UMC-1/Onkyo 886, tx-nr1007, 3007 comparisons?

[nottaway]

I have been on the fence for a while and wanted to ask a few questions about the UMC-1 pre/pro.

Has anyone done direct comparisons of the Onkyo 886,1007,3007? I'm most concerned with the DACS, processors, and overall processing performance. I searched and could not find much on the Video processor in the UMC-1. Looks like the Genesis/Torino(Cortez IIfam.) processors are whats used. I have done what research I can, but need some help with hardware specs.

Anyone have info on the following:
UMC-1 Hardware:

• DACS Manufacturer and Model#
  
• Video Processor Model#
  
• Cirrus Model#s
  

Is the Genesis/Torino an equal performer with the HQV Reon or Anchor bay 2010?
I know hardware is not the whole story here, but its usually a good place to start.

And Finally, Is the UMC-1 available to order? I cannot buy online it looks like, so if a purchase in the next couple months is definite, what do I do?

[NorthStar]

I ain't an expert on those, but I believe the Genesis/Faroudja (DCDi Cinema?) VP of the UMC-1 is not exactly in the same league as the Silicon Optix HQV Reon VX-50 VP or the Anchor Bay Technologies ABT2010 VP. ...But it seems to work well according to several people.

The DACs and DSPs I believe are from Cirrus Logic (Crystal Dacs), but don't know their exact serial model numbers.
It uses two Cirrus Logic 32-bit engine DSP chips.
And the Audio Dac (8 ch. D/A & 2 ch. A/D) is according to one of my sources the Crystal CS42518,
an 8-channel Dac on a single chip (Multichannel Dac), 192 Khz/24-Bit Dac.
* Here: @ www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/proDatasheet/CS42518_F1.pdf

-> But who knows for sure, maybe my sources are wrong, and perhaps it's the Crystal CS42528 Dac.
I just ain't 100% sure.
For me the real proof is from the manufacturer, or myself opening the ditto unit for close inspection.

* One thing though, that everyone agrees on; the analog section from the UMC-1 sounds really great, even better than those Onkyo models you just mentioned.

I'm sure someone else will chime in with more on this and other related questions of yours.
I'm just a beginner as far the UMC-1 is concerned; I read a bit about it, but never owned one.

[ntrain42]

Apr 18, 2010 10:50:25 GMT -5 nottaway said:

I have been on the fence for a while and wanted to ask a few questions about the UMC-1 pre/pro.

Has anyone done direct comparisons of the Onkyo 886,1007,3007? I'm most concerned with the DACS, processors, and overall processing performance. I searched and could not find much on the Video processor in the UMC-1. Looks like the Genesis/Torino(Cortez IIfam.) processors are whats used. I have done what research I can, but need some help with hardware specs.

Anyone have info on the following:
UMC-1 Hardware:

• DACS Manufacturer and Model#
  
• Video Processor Model#
  
• Cirrus Model#s
  

Is the Genesis/Torino an equal performer with the HQV Reon or Anchor bay 2010?
I know hardware is not the whole story here, but its usually a good place to start.

And Finally, Is the UMC-1 available to order? I cannot buy online it looks like, so if a purchase in the next couple months is definite, what do I do?

I have both the UMC-1 and 886. In reality both units are very close in performance. But the 886 does have a better upscaler chip(which you may or may not use depending on your gear and what you plan to do). The 886 also has better Burr Brown DACs for music. For movies the UMC-1 AD DACs are pretty much on par in terms of SQ as the BB units in the 886. If your using your source units DACs though, then this is a non factor. Again it all depends on how you USE the unit if you will gain any benefit from the above. In terms of the meat features, both have excellent channel EQs(13 for 886, 11 for UMC-1), the 886 also has a good xover, but the UMC-1's is IMO better since you can select 12/24 slopes. The analog section on the UMC-1 is a touch better as well, but both are actually very good for a HT processor. So it depends on HOW YOU USE IT, as it may not be worth the $400-700 more you will pay for an 886.

THe 1007/3007 are AVR's and are not going to be in the same leage as either the UMC-1 or 886 as a stand alone processor.

If you want more help on your decision, you should post what you have for source units/display, how they will be connected etc.....

[Mister L'fe]

If you are going to compare, why not the 5507 which is the current pre-pro instead of the 886?

[Nemesis.ie]

Going off topic - nTrain, what slopes are you using? Seeing as you have the same(ish) sub(s) as me and my UMC-1 is in (delayed) transit I am curious.

Thanks!

[ntrain42]

24db hi and low pass......gives me an effective 48db hi/lo pass since the mains are ported and i use the subs own xover as well. Steep in phase slopes are the way to go.

[BillBauman]

Apr 18, 2010 11:08:47 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

I'm just a beginner as far the UMC-1 is concerned; I read a bit about it, but never owned one.

I really liked this reply. You answered what you could, gave your honest opinion where you could, and then disclosed your actual experience with the system. It gives the original poster a good feel for the information provided and it doesn't overstate or overglorify anything based on supposition or anecdotal knowledge.

[nottaway]

"And Finally, Is the UMC-1 available to order? I cannot buy online it looks like, so if a purchase in the next couple months is definite, what do I do"

Any word on this?

[roadrunner]

Apr 19, 2010 10:00:59 GMT -5 nottaway said:

"And Finally, Is the UMC-1 available to order? I cannot buy online it looks like, so if a purchase in the next couple months is definite, what do I do"

Any word on this?

Until Emotiva fulfulls all the early sign-ups from the Pre-Order Lists for the UMC-1 no units will be sold through normal channels. Based on recent information from Emotiva, Cathy Laufman, it would appear that it will be a few more weeks before the general public can purchase a UMC-1. If you have a strong interest in the UMC-1 and need more accurate availability information, I suggest that you call or e-mail Cathy. She is the person within Emotiva who has a finger on the arrival of all Emotiva shipments and also monitors all the Pre-Order lists. ;D

[kilglas]

Apr 19, 2010 11:41:56 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

Apr 19, 2010 10:00:59 GMT -5 nottaway said:

"And Finally, Is the UMC-1 available to order? I cannot buy online it looks like, so if a purchase in the next couple months is definite, what do I do"

Any word on this?

Until Emotiva fulfulls all the early sign-ups from the Pre-Order Lists for the UMC-1 no units will be sold through normal channels. Based on recent information from Emotiva, Cathy Laufman, it would appear that it will be a few more weeks before the general public can purchase a UMC-1. If you have a strong interest in the UMC-1 and need more accurate availability information, I suggest that you call or e-mail Cathy. She is the person within Emotiva who has a finger on the arrival of all Emotiva shipments and also monitors all the Pre-Order lists. ;D