Umc-1

Eusebio
Eusebio Posts: 16
edited August 2010 in Electronics
any positive experiences with this Emotiva processor? i've been scared away by the horror stories i've been reading.

any other suggestions for a modestly priced pre/pro. looking to upgrade from my HTR-5660
Post edited by Eusebio on
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2010
    It's crap. Walk away. You can get a Pioneer Elite Receiver for less that will do way more.
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  • Eusebio
    Eusebio Posts: 16
    edited August 2010
    Do you dislike Emotiva all around (including their Amps). Have you tried any of their products
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2010
    I'm owned the XPA-2, listened to the XPA-1 and borrowed the RPA-2. I love the XPA series, especially the XPA-1. The RPA series is good for vocal music, but I feel it lacks the balls for more dynamic tunes. My personal belief is that Emotiva should stick to amp making. They've branched out too quickly without knowing what they were doing and are making sloppy products. I received a UMC-1 briefly and returned it very frustrated. The room correction is also nowhere near MCACC or Audyssey.

    So, to answer your other question. I do know what I'm talking about and no I'm not a hater of Emotiva, just a discerning buyer. To be honest, Emotiva's whole product line outside their amps seems to disappoint. I was looking forward to their new subs, but the design ended up being mediocre in many ways.
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  • villock
    villock Posts: 72
    edited August 2010
    I like that answer alot better than it's crap, walk away. Do you think that if it was working properly that it would be a good pre/pro? I have waited for about 2 years for this and am waiting to see how all these firmwares go before I purchase, if I purchase. Just wondering your opinion. Thanks.
    SDA SRS 2.3tls; RDO 198's, Dynamatted, Armaflexed, Gimpod Boards, Crossovers by quadzilla: Clarity ESA 630V, Mills Resistors, Track Audio Spikes, Musky's Curly Maple Caps
    CSi5, FXi5, Rythmik D15SE sub, Pro-Ject Xpression III/Ortofon MC-3 Turbo. Pro-Ject Speed Box. Pro-Ject Tube Box II
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  • villock
    villock Posts: 72
    edited August 2010
    Oh and which Elite receiver are you talking about. I have my eye on the vsx-32. It would be perfect if it had multi channel ins.
    SDA SRS 2.3tls; RDO 198's, Dynamatted, Armaflexed, Gimpod Boards, Crossovers by quadzilla: Clarity ESA 630V, Mills Resistors, Track Audio Spikes, Musky's Curly Maple Caps
    CSi5, FXi5, Rythmik D15SE sub, Pro-Ject Xpression III/Ortofon MC-3 Turbo. Pro-Ject Speed Box. Pro-Ject Tube Box II
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2010
    villock wrote: »
    I like that answer alot better than it's crap, walk away. Do you think that if it was working properly that it would be a good pre/pro? I have waited for about 2 years for this and am waiting to see how all these firmwares go before I purchase, if I purchase. Just wondering your opinion. Thanks.

    No, Emotiva doesn't have the experience, facilities, budget, knowledge and other resources of companies like Denon, Onkyo, Marantz and Pioneer. Emotiva is capable of making an affordable product, but it is worth nothing if it doesn't work. What I did hear from the UMC-1 was nothing compared to my Pioneer Elite SC-27 (which costs twice as much, but also has 7.1 channels of ICE power, excellent room correction and an assortment of other robust features unseen in the UMC-1.) The Emotiva sounded like an off the shelf receiver in my opinion, which is sad. To be honest, I also have a Pioneer Elite VSX-21 TXH that also sounds better and was picked up for $401 NEW.

    My basic point is that it is tough to beat the big giants in affordability and sound. They produce overseas in their own factories just like Emotiva, and they know how to bring a product to market with few flaws.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2010
    Also, PM Mantis if you have questions about Pioneer Elite gear. He is an installer and an excellent knowledge source. He told me the VSX-32 was not as good as the VSX-21TXH. It's also several hundred dollars cheaper right now.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited August 2010
    I think for around 500-600 you can score a Pioneer Elite SC-05 which would have all the bells and whistles on it. They sound great with the ICEAmps. Love the Pio gear, very nice.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • villock
    villock Posts: 72
    edited August 2010
    Thanks SolidSqual. Good info and very interesting.
    SDA SRS 2.3tls; RDO 198's, Dynamatted, Armaflexed, Gimpod Boards, Crossovers by quadzilla: Clarity ESA 630V, Mills Resistors, Track Audio Spikes, Musky's Curly Maple Caps
    CSi5, FXi5, Rythmik D15SE sub, Pro-Ject Xpression III/Ortofon MC-3 Turbo. Pro-Ject Speed Box. Pro-Ject Tube Box II
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  • 98Badger
    98Badger Posts: 317
    edited August 2010
    I have the UMC and really don't have any problems with it, but my setup is fairly simple. It's only connected to an Oppo BDP-83 and cable from the TV. I will be keeping it because it does everything I need it to, and the sound quality is very good compared to the AVR's I have owned. If I was looking for a processor right this minute I'd probably be 50/50 for and against the UMC. The latest firmware really doesn't seem to be an improvement and it is a hassle upgrading the software and redoing all my settings. The room correction is unreliable at this point, but probably about as useful as the Yamaha and Pioneer versions I have used (older equipment). There are days when I agree with SolidSqual that Emotiva should have stuck with amps and maybe preamps. For me, the UMC is a keeper solely based on sound quality since I haven't experienced the issues you see plastered all over the boards (other than the room correction).
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited August 2010
    Yep I am totaly bumbed out about the umc1 not being good as I always planned on buying one thinking it would hammer every reciever on the market
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  • geebolt
    geebolt Posts: 215
    edited August 2010
    I have a UMC-1 and really like it. I've had none of the problems I've read about. It works well for me and sounds great. The only thing I find it lacking is a phono preamp. I'm glad I got it and would do it again without hesitation.

    George
    Fronts: Polk RTi A7's
    Center: Polk CSi A6
    Surrounds: Polk TSi500's
    Subwoofer:Polk DSW Pro 500, Emotiva Ultra 12
    Amplifier: Emotiva XPA-5
    Processor/AVR: Emotiva UMC-1
    DAC: Emotiva XDA-1
    CD player:Emotiva ERC-1
    Blu-Ray: Oppo BDP-93
    Turntable: Kenwood KD-500
    Tonearm: Polk-Mayware Formula 4
    Cartridge: Shure M97-XE
    Television: Sony KDL-55EX500
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited August 2010
    Well the Pio Elites have the blue led if that's what you need, just not as many.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Eusebio
    Eusebio Posts: 16
    edited August 2010
    SolidSqual - where did you pick up the pio elite for so cheap (Pioneer Elite VSX-21 TXH for $401)?
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited August 2010
    Sherardp wrote: »
    Well the Pio Elites have the blue led if that's what you need, just not as many.

    Lol...
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2010
    Eusebio wrote: »
    SolidSqual - where did you pick up the pio elite for so cheap (Pioneer Elite VSX-21 TXH for $401)?

    http://eusa.stores.yahoo.net/pielvsreelvs2.html
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