Emotiva UMC-1

[CaligulaPolk]

Anyone buying Emotiva UMC-1 for HT? A penny for your thoughts?

[bobman1235]

If it ever actually gets released, maybe.

[GSRBOB]

I love the way there equipment looks but dont know from first hand exp. Ive heard nothin but good things though. Im lookin into there 3 channel for my fronts and center.

[CaligulaPolk]

will anyone who buy UMC-1 to replace their receiver?

[Sami]

will anyone who buy UMC-1 to replace their receiver?

It's a possibility for me, but not anytime soon. I'm still happy with the way my HK 7200 sounds as a prepro. The only thing making me consider is the newer sound formats.

[bobman1235]

The biggest reason I'm considering it is for the HDMI switching.


And because I love new toys :)

[thuffman03]

I have been looking at their stuff for a long time. Almost bought the LPA-1 over the summer when they had it on sale for something like $399 or so. I never heard anything bad from them.

[WilliamM2]

I'm seriously looking at it. But the only pre-pro they have offered before that was their own design was the LMC-1. It was delayed over 1.5 years from the initial release date, and had serious bugs that were not corrected for over another year, and it still has a few bugs.

In other words, I won't be getting one until there are many user reviews, and I can be assured it will actually work as intended.

[nebborjk]

I will be if it ever gets released. It will be replacing a LMC-1 (dibs anyone?). Upgrading for the new HD audio formats and HDMI switching. Dolby Volume will be another plus.

I have not had any bugs in my LMC-1.

[sdcfan18]

I too am looking into Emotiva. Trying desperately to find an XPA-3 used, but no one seems to be moving them. From what I've read, they are top notch and one of the best bargains in home audio. I'm sure their new processor will be nothing but the same.

[broncsrule21@]

sdcfan18-- I'm sure you are aware the XPA-3 is on sale for $499.00 right now. That is gonna be hard to beat.


as far as the umc-1 goes, I am holding out for the XMC-1. With delays, I don't expect this to be ready until the end of this year....maybe.

[Early B.]

I'll be getting the UMC-1 too replace my LMC-1. I can be patient. It'll get here when it gets here. What other comparable options are currently available? Zilch.

[mmadden28]

sdcfan18-- I'm sure you are aware the XPA-3 is on sale for $499.00 right now. That is gonna be hard to beat.
..

and only $25 to ship :cool:

[a1adjz]

Yep I'm thinking of ordering a XPA 5 to run my SDA 2's any thoughts?

[Drunkcaballo]

and only $25 to ship :cool:

I ordered mine Friday and oddly enough didnt get charged shipping. 499 out the door.

[Kex]

I'm seriously looking at it. But the only pre-pro they have offered before that was their own design was the LMC-1. It was delayed over 1.5 years from the initial release date, and had serious bugs that were not corrected for over another year, and it still has a few bugs.

In other words, I won't be getting one until there are many user reviews, and I can be assured it will actually work as intended.
Well, the LMC-1 that I had for a whole month or so, just over a year ago, didn't have any bugs whatsoever, but I thought it was rather tacky and cheap in design, and very quirky to use. I really was not impressed at all. The fact that when paired with the LPA-1, rated at 125w/ch, it couldn't outshine my trusty old h/k AVR147 rated at just 40w/ch (but tested by hometheatermag.com at almost 70w/ch) was a big disappointment.

I'm not trying to bash Emotiva here, as some Emotiva owners seem to think sometimes, I just think it's better if people understand they may well be disappointed too, despite all the hype, and the specifications that are frequently flaunted do not tell the whole story IMO.

All that said, although I still don't like the design of the UMC-1 that much (it seems to have the same cheap tackiness that I perceived in the LMC-1), they do seem to have added a whole lot of improvements and features to it!

[broncsrule21@]

I ordered mine Friday and oddly enough didnt get charged shipping. 499 out the door.

Please let us know what you think of the XPA-3/RTia combo, as it should be similar for my RTi10s. I am thinking of getting the XPA-3 also.

Kex-- It is clear what your feelings are for Emotiva and NAD. Thanks for sharing.

[trinidesignz]

WOW! I can't wait for my XPA-5 to be delivered in feb. but I can't get to see a write up on the UMC-1. Anybody got a link to it?

[Montoya]

Please let us know what you think of the XPA-3/RTia combo, as it should be similar for my RTi10s. I am thinking of getting the XPA-3 also.

Kex-- It is clear what your feelings are for Emotiva and NAD. Thanks for sharing.

I have an xpa-5 pushing a pair of rti-12 and it is phenominal like having a new set of speakers. The sound level has increased to the point that it is at or near rock concert level with no audible distortion. The bass on the rti-12 now hits harder and lower than my old psw-505 that I had.

[bigred7078]

Big Emotiva fan hear. I have owned several products from them and have enjoyed them all. I did own the LMC-1 and it was a fantastic little processor for the money. I thought it had excellent SQ better than alot of receivers IMO.

If the UMC-1 is all that it lives up to be, you are going to be VERY hard pressed to find anything close to this for the money. The only other processor using what the UMC-1 will have is a Cary that costs over $3000...

Im personally holding out for the XMC-1. I just purchased a Yamaha 3900 and Marantz SR6003 and will keep the better SQ model until the XMC-1 comes out. But i might be tempted to pick up a UMC-1 just to get a feel for how it sounds.

[Kex]

... Kex-- It is clear what your feelings are for Emotiva and NAD. Thanks for sharing.Misplaced sarcasm, my fellow Club member. If we all agreed about everything, then there would be no point in having a forum to discuss anything. Even Polk products get plenty of criticism here, and it's one of the things that makes the Club so unique and valuable when compared to other forums IMO. There isn't much criticism of Emotiva over on the Emotiva Lounge.

Unless I am a Martian, which is, of course, a distinct possibility, there may be other Earthlings out there that may share my tastes and listening requirements, and they may therefore also value my opinions to some extent. You are quite welcome to ignore them (and me) if you prefer to do so and/or if they offend you in any way.

YMMV, of course, since I am not, to my knowledge at least, the keeper of the Holy Grail. Please carry on!

[broncsrule21@]

No problems here either. I would have added some smileys but I don't see an edit/modify button.. where is it?

[iskandam]

I am on the preorder list and it will replace my HK AVR 247. I picked up an LMC-1 as a replacement when my HK crapped out. Wasn't expecting much especially after all the threads about the various issues it was having, but the sound quality far exceeded my expectations and I didn't have any problems with it either. That was my first taste of real separate and now I can't wait for its successor to come out!

[nm4710]

Guys guys guys...easy now! :)
The UMC-1 will prob be an awesome product, but anything we say about it is pure speculation. Even though I've had nothing but positive experiences with emotiva, I'd wait a while to see how good these units are before jumping in and ordering one. Processors more than anything else are likely to have bugs and tiny issues. Although most of these will prob be fixed via firmware updates, I'd rather have a more refined product right out of the box.

As for the amps, I'm sure the XPA-3 is awesome. To be honest guys I'm running a modest LPA-1 and it has more than enough juice to crank my RTi10s to ear-bleeding levels. I think 99% of you would be happy with a UPA-7 (as long as the 200wpc crew weren't here bullying people into their specs). Don't forget amp power is much more honest than receiver power...so you're gonna get a huge upgrade despite wattage claims.

[bigred7078]

^ its not necessarily about the power, its about the refinement of sound quality. I went from an LPA-1 to an RPA-1/XPA-3 and the difference was scary good. But still like you said the majority of people will be happy with a UPA-7 :)

[CaligulaPolk]

FYI!!!

for people who is not on waiting list for UMC-1. They will have to wait another 5 to ???? months for Emotiva to able to send out UMC-1 to non waiting list buyers. This will probably happening during summer time. unless they changed mind and send out units before that....

this came from reliable source at Emotiva. Very disappointing

[bigred7078]

FYI!!!

for people who is not on waiting list for UMC-1. They will have to wait another 5 to ???? months for Emotiva to able to send out UMC-1 to non waiting list buyers. This will probably happening during summer time. unless they changed mind and send out units before that....

this came from reliable source at Emotiva. Very disappointing

i'd believe it. There is a pretty ridiculous amount of people actually on the pre-order list.

[CaligulaPolk]

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/AREWETHEREUMC-1.jpg


made that last night :D

[messiah]

Lol!! Yeah, I understand wanting to get it right, but come on guys... stick to your timeline!!

[CaligulaPolk]

Lol!! Yeah, I understand wanting to get it right, but come on guys... stick to your timeline!!

oh i can wait, i make this to piss people off who actually wait for a year :D Just felt sorry for them when they have no patience

[obieone]

Well Outlaw isn't doing much better. They've been promising the 997 for ??? months.
But, in all fairness, it's hard for a manufacturer to roll the dice in this economy.
If they still have stock left over from 1-2 years ago, it's hard for them to get the backing.

[JohnLocke88]

Just thought it'd be fun to bring this up again. Now they're saying February 2010. I'm VERY glad I didn't bother with ordering one of these things. What a joke.

[Kex]

That's more than two years late, IIRC. I bought one of the last LMC-1 units back in 2007.

[JohnLocke88]

That's more than two years late, IIRC. I bought one of the last LMC-1 units back in 2007.

Yah, at this rate, HDMI 1.4 will be out before they get this thing released.

Without starting an Emotiva fanboi flame war, can someone tell me what the point of getting this (UMC-1) over an Onkyo AVR like the 806 (for an equivalent amount of money, and only use the pre/pro section)?

[moe]

The Onkyo's musicality is very poor(as most avr's)for ht it's fine.But,I can also tell ya,many "fanboys" are gettin' wore down waitin'.

[jinjuku]

Just thought it'd be fun to bring this up again. Now they're saying February 2010. I'm VERY glad I didn't bother with ordering one of these things. What a joke.

They are saying Feb 2010 for in-stock orders. The units are actually shipping right now to the pre-order customers. I hope the wait was worth it.

[nebborjk]

They are saying Feb 2010 for in-stock orders. The units are actually shipping right now to the pre-order customers. I hope the wait was worth it.

They are not shipping any units at this time.

I think integrating the HDMI 1.3a specs is proving more difficult than many people, at several manufacturers, anticipated.

[jinjuku]

They are not shipping any units at this time.

I think integrating the HDMI 1.3a specs is proving more difficult than many people, at several manufacturers, anticipated.

Ya, I just saw the post from the other Friday nite. Damn, can't they get this done?

Using an HK AVR 3600 as my pre-pro...

So is this to blame on Cirrus Logic, Emotiva, or Emotiva for going with Cirrus Logic?

[iskandam]

I've been on the pre-order list since summer 2008. Broke down and got a Pioneer Elite SC-05 instead. The sound quality is so good I no longer feel the need for separates.

[JohnLocke88]

The Onkyo's musicality is very poor(as most avr's)for ht it's fine.But,I can also tell ya,many "fanboys" are gettin' wore down waitin'.

Is the UMC-1 supposed to be more "musical?" Anyone who uses an AVR for 2-channel is obviously not going to be in the $3,000 cables club. I didn't think Emotiva's processors were known for their stellar reference quality either.

When I was first looking at it, the UMC-1 had 5 HDMI 1.3a, and a host of other cool stuff that Onkyos/Denons and such didn't have below the $1,000 price mark. Now it seems, what's the point? Unless there's some other nifty features I'm not aware of.

[nebborjk]

I'm most excited about Dolby Volume.

[jinjuku]

It is official the UMC-1 has landed (http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=671763#post671763). Now I just want to read a review...

[jinjuku]

Is the UMC-1 supposed to be more "musical?" Anyone who uses an AVR for 2-channel is obviously not going to be in the $3,000 cables club. I didn't think Emotiva's processors were known for their stellar reference quality either.


What is 'reference quality'? I will agree the Emo's pre-pro's haven't been 'all that' to date.

[JohnLocke88]

What is 'reference quality'? I will agree the Emo's pre-pro's haven't been 'all that' to date.

Not sure what it means technically. All I know is that it starts a nuclear holocaust every time someone mentions reference and Emotiva in the same sentence.

On that note, let me go grab my radiation suit and retreat to my bomb shelter.

[hearingimpared]

Lol!

[polkatese]

I'll be interested to read the review too. My B&K REF50S2 is at its final leg, has served me well over the past 6 years. I am not going to go with REF70, based on all the issues current owners have gone through. So, the choice is down to Parasound Halo C3 (which is still not released yet). If UMC-1 review is good (assuming that HT processing is where it will shines) I'll be most interested to hear about its analog quality (i.e. pass through), and if it compares favorably against REF50.

Jinjuku, are you getting one?

[jinjuku]

I'll be interested to read the review too. My B&K REF50S2 is at its final leg, has served me well over the past 6 years. I am not going to go with REF70, based on all the issues current owners have gone through. So, the choice is down to Parasound Halo C3 (which is still not released yet). If UMC-1 review is good (assuming that HT processing is where it will shines) I'll be most interested to hear about its analog quality (i.e. pass through), and if it compares favorably against REF50.

Jinjuku, are you getting one?

No, got tired of waiting. I have an HK AVR 3600 doing pre-pro. It helps when a buddy works at Harman... :)

[engtaz]

A couple of people have already received their UMC-1's. Check the Lounge.

[moe]

My umc1 will be delivered 1-11,Monday.As to "reference" well get out yer wallet cause you'll need to spend $5k for starters.As to hk's and the like,I'm a fan owned a 7200,7300,630,635,none of which could touch the lmc/lpa combo for music but still way ahead of Onkyo/Denon,only Marantz was =.The 7200 was actually really bad,the worst of all hk's I owned which I returned and cost me $50,a deal as far as I am concerned.And as far as buggy,if you've had an hk you should know the multitude of issues from cosmetics to memory.I also have an Onkyo 606 that has no fm on right channel,I had an 805 that burned out an hdmi input and could not be updated without a scientist assisting.

[Schurkey]

NOBODY goes to Communist China to get the best QUALITY. They go to China to CUT COSTS and IMPROVE PROFIT MARGINS while appearing to offer "bang for the buck".

Lord knows, I don't have a problem with a "manufacturer" subcontracting the actual product assembly--Aragon, for example, used that strategy very successfully. Aragon had the product built by assembly specialists in Connecticut and California; and they PAID ATTENTION to how the product was actually built.

Subcontracting to the Communists--you know, the same people who can't make toys without illegal lead paint; can't make toothpaste without poisonous anti-freeze for sweetener; can't make Sheetrock without poisonous formaldehyde; can't make PET FOOD or BABY FORMULA without poisonous melamine; can't make ANYTHING without ignoring their own environmental laws (yeah, they have laws protecting their environment, but they don't enforce them)--how much do you think they care about your electronics? The fifty-cent-an-hour twelve-year-olds working in the plant probably get beaten if they doesn't make quota. Product quality and YOUR listening satisfaction are sure to be her first priority.

The USA needs an ABSOLUTE EMBARGO against Communist-sourced products (except raw materials) but since the Chinese and the Communist Collaborators own our government, what's RIGHT and NEEDED is most unlikely to happen.

It's unfortunate that the Communists and the Communist Collaborators in this country have already destroyed large swaths of American industry, and for some product categories, there IS NO domestic option any more. Buying Communist product when there are competitive American, North American, or Free World products available is evil. The price in dollars may be attractive; but it also costs your soul.

[xcapri79]

NOBODY goes to Communist China to get the best QUALITY. They go to China to CUT COSTS and IMPROVE PROFIT MARGINS while appearing to offer "bang for the buck".

Lord knows, I don't have a problem with a "manufacturer" subcontracting the actual product assembly--Aragon, for example, used that strategy very successfully. Aragon had the product built by assembly specialists in Connecticut and California; and they PAID ATTENTION to how the product was actually built.

Subcontracting to the Communists--you know, the same people who can't make toys without illegal lead paint; can't make toothpaste without poisonous anti-freeze for sweetener; can't make Sheetrock without poisonous formaldehyde; can't make PET FOOD or BABY FORMULA without poisonous melamine; can't make ANYTHING without ignoring their own environmental laws (yeah, they have laws protecting their environment, but they don't enforce them)--how much do you think they care about your electronics? The fifty-cent-an-hour twelve-year-olds working in the plant probably get beaten if they doesn't make quota. Product quality and YOUR listening satisfaction are sure to be her first priority.

The USA needs an ABSOLUTE EMBARGO against Communist-sourced products (except raw materials) but since the Chinese and the Communist Collaborators own our government, what's RIGHT and NEEDED is most unlikely to happen.

It's unfortunate that the Communists and the Communist Collaborators in this country have already destroyed large swaths of American industry, and for some product categories, there IS NO domestic option any more. Buying Communist product when there are competitive American, North American, or Free World products available is evil. The price in dollars may be attractive; but it also costs your soul.

Free trade leads to world peace. Let's give peace a chance.
Richard Nixon was about as anti-communist as they come, but he saw that and really opened the once closed doors.
The educated China is slowly becoming more capitalistic as they become true members of the global economy.
The Hong Kong influence on China has worked wonders.
It takes some time, but there is progress. Expect a few bumps along the way.
Just look at products from Japan shortly after WWII and look at them now.

Heck cnh reports seeing wood finished Polk TSi's in China, so they can't be that bad.


I've seen TSI-400s,500s in China with 'real' wood finishes in cherry..not the glossy kind like the Rtis but a flat finish and they look really nice. Must be custom made? cnh

Embargos and trade wars work both ways.
America is a trading nation and we cannot afford to be isolationist with the most populous country in the world as you suggest.
The Great Depression proved that trade wars only hurt us.

[hearingimpared]

NOBODY goes to Communist China to get the best QUALITY. They go to China to CUT COSTS and IMPROVE PROFIT MARGINS while appearing to offer "bang for the buck".

Lord knows, I don't have a problem with a "manufacturer" subcontracting the actual product assembly--Aragon, for example, used that strategy very successfully. Aragon had the product built by assembly specialists in Connecticut and California; and they PAID ATTENTION to how the product was actually built.

Subcontracting to the Communists--you know, the same people who can't make toys without illegal lead paint; can't make toothpaste without poisonous anti-freeze for sweetener; can't make Sheetrock without poisonous formaldehyde; can't make PET FOOD or BABY FORMULA without poisonous melamine; can't make ANYTHING without ignoring their own environmental laws (yeah, they have laws protecting their environment, but they don't enforce them)--how much do you think they care about your electronics? The fifty-cent-an-hour twelve-year-olds working in the plant probably get beaten if they doesn't make quota. Product quality and YOUR listening satisfaction are sure to be her first priority.

The USA needs an ABSOLUTE EMBARGO against Communist-sourced products (except raw materials) but since the Chinese and the Communist Collaborators own our government, what's RIGHT and NEEDED is most unlikely to happen.

It's unfortunate that the Communists and the Communist Collaborators in this country have already destroyed large swaths of American industry, and for some product categories, there IS NO domestic option any more. Buying Communist product when there are competitive American, North American, or Free World products available is evil. The price in dollars may be attractive; but it also costs your soul.

You sound like Joe McCarthey!

[Kex]

... As to hk's and the like,I'm a fan owned a 7200,7300,630,635,none of which could touch the lmc/lpa combo for music ...I'm a fan of harman/kardon too, but this was not my experience. In fact, although I found myself trying to convince myself that the increased performance you described was true, when I did a blind listening test, the Emotiva combination could not even improve on the modest h/k AVR147 (Please note, I did not suggest the entry level h/k was better).


... And as far as buggy,if you've had an hk you should know the multitude of issues from cosmetics to memory. ...Nope, sorry: not a single reliability issue with either the LMC-1/LPA-1 (which I only kept until they failed the blind listening test) or the h/k AVR147 (which I still have, several years later).

A lot of this can depend on many things, it seems to me, including personal tastes, HT or music, type of music, speakers used (mine were Polk Audio, 8 ohms, and very efficient), etc. etc. ...

In the end, I think it's great that Emotiva provides options for some users that otherwise would not exist (on the more affordable side of the Outlaw brand at least), but I don't think their stuff seems to be up to all the hyperbole and Audioholics reviews either. As long as one's expectations are reasonable, it seems like a very valid alternative to many AVR's for some users, especially a plethora of newer receivers with an empasis on bells and whistles and all the latest new fashionable functions ... Some comments suggest that this may be especialy true for users with a Home Theater priority, and I'd probably tend to agree based on my experience with the brand.

[apphd]

NOBODY goes to Communist China to get the best QUALITY. They go to China to CUT COSTS and IMPROVE PROFIT MARGINS while appearing to offer "bang for the buck".

Subcontracting to the Communists--you know, the same people who can't make toys without illegal lead paint; can't make toothpaste without poisonous anti-freeze for sweetener; can't make Sheetrock without poisonous formaldehyde; can't make PET FOOD or BABY FORMULA without poisonous melamine; can't make ANYTHING without ignoring their own environmental ....bla, bla, bla.

You got it wrong, truth is China CAN make quality products. But it will cost you more than so many are willing to spend; manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Same as anywhere else, you could get that Aragon assembled here for $8/hr, or here for $25/hr, which location will have the better skilled and motivated work force?
The "Buy American the job you save may be your own" might have had a chance in the 70's, but it didn't catch on. McCarthyism didn't catch on ether and died out in the 50s'. Where have you been?

[SolidSqual]

You got it wrong, truth is China CAN make quality products. But it will cost you more than so many are willing to spend; manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Same as anywhere else, you could get that Aragon assembled here for $8/hr, or here for $25/hr, which location will have the better skilled and motivated work force?
The "Buy American the job you save may be your own" might have had a chance in the 70's, but it didn't catch on. McCarthyism didn't catch on ether and died out in the 50s'. Where have you been?

Audio Space is a serious high end audio make from China. In fact, their statement preamp was the first Chinese company to receive an Editor's Choice Award from TAS. I'm reviewing the company's current CDP as we speak.

Regards,

Mike

[SolidSqual]

^^^^^^^Sorry for the incoherency in the post above. I'd been out drinking trying to keep my bro in good spirits . . .

[Kex]

^^^^^^^Sorry for the incoherency in the post above. I'd been out drinking trying to keep my bro in good spirits . . .There really should be an icon ... something like a beer mug frothing over or a Champagne glass bubbling ... that you could click on in these circumstances, so that your post would automatically get a warning statement underneath ...

Please note: posted while drinking acoholic beverages! All statements may, or may not, be entirely exact.
Please do not spend any money on new gear based on these assertions before awaiting possible corrections to said statements (usually within 48 hours, except in extreme - but fortunately very rare - cases).

Moderators, please take note, and appropriate action, if at all possible (admit it: a "drinker's" icon would be hillariously Ã* propos).

[WilliamM2]

I've been over at the lounge reading up on the UMC-1, I'm interested in it mostly because of the small size. Reports are it has a serious bug, when running the auto calibration it blasts out at a level so loud it damages speakers, wonder if EMO covers that? Maybe in another year and a half they will have the bugs out, like the LMC-1. Very disappointing.

[hearingimpared]

I've been over at the lounge reading up on the UMC-1, I'm interested in it mostly because of the small size. Reports are it has a serious bug, when running the auto calibration it blasts out at a level so loud it damages speakers, wonder if EMO covers that? Maybe in another year and a half they will have the bugs out, like the LMC-1. Very disappointing.

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[polkatese]

IReports are it has a serious bug, when running the auto calibration it blasts out at a level so loud it damages speakers

That's bad. REF50 also has the tendency of doing this, during calibration (albeit manual). Good thing is my amp immediately went into protection mode when the tone level get too high.

[WilliamM2]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

I wasn't that suprised. Other bugs are that it does not hold video or speker level settings when it's turned off. How could they miss basic crap like this with delay after delay...

[hearingimpared]

I wasn't that suprised. Other bugs are that it does not hold video or speker level settings when it's turned off. How could they miss basic crap like this with delay after delay...

Wow that's pretty bad. I guess they don't want to go the MicroSoft route and have customer debugging.:D

[Montoya]

Sweet Dolby volume function. J/K

I've been over at the lounge reading up on the UMC-1, I'm interested in it mostly because of the small size. Reports are it has a serious bug, when running the auto calibration it blasts out at a level so loud it damages speakers, wonder if EMO covers that? Maybe in another year and a half they will have the bugs out, like the LMC-1. Very disappointing.

[apphd]

I wasn't that suprised. Other bugs are that it does not hold video or speker level settings when it's turned off. How could they miss basic crap like this with delay after delay...

I think that these were determined to be operator error. Not saving the settings in the correct menu. But with so many preliminary reports being what they are, it may turn out to be a bug. But one user reports that if saved in the right menu, they are maintained.

With the track record of one of the earlier processors, and the delays on this one, I think the wait and see approach is needed for real and imagined bugs to surface.

[Kex]

I think that these were determined to be operator error. Not saving the settings in the correct menu. ...That's not exactly true, from what I read. It was determined that due to the problem, one way to solve it was to manually enter the proper values in a particular menu area. I think what was happening was the calibration settings for each channel would not hold if they were entered using pink noise. They had to be entered using the on screen menu. I'm not sure if the values held if they were entered using the automatic calibration feature. In any case, it does seem to be a fairly minor issue.

The dropped video settings (reverting to 480 when turned off) was another issue, and I'm not sure if that has been fixed.

One line of fanboi "defense" has been to say that the Sherbourn unit (a clone of the Emotiva, or something) will be sold for $3,000. What a scam that sounds like. I suppose the point that those posters are attempting to make is that, even with it's faults, the UMC-1 is a bargain, because it's really worth $3,000.

The mud has started flying already, however, in the direction of anybody that starts to criticize the unit, or the way in which it was tested (some were calling for an oppo style beta testing program). There may be some deleted posts and removed threads before long. The whole attitude tends to render the "Lounge" useless as far as decision making is concerned IMO.

[WilliamM2]

I think that these were determined to be operator error.

Some of them may be setup issues, but I wouldn't call them operator errors. How can you hold the user responsible when the units are shipping without a user's manual? All the delays, and they still had to ship without a manual. That's no way to launch a new product. I'm on the second waiting list right now, but if they contact me anytime soon, I will cancel, and just wait and see.

[concealer404]

I think Reference gear is worth the wait, though. Just sayin'.

[cstmar01]

In all honesty with some of the crap thats been said, I really think they need to fix the problems first and make sure EVERYTHING is done that needs to be like the manual, trying to test for bugs ect. Now I'm sure they did some of this but some things I'm reading about seem strange to happen and also I'm sorry but yeah a manual is needed any time a product comes out.

I honestly would still rather have an Anthem D2 or their other models or other brands and pay more but have something I know will do the job and do it right and that I know will work right when you get them. To me Emo should stop with the processors for awhile to make sure all the software and everything is being done right before making another one.
Just my .02.

[polkatese]

I noticed that most of the upcoming or recently released HT Pre/Pro (UMC-1, Halo C3, Arcam AVP888, etc.) are plagued with problems. Coincident? more of technology problems?

[WilliamM2]

I noticed that most of the upcoming or recently released HT Pre/Pro (UMC-1, Halo C3, Arcam AVP888, etc.) are plagued with problems. Coincident? more of technology problems?

Can't be a technology problem. There have been plenty of HDMI receivers available for at least three years with minor or no issues at all. The RX-V1800 I have (released in 2007) has run flawlessly without a single hiccup. The PR-SC885 I had did have some issues, but they were fixed with firmware for the 886. Too bad they left owners of the 885 hanging.

[JohnLocke88]

Can't be a technology problem. There have been plenty of HDMI receivers available for at least three years with minor or no issues at all. The RX-V1800 I have (released in 2007) has run flawlessly without a single hiccup. The PR-SC885 I had did have some issues, but they were fixed with firmware for the 886. Too bad they left owners of the 885 hanging.

Likewise; My Onkyo 705 is kickin' away smoothly, other than a minor audio lag issue that I resolved with updating my source firmware and Onkyo firmware; all's good in the hoood.

[JohnLocke88]

Jebus.... just read some of the posts over on the EMO forums; Why are so many emolounge members such over reactive defensive nutters? Anyone that points out an error or makes a suggestion is instantly labeled as a whiner and told to leave.

Thanks to everyone here that IS NOT like that.

[cstmar01]

Can't be a technology problem. There have been plenty of HDMI receivers available for at least three years with minor or no issues at all. The RX-V1800 I have (released in 2007) has run flawlessly without a single hiccup. The PR-SC885 I had did have some issues, but they were fixed with firmware for the 886. Too bad they left owners of the 885 hanging.

I know there have been a few that have problems, but nothing like the problems I've heard with the emo stuff. The technology is there its just a company has to be able to put it together to make it work for the product and if you don't know what your doing it can back fire really easily.
I think a lot of them (emoities er whatever you want to call them) get so defensive because they still believe their gear is the be all end all to all audio gear and would never have to get something else. While thats fine if a person wants to believe that, when something has some major problems and is proving to not be the greatest they still want it to be great, even though it may not be.
I think if Emo would take some time, make sure they get a lot of the bugs out that have been noted and make sure everything is being shipped together, they might have something that people would look at for entry level. I personally like other companies but thats just me, and don't think I would ever buy a pre/pro from them.

[SolidSqual]

I know there have been a few that have problems, but nothing like the problems I've heard with the emo stuff. The technology is there its just a company has to be able to put it together to make it work for the product and if you don't know what your doing it can back fire really easily.
I think a lot of them (emoities er whatever you want to call them) get so defensive because they still believe their gear is the be all end all to all audio gear and would never have to get something else. While thats fine if a person wants to believe that, when something has some major problems and is proving to not be the greatest they still want it to be great, even though it may not be.
I think if Emo would take some time, make sure they get a lot of the bugs out that have been noted and make sure everything is being shipped together, they might have something that people would look at for entry level. I personally like other companies but thats just me, and don't think I would ever buy a pre/pro from them.

I think perhaps Emotiva expanded into other components of gear too quickly. They should have continued to focus on making amplifiers. Their amps are incredible values. That being said, I haven't heard any of their other product except the CD player (of which I am not impressed). My point being that although they wanted to be a one stop shop for many consumers, it has led them down a road that cheapens their best talents.

[apphd]

That's not exactly true, from what I read. It was determined that due to the problem, one way to solve it was to manually enter the proper values in a particular menu area.

That's why I said "I think" and "it may turn out to be a bug" ;) But my point was going by reports from users that have had this in hand for 2 whole days with out a manual, is as wise as shipping with out a manual. (Very bad decision in my opinion for something as complex as modern processors have become) Lucky for me I'm pretty happy with my system for now, and I'm just getting back to work after 10 months:) so I'm pretty broke and I don't need to make decisions about what is acceptable to me.



The whole attitude tends to render the "Lounge" useless as far as decision making is concerned IMO.

Agreed, too bad when some come here to ask about Emo gear they get told to go to Emo Lounge, or accused of just asking the Q to stir up problems on CP. Not you, just what has been happening lately.

As I said earlier I think I will hold my judgment good and bad until a little more is known. Lucky for those in the market for one, they have those brave souls out there that buy early. Info will be out there soon enough to make a choice.

[apphd]

Some of them may be setup issues, but I wouldn't call them operator errors. How can you hold the user responsible when the units are shipping without a user's manual? All the delays, and they still had to ship without a manual. That's no way to launch a new product. I'm on the second waiting list right now, but if they contact me anytime soon, I will cancel, and just wait and see.

Agree, "setup issues" would have been a better choice of words.

Wait and see is what I would do as well. Not only for bugs to be worked out, but for some reports on overall quality, to see if it would do what I want for the $$, whether it be 700 or 7000, it would need to meet my expectations.

[hearingimpared]

Jebus.... just read some of the posts over on the EMO forums; Why are so many emolounge members such over reactive defensive nutters? Anyone that points out an error or makes a suggestion is instantly labeled as a whiner and told to leave.

Thanks to everyone here that IS NOT like that.

Don't forget to thank the mods too.

[hearingimpared]

That's why I said "I think" and "it may turn out to be a bug" ;) But my point was going by reports from users that have had this in hand for 2 whole days with out a manual, is as wise as shipping with out a manual. (Very bad decision in my opinion for something as complex as modern processors have become) Lucky for me I'm pretty happy with my system for now, and I'm just getting back to work after 10 months:) so I'm pretty broke and I don't need to make decisions about what is acceptable to me.




Agreed, too bad when some come here to ask about Emo gear they get told to go to Emo Lounge, or accused of just asking the Q to stir up problems on CP. Not you, just what has been happening lately.

As I said earlier I think I will hold my judgment good and bad until a little more is known. Lucky for those in the market for one, they have those brave souls out there that buy early. Info will be out there soon enough to make a choice.

That right there is a result of the Emoettes going into threads and blasting anyone who disagrees or doesn't like Emo products. It started awhile ago and just became old. That is why the collective membership have become suspicious of Emo threads. We've had influxes of new members come on here from other forums at the behest of a member asking them too just to cause problems and support them. Remember the N word debacle we had not too long ago?

There's your reason.

[moe]

I have no big bug issues with the umc,settings stay,I pass through video anyway,I don't need "auto eq",sound is spectacular,adjustments more than I'll use.It has a few small issues that may effect some,just not me.Emo promised an update quickly for the known issues.I find this unit about as buggy as any other 1st run unit I've owned,but way ahead for sound.

If I review some of the Polk speakers I've owned(melted tweeters and blown woofers) and been MUCH less than happy with,I'm sure the defenders would come out too.It just so happens Polk also makes some great products too.

[concealer404]

If I review some of the Polk speakers I've owned(melted tweeters and blown woofers) and been MUCH less than happy with,I'm sure the defenders would come out too.It just so happens Polk also makes some great products too.

Well, bring that out! That would be the first that i've heard or read anything of the sort, besides our recent adventures with bobt.

All speakers will do what you said if they're abused... but i'm not going to pass judgement yet. Make another thread discussing. :)

[WilliamM2]

There's your reason.

Rather than start it all up again, why don't we keep this thread about the UMC-1 until that actually happens?

[hearingimpared]

That's why I said "I think" and "it may turn out to be a bug" ;) But my point was going by reports from users that have had this in hand for 2 whole days with out a manual, is as wise as shipping with out a manual. (Very bad decision in my opinion for something as complex as modern processors have become) Lucky for me I'm pretty happy with my system for now, and I'm just getting back to work after 10 months:) so I'm pretty broke and I don't need to make decisions about what is acceptable to me.




Agreed, too bad when some come here to ask about Emo gear they get told to go to Emo Lounge, or accused of just asking the Q to stir up problems on CP. Not you, just what has been happening lately.

As I said earlier I think I will hold my judgment good and bad until a little more is known. Lucky for those in the market for one, they have those brave souls out there that buy early. Info will be out there soon enough to make a choice.


That right there is a result of the Emoettes going into threads and blasting anyone who disagrees or doesn't like Emo products. It started awhile ago and just became old. That is why the collective membership have become suspicious of Emo threads. We've had influxes of new members come on here from other forums at the behest of a member asking them too just to cause problems and support them. Remember the N word debacle we had not too long ago?

There's your reason.


Rather than start it all up again, why don't we keep this thread about the UMC-1 until that actually happens?

I'll respond to what and how I wish to respond. I didn't respond to "start it up again," a fella made a point and I just responded with a counter point.

Apparently you like to take my responses and just choose certain parts to quote for whatever reason.

[WilliamM2]

I'll respond to what and how I wish to respond. I didn't respond to "start it up again," a fella made a point and I just responded with a counter point.

Apparently you like to take my responses and just choose certain parts to quote for whatever reason.

Relax, I'm no Emo fan, just interested in the product if it actully works as advertised.

[hearingimpared]

Relax, I'm no Emo fan, just interested in the product if it actully works as advertised.

I am relaxed William until we start debating cables.:D:p

[moe]

Well, bring that out! That would be the first that i've heard or read anything of the sort, besides our recent adventures with bobt.

All speakers will do what you said if they're abused... but i'm not going to pass judgement yet. Make another thread discussing. :)

You got a point,but I've owned speakers that could take great abuse and still rock on many years,not a week.The point being,no manufacturer has a 100% rock solid lineup at all price ranges,I also have/had Polks I love.

I have thoroghly been enjoying the umc,dvda/sacd/cd's,BR,I have no issues but I also want any issues adressed for those that have different setups.If you don't need a prepro what's it matter,but if you do,I'd suggest an audition before passing judgement.

[concealer404]

You got a point,but I've owned speakers that could take great abuse and still rock on many years,not a week.The point being,no manufacturer has a 100% rock solid lineup at all price ranges,I also have/had Polks I love.

I have thoroghly been enjoying the umc,dvda/sacd/cd's,BR,I have no issues but I also want any issues adressed for those that have different setups.If you don't need a prepro what's it matter,but if you do,I'd suggest an audition before passing judgement.

Good point definitely. I just haven't had great luck with my previous two auditions. ;)

[WilliamM2]

Moe, is it possible to turn off all the blue LED's? Or at least dim them. I know with the amps, switching them off still leaves the power led on.

[acsubie]

Moe, is it possible to turn off all the blue LED's? Or at least dim them. I know with the amps, switching them off still leaves the power led on.


Can be dimmed, but just as the amplifiers, the power led remains on