Bring your home theater up to speed with Emotiva’s BasX MC-700 processor

By Kris Wouk December 11, 2016

emotiva launches basx mc 700 surround sound processor 1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When many people hear the term “high-end,” they immediately think “high-priced,” and most of the time, they’re right. Emotiva Audio Corporation doesn’t think that has to be the case, and with its latest product, the BasX MC-700 surround sound processor, the company is looking to prove it.

“We call BasX our ‘aspirational line’, but a powerhouse processor like the MC-700 crushes competitive models at similar price points,” Emotiva president and founder Dan Laufman said in a statement. “The combination of 4K UHD High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, high resolution surround sound audio, and the latest generation of our highly acclaimed EmoQ automatic room correction system, makes the MC-700 the best choice for anybody who wants to take their home theater experience to another level, but without paying the high prices of typical audiophile gear.”

The Bas-X MC-700 features support for both 5.1-channel and 7.1-channel surround sound in all the current formats, as well as the 4K video with HDR mentioned above. In the latter case, only HDR10 compatability is mentioned. Whether or not the required hardware for Dolby Vision is included isn’t clear, but it isn’t very likely.

This processor boasts six HDMI inputs, three of which feature HDMI 2.0a for both 4K and HDR support, along with HDCP 2.2. In addition to HDMI, both S/PDIF coaxial and Toslink optical digital audio inputs are provided, and Bluetooth is supported via the optional Bluetooth dongle.

Of the two HDMI outputs, one supports HDR. Looking at the other outputs, one set of analog 7.1-channel outs are included, as well as one balanced subwoofer output, meant to be used with a powered subwoofer. Of course, since this is just a processor, you’ll need to pair it with a worthy amplifier to power your speakers.

The Emotiva BasX MC-700 is priced at $600, though the company is offering it for $100 off through the end of the month or until the first shipment is sold out. The company will be showing the MC-700 one of the highlights of its CES display next month in Las Vegas. For more information, see the Emotiva website.

A version of this post was first published on our “brother site” Digital Trends.

Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…

Culture

The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
Ashton Symmetry

Culture

The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Culture

This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts

The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer