Emotiva- umc 1 & 200. Good bad & the ugly?

[Funky54]

Ok, so my Outlaw 950 died.

Would the Emotiva 1 or 200 be good for my circumstances?

I run HDMI video straight to my TV and analog in/out multi from Oppo through pre and into my amp. My pre only gets used for volume and switching between true analog multi (no processing, no cross over) bypass from the oppo and true analog bypass stereo for my vinyl.

All the switching and reliability issues I read about in regard to the UMC1 & 200 seem to be HDMI switching issue.

Any thoughts even from the haters when using a UMC product for my basic need?

Any thoughts about what version is best? I've read a few reviews of owners claiming the UMC 1 is better analog sounding than the 200?

[kpkelley]

If I were you, I'd consider looking into the new Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capable receivers/pre-pros. Seems like the perfect opportunity to introduce some new tech.

[Funky54]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

If I were you, I'd consider looking into the new Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capable receivers/pre-pros. Seems like the perfect opportunity to introduce some new tech.

That's nice and all but anything with true bypass for analog and Atmos is going to start about $2000.00
I care about theater but I'm ga ga for two channel analog. That's my main concern. I've heard two budget receivers with atmos and supposed two channel analog bypass and both were subpar for analog two channel.

I will also venture to guess (educated guess) that the Oppo 105 sounds better in normal 5.1 than many Atmos decoding options. I've heard good Atmos(expensive) and cheap Atmos. I'd rather have good 5.1 then cheap Atmos.

When Oppo does Atmos I'll likely step up then... Still probably let it do all the decoding and just add amps.

[solarrdadd]

then it sounds like it's time to save your money and get something good to your standards. research, research, research & audition, audition, audition.

it's not going to be the easiest thing to find what your looking for without having it in your home to listen to in your room with your gear with familiar music and/or movies to watch and listen to.

my understanding is Emotiva does put a lot of emphasis into the analog sections of their products if that helps any. I have in my 2 channel system an XSP-1 from Emotiva and love it for 2 channel analog. so from an analog standpoint, they are very good at least the 2 channel analog pre-amp is. best of luck, keep us posted.

[Funky54]

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

then it sounds like it's time to save your money and get something good to your standards. research, research, research & audition, audition, audition.

it's not going to be the easiest thing to find what your looking for without having it in your home to listen to in your room with your gear with familiar music and/or movies to watch and listen to.

my understanding is Emotiva does put a lot of emphasis into the analog sections of their products if that helps any. I have in my 2 channel system an XSP-1 from Emotiva and love it for 2 channel analog. so from an analog standpoint, they are very good at least the 2 channel analog pre-amp is. best of luck, keep us posted.

I am on the same page with you about saving some coin up. If and when Oppo does Atmos and 4K I'll go that route. For now I'm looking for a1-2 years bandaid. Hence the Emotiva or outlaw audio. I ruled out Using a Yamaha receiver or Anthem receiver.

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by Funky54

I am on the same page with you about saving some coin up. If and when Oppo does Atmos and 4K I'll go that route. For now I'm looking for a1-2 years bandaid. Hence the Emotiva or outlaw audio. I ruled out Using a Yamaha receiver or Anthem receiver.

I'd tell you to look at the used market for emotiva if you want to save money. also check the site for "B" stock of either also, check their forum sales section. people are always selling them.

[solarrdadd]

there's some for sale on ebay in the $3xx.xx range. if your willing to take the chance. good luck, keep us posted whatever you ultimately end up doing.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Funky54

Ok, so my Outlaw 950 died.

Would the Emotiva 1 or 200 be good for my circumstances?

I run HDMI video straight to my TV and analog in/out multi from Oppo through pre and into my amp. My pre only gets used for volume and switching between true analog multi (no processing, no cross over) bypass from the oppo and true analog bypass stereo for my vinyl.

All the switching and reliability issues I read about in regard to the UMC1 & 200 seem to be HDMI switching issue.

Any thoughts even from the haters when using a UMC product for my basic need?

Any thoughts about what version is best? I've read a few reviews of owners claiming the UMC 1 is better analog sounding than the 200?

I have two solutions for you "Grasshopper"

1. You can get this for possibly under the asking price - Parasound Halo C-1
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/6...mages/1103447/

I think the asking price is $850 and it does have a true HT bypass mode, free shipping.


2. Here's a Emotiva UCM-1 for $319 plus shipping http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/6...ing-available/


The Parasound has a killer analog section!!!!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Funky54

Ok, so my Outlaw 950 died.

Would the Emotiva 1 or 200 be good for my circumstances?

I run HDMI video straight to my TV and analog in/out multi from Oppo through pre and into my amp. My pre only gets used for volume and switching between true analog multi (no processing, no cross over) bypass from the oppo and true analog bypass stereo for my vinyl.

All the switching and reliability issues I read about in regard to the UMC1 & 200 seem to be HDMI switching issue.

Any thoughts even from the haters when using a UMC product for my basic need?

Any thoughts about what version is best? I've read a few reviews of owners claiming the UMC 1 is better analog sounding than the 200?

By the way - what part of Florida are you in?

[Funky54]

Originally Posted by prerich

By the way - what part of Florida are you in?

Orlando area. I just secured a Emotiva UCM 1 for $275 local pick up.
Hope I didn't make a mistake...

Again I'll only use the analog ins and outs. I'll only use non-processed multi in from my Oppo and a stereo in from my phono preamp.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Funky54

Orlando area. I just secured a Emotiva UCM 1 for $275 local pick up.
Hope I didn't make a mistake...

Again I'll only use the analog ins and outs. I'll only use non-processed multi in from my Oppo and a stereo in from my phono preamp.

You should be fine. That Parasound would have been nice though

[Funky54]

Just thought I'd do an update. I bought and used an Emotiva UMC-1 for about a year. I was never happy with it. It didnt sound as good as the Outlaw Audio 950 when in direct bypass. It spikes loud when you changed inputs or outputs. I ended up selling it.

[yellowcakeuf6]

Originally Posted by Funky54

Just thought I'd do an update. I bought and used an Emotiva UMC-1 for about a year. I was never happy with it. It didnt sound as good as the Outlaw Audio 950 when in direct bypass. It spikes loud when you changed inputs or outputs. I ended up selling it.

I've also noticed that Emotiva isn't as cheap in price as they used to be, that's why pro equipment is the way to go: more power for less money.