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Post by Cory Cooper on Jul 16, 2012 11:55:02 GMT -5
Hi All,
Been a lurker here for a while now...never posted. I have read through quite a bit of the forums and appreciate everyone's input.
I have been contemplating replacing my old trusty Denon AVR-5800 (upgraded) with a UMC-1 and XPA-5. From what I can tell, it would be a solid upgrade of capability and sound quality. My listening habits are about 50/50 audio/movies.
A little backstory: I previously had a Velodyne HGS-15 that developed quite a hum over the years and chose to replace it with a smaller Ultra Sub 12 last year. Not the full slam of the Velo, but it meshes very nicely with the B&W's and seems to be more musical and smoother than its predecessor. The room is on the smaller side, so I would guess that would be part of the equation. In addition, my old Denon DVD-2910 went on the fritz as well...had lost ability to play CDs about a year ago and gradually was skipping/freezing more and more. Replaced it with an OPPO BDP-95 and couldn't believe the difference.
So, I have come to considering a replacement system. I have read some fantastic things about the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo and am pretty much ready to pull the trigger. Just wanted some feedback from everyone as to whether this would be a significant change in sound quality over the Denon. I only have the OPPO and a DVR as sources and the Panny only accepts one HDMI connection. It may be replaced this year as well, but audio is my first love and concern.
I would appreciate any feedback and thanks in advance.
Cory
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jul 16, 2012 11:57:29 GMT -5
Go for it.
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Jul 16, 2012 12:17:06 GMT -5
Don't know about the Denon, but it was a big improvement over my Onk 807. As DYohn says: "Go for it"
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Post by frenchyfranky on Jul 16, 2012 12:40:14 GMT -5
Last December I changed all my HT for Emotiva product, it was a huge improvement in SQ. Before that I own a Denon AVR-3803 for a decade and a can tell you that you won't be disappointed with the change, so hurry up because the summer sale must be ending today. Plus: your B&W Nautilus 805 gonna loves the power reserve and power control damping of Emo Amps, I guess you will listen your speakers for the first time
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2012 12:50:15 GMT -5
The XPA-5 and UMC-1 combo has to be one of the greatest deals in the Surround Sound/HT market. That Sherbourn receiver deal looked pretty sweet, too...
-RW-
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Post by doc1963 on Jul 16, 2012 14:35:55 GMT -5
I couldn't agree more that the UMC-1/XPA-5 is a fantastic combination.
The performance alone would be hard to match and, dollar for dollar, the value simply cannot be touched.
The only thing that I would suggest is that since you have an Oppo BDP-95, consider using the 7.1 analog connection to the UMC-1 for audio and set up your bass management at the BDP-95.
As much as I love the "sound" of the UMC-1's digital stages, I think that it would be a step down from the capabilities of the BDP-95. You will obviously lose the ability to use EmoQ (room correction), but some (including myself) would tell you that it's worth the trade off to obtain the full sonic performance of the work that Oppo has put into the BDP-95. At least for music...
There is, however, a way to incorporate the best of both by using the 7.1 analog out of the BDP-95 for "music only" and HDMI for video playback giving you the ability to use the full array of the on-board digital processing capabilities of the UMC-1.
Both the UMC-1 and the BDP-95 are flexible in many regards. I'm sure that you would find a combination that would please you.
Hope this helps.....
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Post by G-Man on Jul 16, 2012 15:45:45 GMT -5
You'll be very happy with the UMC-1 and XPA-5. I upgraded to that combo from a very nice Marantz receiver a couple years ago and never regretted it.
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Post by roadrunner on Jul 16, 2012 17:01:59 GMT -5
Where audio is your primary concern, you might want to consider adding the Emotiva USP-1 or the upcoming XSP-1 pre-amps to the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo. Either of those pre-amps will provide you with analog stereo sound quality on a higher plateau. I own the UMC-1 and the USP-1 and music is my addiction. The synergy between the USP-1 and the UMC-1 is overwhelmingly good. Combining the USP-1 with the UMC-1 gives you the best of the analog and the digital worlds via the HT ByPass function. Using this combo provided me with a significant improvement in the sound quality of my music.
Either way you go, you will experience a big improvement over the sound quality you have with your old Denon system. Good luck with your upgrade.
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Jul 16, 2012 17:21:17 GMT -5
For 2-channel listening I would recommend getting an XPA-2 or dual XPA-1s; I have the XPA-2 and it totally rocks compared to the XPA-5 that I used to drive my mains previously. My Phase Tech PC speakers are similar to the B&W 800 series and they really liked the extra power and headroom afforded by the XPA-2.
And welcome to the Lounge!
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Post by Cory Cooper on Jul 16, 2012 18:22:08 GMT -5
Everyone, Thank you all so very much for your quick and very helpful comments. I have been pondering this all day today and I went ahead and placed my order. I have a UMC-1 and XPA-5 on their way! Honestly, I have been looking at this purchase for months and months. I appreciate all the feedback. I think the best starting point for me is the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo. I figure I can get it all setup and listen for while, then decide on any addition purchases/upgrades...i.e. XMC-1, XPA-2 for the two main channels, etc. I am sure that I will hear a big difference over the old Denon. It served me well...just got outdated as the years went by. I know the B&Ws are very power hungry, but the room is on the smallish side and I don't listen too often at reference levels as you can tell by the Denon they are replacing. Again, thanks for the help, and I will let you know my thoughts after a little listening. C P.S. Meant to post this in the Processors forum initially.
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Post by doc1963 on Jul 16, 2012 19:55:11 GMT -5
Congratulations on your purchase Cory. You've made a wise and very well thought out decision.
I couldn't agree more with the suggestions of both roadrunner and stiehl11. The addition of a USP-1 (or better yet, an XSP-1) and an XPA-2 would be a natural and welcomed migration for your system when (and if) you're ready.
As you can see by my sig, I use both pieces in my system and, as these guys have said, the differences that these additions would make to your system wouldn't go unnoticed... ;D
Happy listening.....
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Post by suffolk112000 on Jul 16, 2012 20:24:14 GMT -5
I upgraded from a Denon 3805 and I noticed a major audio improvement with the addition of the UMC-1. You'll be happy with your upgrade.
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Jul 16, 2012 20:43:07 GMT -5
Congratuations! Looking forward to your impressions.
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Post by creimes on Jul 16, 2012 23:42:29 GMT -5
My UMC-1 and UPA-500 should be arriving tomorrow, but unfortunately won't be hooked up till sometime in fall as we haven't found a house yet.....which kindas explains my budget right now heh.
I'll be using the UPA-500 to drive my center and rears and the other 2 channels to power outdoor speakers when they get setup, as I have 2 UPA-1 mono's powering my fronts.
Need to sell my XDA-1 to help with new purchases but prob keep my USP-1 for the same reasons the other members have noted on this post.
If your like the rest of us give yourself a few months and you'll have at minimum the XPA-2 on order to power your mains lol, seems like Emotiva does a good job at having you invest in more of their awesome products.....
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Post by suffolk112000 on Jul 17, 2012 12:23:59 GMT -5
Yea... I'll be purchasing the UPA-500 sometime soon.
When I eventually get the XMC-1, (probably December for me, regardless of when it comes out) it will replace the UMC-1. I'll move the UMC-1 up stairs to my livingroom. But since I don't have an amp in my livingroom, I'll be purchasing a UPA-500 to mate with the UMC-1.
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HDSapper
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Post by HDSapper on Jul 17, 2012 13:43:31 GMT -5
Everyone, Thank you all so very much for your quick and very helpful comments. I have been pondering this all day today and I went ahead and placed my order. I have a UMC-1 and XPA-5 on their way! Honestly, I have been looking at this purchase for months and months. I appreciate all the feedback. I think the best starting point for me is the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo. I figure I can get it all setup and listen for while, then decide on any addition purchases/upgrades...i.e. XMC-1, XPA-2 for the two main channels, etc. I am sure that I will hear a big difference over the old Denon. It served me well...just got outdated as the years went by. I know the B&Ws are very power hungry, but the room is on the smallish side and I don't listen too often at reference levels as you can tell by the Denon they are replacing. Again, thanks for the help, and I will let you know my thoughts after a little listening. Congrats on the purchase. I went from the Denon AVR-5700 to the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo myself. I truly loved the Denon, and kept it for a decade because I could see anything sounding better and still being in my price range...until Emotiva! I would, however, caution against building up the expectation that the new equipment will be a "major audio improvement". I would call it a slight to moderate improvement in performance, and a major improvement in flexibility. Given that and a price tag that is a third of the price of your Denon, that's still impressive. Looking forward to your initial impressions.
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Post by larryep on Jul 17, 2012 21:22:28 GMT -5
Cory
Congradulations on the purchase. hope to hear your review.
Larry
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Post by creimes on Jul 18, 2012 23:47:19 GMT -5
Hey Cory,
Have you received your Emo gear yet and if so how are you liking it. I got mine yesterday and just set the UMC up today but only have it running 2 channels right now, but it's sounding really nice in direct mode using iTunes from my Mac Mini with all music Apple Lossless or AIFF.
Now I gotta sell my XDA-1 and USP-1 to help with the costs of my UMC and UPA-500...anyone know how to access the Emporium to list stuff for sale...I heard they prefer we don't start new posts for selling...?
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Post by Cory Cooper on Jul 19, 2012 1:13:53 GMT -5
Gear should arrive Friday afternoon...will be in touch this weekend.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Jul 19, 2012 4:16:40 GMT -5
Hey Cory, Have you received your Emo gear yet and if so how are you liking it. I got mine yesterday and just set the UMC up today but only have it running 2 channels right now, but it's sounding really nice in direct mode using iTunes from my Mac Mini with all music Apple Lossless or AIFF. Now I gotta sell my XDA-1 and USP-1 to help with the costs of my UMC and UPA-500... anyone know how to access the Emporium to list stuff for sale...I heard they prefer we don't start new posts for selling...? To list an item in the Emporium, click here and create a new thread (using the link in top right corner). Don't forget to list the price! Good luck with your sale.
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