However, with any piece there are trade offs and I am a happy camper with the ADA. That said, the addition of Trinnov or PEQ may push the ADA past the Halcro. We'll see...


IRON MAN 2

Again, no HDMI issues whatsoever. Mix was dynamic, punchy and dialog integrated well and easily understood (even with Mickey Rourke's hard russian accent). Bass was excellent and it appears the LFE 10 db boost is being correctly implemented. I found the sonics first rate - loud but not overdone. For a change, my wife and I sat in the front row (11 ft from my 14' wide screen). My wife and I found no harshness sitting up close even though we watched at -2 db from reference. The piece is so smooth in sound. So far so good.



Quibbles:
1. Occasionally a milli-second bit of a screech when changing the 2 ch modes on the fly. Happened maybe 1 in 4 times but never louder than the overall volume, distracting or damaging in tone.

2. The 'Trigger' bug that shuts down the triggers after updating regardless if they are set to be on (does so for all intputs).




All and all, the piece is as close to problem free in terms of playability as I would've expected. No clicks, pops, etc when changing sources on the fly or (for the most part) changing modes.


More to come.

Special shout out for my dealer (who is on AVS). Mr. Integration (Dave V) provided not only a great price but excellent service and knowledge. Met me at CEDIA to introduce me to the folks at ADA. A very impressive outfit that appears in excellent financial shape with customer service like I rarely see anymore in this industry. HIghly recommended! I met Richard (ADA) and Curt Hoyt (Trinnov) and these guys love this stuff and have the knowledge to back it up. So far this piece is as a good a SSP as I have seen on the market at any price.

Well, many movies later, I can really provide some good insight. Want to start a new thread as the other contains a lot of speculative info and anyone who clicks on this thread will see the review up top (rather than getting lost in the current one).

SET UP: How simple is that!!!
a. I have 5 sources (2 Blu Ray, 1 HD DVD, 1 DVD, 1 HD DVR). So, 5 HDMI cables!! No more analog cable mess!
b. 2 HDMI OUTPUTS (2 zones)
c. RS-232 hook up: Splice a CAT-5 wire from your control processor into the ADA Bus on back and you're done (Thanks Neil - Ceenhead).
d. iRule iPad control. Simply plug into the LAN ADA input from your router and control is there.
e. ADA SET UP SOFTWARE: Works wirelessly from your PC (or MAc with emulator) or via ethernet crossover cable.
f. 12 VDC trigger and low volt trigger (two total)



1. The piece simply works. Can't take that for granted these days. No pops, clicks, HDMI issues, etc. As stable as an analog preamp. No gremlins. One nit-pick is that on occasion, the volume and video may get clipped for a second or two (or less) when swapping chapters. It has never impacted viewing or been an issue but something of note.

a. Unique feature: Each HDMI input can be tweaked in power if HDMI handshakes become a feature. You can change the signal power (equalizer) from 'auto' to 'low, low medium, medium, medium high, high'. All 5 HDMI inputs are on auto for me. No issues. Nice for long runs or finicky cables, players.



2. Programming via the ADA software (automatic 2-way) so you can see and hear changes to your set up on the fly. Works as advertised. A very slick programming interface. Never need to touch the front panel for programming (but it can be fully programmed from the front panel but more painstaking). You can save back up files in case of a crash.



3. Video:A great pass through. No up-conversion (thank-you). No changes in black levels (as was the case with my previous Halcro) and no signal modification at all I can see (or test). With 8 HDMI ins and 2 outs, you're pretty well set. Moreover, there is no internal OSD. This is by design so as to keep the video chain as 'pure' as possible. The front screen display gives all info needed (speakers engaged, surround mode, gain, dialnorm, etc) and can be set to turn off after 60 seconds or less.

4. Control: RS-232 wise there is no more commands for an SSP on any piece on the planet. There is direct control of every conceivable adjustment. I can't go into how much direct control of buried features there are but you can set some very precise macros. Amazing.

5. Tweakability: Nothing comes close. You can store:

a. Up to 4 different speaker levels / delays memories. So up to four sweet spots can be saved for if you sit in the front row or the back row or wherever..
b. Save up to 4 volume presets. Turn on volume, volume when switching sources. Volume MAX (limit), Volume minimum (limit)
c. Internal full parametric EQ. Variable on a 'per input' basis.
d. Separate crossover settings for every input. Say you have a music mode and want to run your fronts at full range. That's fine. Movie mode, they can run at limited range at any crossover you pick. This is on a per source basis.
e. Virtual inputs (up to 20).
f. Custom Dolby movie and audio surround modes (change tone, reverb, etc). Highly modifiable - make the mode(s) sound exactly like you want it.
g. Ability to customize a surround mode to add only certain THX features of your choosing (e.g. decorrelation and/or THX re-eq, and/or timbre match).
g. Fully balanced
h. LAN (ethernet) input. Important feature on today's SSPs.
i. Too many other features to list



6. Customer service: Top notch. I chatted quite a bit with Richard prior to purchase along with my dealer (Dave V. - Mr. Integration) and found both smart and customer oriented. ADA appears to be on solid financial ground as I surmised at their large CEDIA booth and progressive product line. They had many employees at CEDIA. I met both Richard and Dave V. at CEDIA (as wel las Curt Hoyt - Trinnov) and I can see these guys love this stuff. They have been around a long time and are moving forward with technology for those who want the best. Who else is releasing a new, designed fomr the ground up SSP these days??? Not many. Dave, my dealer... what can I say. Highly recommended.



7. Sonics:Fantastic. I have played a number of discs and even my wife prefers it. It is not quite as analytical as my previous Halcro. It trades that for a warmer, more authoritative tone. Very dynamic. Watching films at reference is a breeze and there is zero strain. Surround effects are far better refined and placed. I can hear the more nuanced effects that I couldn't before. Ambiance is excellent. Bass is right on with proper LFE implementation (+10 db). The unit is so quiet in terms of noise floor and it's internal fan is a whisper (though I wouldn't sit any closer than 5 -10 ft.). Center channel dialog is excellent... right up their with the Halcro SSP-220 (Halcro's biggest strength) and superior to the Lex MC-12HD I had for a month prior to getting the ADA.



Things I'd like added to the software / wishlist:

1.The front display cannot be dimmed (this would be a nice feature the as blue display gives off a large cast to my screen that sits opposite to the Mach IV 28 ft away).

2. Also, I'd like to see is an option to have the OSD light up if any command is sent to the unit. I am not 2 way yet and I'd like to see modes on the OSD for example if I am scrolling and have the display set to off. Or to see the actual volume level if I change it.

3. Simpler software initiation. There are a number of steps to load the previous software (Update all, send all). Prefer a single button or better, an automatic upload of the player's settings upon software initiation. I'm sure there is a good reason for the current iteration.

4. Ability to toggle ON or OFF THX implementation. No way to do this. You choose a THX mode or another non-THX mode to get out of it.


Overall, a solid, well built, reliable, sonic feat... I'm keeping it. My SSP search is over!

Actually, it is a pretty big piece... it is very deep and 2U tall.

But recall, the other SSPs you mentioned (Theta, Halcro, Meridian) are dated designs of 5-10 years old. ADA is brand new and designed from the ground up with the latest technology. These are computers, chips and a power supply. Look at the size of laptops or desk top computers 5-10 years ago. Everything is getting smaller and thinner in electronics, SSPs should be no different.

I'm digging it. It may be the best of the newest SSPs!

Thoughts after 1 month's use:


Had quite a bit of time with this piece.

Likely the best SSP under $15K. Matches with my previous Halcro on dialog intelligibility which is the best on the planet in that respect (and i have owned Lexicon and Meridian)... and better on all other sonic attributes.

User interface is via PC or front panel. Intuitive and more tweakable than all others.
Best (and most) IR / RS-232 commands.

No Video scaler inside (thanks goodness)!!

Rock solid stable. No bugs, no HDMI handshake issues and best of all, perhaps it may receive 1 or 2 firmware upgrades in it's life time - e.g. not a beta product. However, it may need to be taken to a dealer for updates (rumor - no confirmation on that).

HDMI 1.4 upgrade in the future (who cares) and fantastic customer service.

The new reference SSP. Highly recommended!

Very few will know what user interface we put up with on the Halcro...