htmtl
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 205
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Post by htmtl on Oct 6, 2010 8:08:33 GMT -5
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Post by deanej on Oct 6, 2010 9:06:36 GMT -5
Actually, I've read this board to exhaustion during the decision making process. I'm now comfortable and ready to take a small risk or two.
Lonnie is going to put the UMC-1 through their shop and check it's operation out, as well as install the latest firm ware. I realize this doesn't guarantee perfection by any means, but it takes me as close as I can get at this point.
If I didn't do the Emotiva set, I would have done a refurbished Onkyo NR5007 (145wpc), using it's internal amps.
If the UMC-1 proves to be unsatisfactory over a period of time, I'll replace it and continue to use the XPA-5 amp.
The combo has been ordered. We have passed the point of no return.
Deane
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Post by deanej on Oct 6, 2010 9:29:18 GMT -5
Does anyone have suggestions on where to look for interconnects for this setup. I'm not into the high tech stuff that costs more than Air Force One.
I need about 16', 5 conductors, gold plated connectors, nothing fancy. It's just analog audio.
I see some 5 conductor cables that have 3 for component video and two for audio. I wonder if these work.
Thanks for your thought once again.
Deane
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htmtl
Emo VIPs
Posts: 205
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Post by htmtl on Oct 6, 2010 10:25:19 GMT -5
Check this guy out for Voodoo cables (hxxp://electronics.shop.ebay.ca/A-V-Accessories-Cables-/14961/i.html?_catref=1&_fln=1&_ipg=&_ssn=12volt&_trksid=p3911.c0.m282) ... i have got mine and it's cheap but great ... and best luck with your combo, hope you enjoy it much more then some others here had ;>
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Post by roadrunner on Oct 6, 2010 15:13:00 GMT -5
Deane There are lots of places to buy cables, many of them very cheap prices. These are ok for short runs in many settings, but over the years I have discovered that by spending a little more money you can buy much better quality cables that rarely have problems. There have been many posts of this forum, and others, about solving intermittent problem by replacing the cheapy cables with high quality ones from companies like Blue Jeans Cable. Emotiva also has a line of very high quality cables, but in limited lengths. Many Lounge Members, including me, have switched to using nothing but Blue Jeans or Emotiva Cables. They are a little more expensive than Monoprice, but the quality gain is well worth the incremental costs. I don't use the very expensive esoteric brands and I think they are not worth what you pay for them. From what you posted you are looking for, I would go to Blue Jean's Web site and read all about their offering and see for yourself why they are so highly thought of. They can and will make cables of any length to satisfy your needs. Emotiva offers the same level of quality, but doesn't offer the breadth of cables you might be looking for. I would be very satisfied to use any cable either company offers. The 5-conductor cable that you asked about is available from Blue Jeans at the following link. Blue Jeans also has a Lower Priced cable division that you might check out if you feel their regular prices are higher than you want to spend. That is Tartan Cables and links to it can be found on the Blue Jeans web site. www.bluejeancable.com/store/6channel/index.htmYou might also check Emotiva's cables to see if they have what you need. It could save you a little money if they do have it. I just like to use cables with high quality materials and workmanship. The three companies I have found that have very high quality cables at reasonable prices are: Blue Jeans Cables Impact Acoustics (SonicWave & Velocity brands) Emotivia Impact Acoustics is being absorbed by Cables to Go. In the past I have found the cables I wanted on the Impact Acoustics site and then googled the part number to find the lowest price for other web resellers also carrying the same part. I have used their SonicWave and Velocity cables for 10 years, or longer, and found them to be excellent quality. Audioholics.com has recommended the cables from both Blue Jeans Cables and Impact Acoustics. Secrets of Home Theater and HiFi has highly recommended the Emotiva cable line. Emotiva introduced the new cable line at Emofest 2009 where they showed how the cables were made, with injection molding to make secure connections, versus simply crimping or spot soldering as most of the competition does. Check out the Emotiva Product Pages for more details. I occasionally use the "Premium Monoprice" cables for none critical connections. These cables are good for things like composite video, S-video, and short run RCA cables. Now that I have told you more than you probably wanted to know about cables I will close and wish you good luck in finding what you are looking for. ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by deanej on Oct 6, 2010 16:30:39 GMT -5
Nice and thorough once again Roadrunner.
I ordered some cheapy cables from Amazon as a stop gap. The Emotiva stuff is due to be delivered Friday and I didn't want to be sitting here waiting for a week or two for cables. I'm a Prime member, so I can get things overnight for $3.99 or two day at no charge.
Since I need 18 plus feet, my choices are limited. I looked at the Emotiva cables but the selection was too limited for my needs.
The Blue Jeans cables you linked me to look really nice. I wonder if they are bundled somehow, or are just 5 loose cables of the same length?
Thanks again.
Deane
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Post by roadrunner on Oct 6, 2010 19:45:59 GMT -5
Deane
With Blue Jeans Cable you can get it either way. The link I provided was to the page where the five cables are connected together. Blue Jeans can do whatever you desire. Give them a call and discuss what you are considering and ask them for their input. They can be very helpful in helping you understand why to go one way versus another... very knowledgeable and patient. If you have any doubts about what would be better they are a great source to help you understand the pros and the cons of each choice.
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NorthStar
Seeker Of Truth
"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
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Post by NorthStar on Oct 7, 2010 2:07:43 GMT -5
Wish you all the best Movie/Music experience with your new gear Deane.  Bob |
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htmtl
Emo VIPs
Posts: 205
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Post by htmtl on Oct 7, 2010 13:16:47 GMT -5
I hope you can still change your order, because the new UPA-5 is now only $399 with FREE shipping within the US ...
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Post by eljaycanuck on Oct 7, 2010 13:50:09 GMT -5
Wow, that's $150 less than what I paid at the end of May!!  My only regret (aside from missing out on a $150 discount) is that I don't have use for a second one! |
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Post by deanej on Oct 7, 2010 16:55:47 GMT -5
I hope you can still change your order, because the new UPA-5 is now only $399 with FREE shipping within the US ... That is indeed an exceptional buy, and a deal that anyone who can possibly use it should take advantage of. However, it's only 125wpc and I'm a 200wpc kind of guy. ;D |
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NorthStar
Seeker Of Truth
"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
Posts: 0
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Post by NorthStar on Oct 7, 2010 19:42:24 GMT -5
I hope you can still change your order, because the new UPA-5 is now only $399 with FREE shipping within the US ... That is indeed an exceptional buy, and a deal that anyone who can possibly use it should take advantage of. However, it's only 125wpc and I'm a 200wpc kind of guy. ;D That would do! ;D * By the way, the UPA-5 is 185 Watts per channel times five (4-Ohm).  |
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Post by thepcguy on Oct 7, 2010 19:59:20 GMT -5
I hope you can still change your order, because the new UPA-5 is now only $399 with FREE shipping within the US ... i bought my UPA-5 last June and there was a 4th of July sale right after. Emotiva quickly refunded the difference! ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by deanej on Oct 7, 2010 20:08:17 GMT -5
That is indeed an exceptional buy, and a deal that anyone who can possibly use it should take advantage of. However, it's only 125wpc and I'm a 200wpc kind of guy. ;D That would do! ;D * By the way, the UPA-5 is 185 Watts per channel times five (4-Ohm). Darn once again, I'm not a wimpy 4 ohm type, I'm a full fledged 8 ohm kind of guy. ;D BTW tracking just showed my combo clearing Kansas City on it's way to Omaha. After weeks of indecision, I'm now counting the hours. Tomorrow, I'll be waiting in front of my house with a hand truck, watching for the FedEX truck to come down the street. |
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NorthStar
Seeker Of Truth
"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
Posts: 0
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Post by NorthStar on Oct 7, 2010 20:56:30 GMT -5
Darn once again, I'm not a wimpy 4 ohm type, I'm a full fledged 8 ohm kind of guy. ;D Deane, you don't wanna hear what I think on that one! ;D |
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Post by deanej on Oct 8, 2010 20:17:13 GMT -5
Got the pair today. The XPA-5 box was sure heavy. Decided to build a dolly for it to sit on so I could move it around as needed. That consumed the afternoon, so didn't get it hooked up.
I was looking through the instruction book for the UMC-1 and noticed it indicated it would scale to 720p 50 Hz, but they don't mention 720p 60Hz. My projector is native at 720p and since I'm in the U.S., it's 60 Hz.
I assume this has to be an error in the instruction book. Can anyone confirm.
Deane
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Post by roadrunner on Oct 9, 2010 2:39:44 GMT -5
Deane By now I suspect you have already discovered that was just a typo. Assuming that your projector's EDID contains the correct data about it's preferred mode of operation, the UMC-1 can select the best setting to use with the projector by choosing AUTO. You can force the UMC-1 to select 720P, or any of the other options, if you so desire. When you actually get into the setup menu it will become clearer. Emotiva also created a video on how to do the basic setup on the UMC-1. I recommend that you take the time to view all the EmoTV videos that Emotiva produced. It could answer many of the questions you will be asking yourself during your first attempt at setting up the various options. Have fun with your new toys.  |
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htmtl
Emo VIPs
Posts: 205
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Post by htmtl on Oct 9, 2010 9:02:44 GMT -5
Got the pair today. The XPA-5 box was sure heavy. Decided to build a dolly for it to sit on so I could move it around as needed. That consumed the afternoon, so didn't get it hooked up. I was looking through the instruction book for the UMC-1 and noticed it indicated it would scale to 720p 50 Hz, but they don't mention 720p 60Hz. My projector is native at 720p and since I'm in the U.S., it's 60 Hz. I assume this has to be an error in the instruction book. Can anyone confirm. Deane Now you have got the combo, let the fun begin ... make sure you have the latest firmware (7.0.2), if not then the fun is really begin ;D |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2010 10:33:57 GMT -5
Deane, you've got a very fine THX system there from Atlantic Technology along with a dynamite Velodyne sub. I think you made a wise choice in the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo. The extra power from the XPA-5 might come in handy. Watch your back! (I own the XPA-5 also)
I hope you come back with some happy feedback when you get it all set up.
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Post by deanej on Oct 15, 2010 9:14:29 GMT -5
After watching a few movies I'm ready to pronounce the acquisition a success. I appreciate the forum members who encouraged me, both on-line and in PMs to go with the Emotiva pair instead of a receiver.
I don't seem to be having any trouble with it, but I need to condition that by saying I use it for only one thing. That's a Blu-ray player in, no switching.
I like the extensive audio control available. It's very helpful in adjusting for my aging ears.
My only difficulty is that I can't get it to respond to IR from my computer through a USB-UIRT. I'm pretty much convinced it's the USB-UIRT causing the issue.
This package represents such a significant value that I'm willing to work around an occasional issue.
Deane
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