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EA5 vs. Core 5


drmark12pa

Question

I'm in the process of adding another controller to my system as I have a rack that runs the house and 1 small rack that will run my theater only.  Currently, the main rack has EA5 controlling the house and also an HC800 both of these controllers feed into 2 separate 8 zone C4amps (2 audio streams to each amp).

My plan is to move the EA5 to the theater to control that area, use a Core5 to run house house, and then get rid of the HC800. 

What is the difference in performance of the EA5 vs. Core5 for speed?  

Since I have over 100 devices in my system, will the Core5 be better for overall performance for the entire house taking the load of what the EA5 is doing now? (I don't notice lag though I know a CA10 would be beneficial I'm trying to keep cost down with the building of the theater right now)

How can I continue to have 2 audio streams to each C4 8zone amp since the Core5 only has 3 audio outputs with RCA cables (the C4 8zone amps don't have digital audio inputs).

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5 hours ago, Gary Leeds UK said:

Gui issues with Handshake and the 4k CCTV - Just says they need some updates so just telling me to hang on 

However if these are sorted please advise  

I’m experiencing the handshake issue (seems to be limited to certain AVRs - eg. Denon). Quite frustrating.

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7 hours ago, Gary Leeds UK said:

When this starts working get you please advise - Also if we can get 4k CCTV running - My dealer is aware I wish to up grade, but is asking me to hang on because 

of issues with Core Controllers and because I do get a demanding if things do not work !!

 

Will advise once mine is working!

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Interestingly, the handshake issue improved on OS3.3.2 (at least when linking to a Denon AVR).  My experience prior to that was no 4K OSD and the handshake issue on 1080P meaning it did not last long…

OS3.3.2 has fixed the handshake issue on 1080P for me so my Core5 now gives me a 1080P OSD in all its glory that works.  It has started to fix the 4K issue in that I can now make a 4K connection (which looks incredible - my photo screensavers were majestic) but the handshake issue is there when I have it set to 4K meaning that it dies after a couple of hours / Cycles on and off.

Edited by South Africa C4 user
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Can anyone provide the head to head spec of the EA5 vs. the Core 5 if using as primary controller?  That is what I'm primarily looking for to determine if an upgrade would be worth it (replace my EA5 with Core 5 and move the EA5 to my theater as it's own controller in that room)....

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On 1/4/2023 at 6:24 PM, drmark12pa said:

I'm in the process of adding another controller to my system as I have a rack that runs the house and 1 small rack that will run my theater only.  Currently, the main rack has EA5 controlling the house and also an HC800 both of these controllers feed into 2 separate 8 zone C4amps (2 audio streams to each amp).

My plan is to move the EA5 to the theater to control that area, use a Core5 to run house house, and then get rid of the HC800. 

What is the difference in performance of the EA5 vs. Core5 for speed?  

Since I have over 100 devices in my system, will the Core5 be better for overall performance for the entire house taking the load of what the EA5 is doing now? (I don't notice lag though I know a CA10 would be beneficial I'm trying to keep cost down with the building of the theater right now)

How can I continue to have 2 audio streams to each C4 8zone amp since the Core5 only has 3 audio outputs with RCA cables (the C4 8zone amps don't have digital audio inputs).

Get a Coax to RCA converter for your Core Controller.

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1 hour ago, Amr said:

Get a Coax to RCA converter for your Core Controller.

Coax is a cable type, rca is a connection type... 🧐 In all seriousness, just to clarify for readers, what you'd need is a DAC (digital to analogue converter) that would allow using the digital coax and convert to a stereo analogue - a cheap way of adding outputs.

 

13 hours ago, drmark12pa said:

if an upgrade would be worth it (replace my EA5 with Core 5

Honestly, if you're not having any noticeable issues now (and no use for new capabilities such as improved OSD, Zwave and such), I wouldn't upgrade just for the heck of it between these two. If you NEED an additional controller for other reasons, I would get a CORE (3 or 5) and move the system over to it (regardless of where it 'sits') vs finding an EA.

That's nothing against the CORE line mind you - but if you have no noticeable issues now, I doubt you'd notice the increased 'power' of the CORE series.

That said if you have resource issues and your system needs a boost - I still wouldn't recommend to go from EA5 to Core5: instead go for a CA-10 overtop that EA5

 

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