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Post by daveburt on Nov 29, 2013 1:48:07 GMT -5
Hi Folks... I'm new here, so I figured "stupid questions" would be the best sub-forum.  I bought a UMC-1 (from Craigslist) when my B&K Ref50/S2 started dying. While flashing the newest firmware the UMC-1 crapped out too... Long story short, Emotiva's customer service was awesome! They gave me an RMA# and I had the unit back in 6 business days (with the newest firmware)!!! I thought about buying a new UMC-200, but it didn't have all the inputs I needed so the Craigslist purchase was perfect for me. I won't hesitate to buy from Emo again.  Anyway, to the point: Playing movies in surround sounds great regardless of the source (HTPC/Sony S5100). However, when I play music from the HTPC it sounds over driven with too much bass (tried HDMI and Optical inputs). It seems like the sub isn't working (with music) and the main speakers are trying to carry all the lows. One of my favorite songs is Cake-Going the Distance, which does have a deep bass line, so I tested music with that song first. That tune sounds the worst by far but all my mp3 tunes have the same general feel...  I never experienced this with the B&K, or for that matter with my other system in the family room, so I know it's not a problem with my MP3's. I've only had the UMC-1 for about a week so I'm still tweaking it, but this problem is the most serious... Am I missing something obvious? BTW: I'm an old fart, and still listen to vinyl.  With the addition of a pre-amp my records sound killer, without the same overdrive effect I get from the HTPC... Here are some brief system specs: Head: UMC-1 Amp: UPA-500 Speakers: Infinity SM-112 mains/TSS 750 surrounds/100w Infinity sub (what can I say, I like Infinities  ) If more system info would help let me know. I really like this gear, but the muddled music is a serious drawback... Here's a pic of my settup:  |
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Post by drtrey3 on Nov 29, 2013 8:40:08 GMT -5
Hey dave, welcome! Since your other sources are sounding great, I would look into the HTPC. Depending on what program you are using to run the PC, you can experiment with where the bits are processed and decoded. Do you use jRiver Media Center? It is really powerful in terms of how you output your info. You could download and try it for 30 days for free and see if it has what you need.
And let me agree with you about Cake, great stuff! I am sure that other people who have more working knowledge of the UMC-1 will get you closer to where you want to be.
Trey
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jlafrenz
Global Moderator 
I don't want to jump in, unless this music's thumping
Posts: 7,722
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Post by jlafrenz on Nov 29, 2013 8:44:22 GMT -5
Have you used EmoQ or gone in and manually setup speaker distances and levels? I would recommend doing this.
Do you have Cake on a CD? I would play it and compare it to the MP3 version. The problem could also be with the lossy format.
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Post by Dark Ranger on Nov 29, 2013 14:23:20 GMT -5
However, when I play music from the HTPC it sounds over driven with too much bass (tried HDMI and Optical inputs). It seems like the sub isn't working (with music) and the main speakers are trying to carry all the lows. Hmm, it could be a simple configuration issue on the UMC-1. Let's try this: 1) You might try resetting the UMC-1 to factory defaults. This will wipe out all your settings, but you can start fresh since this was a pre-owned unit. You might be using settings from the previous owner (if Emo didn't reset for you). 2) It's possible your front speakers are still set to LARGE, which means the front speakers will reproduce a full-range signal. Try changing all your speakers to SMALL and make sure SUBWOOFER is enabled. 3) Try setting an 80 Hz crossover on all speakers (set subwoofer to 120 Hz LFE rolloff) just for testing. You can tweak the XO frequency later. This will allow the sub to reproduce more of the low frequencies. 4) Make sure your UMC-1 is not in Direct Mode during playback. Direct Mode essentially bypasses all bass management. Try using Stereo mode for two-channel music playback. This will engage your sub. 5) Make sure your HTPC's playback software (iTunes, Winamp, etc.) has all enhancements disabled, including EQ, SRS effects, and environmental DSP effects. Also, what playback software are you using? This can at least get us started. Let us know if there are any improvements. |
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Post by daveburt on Nov 29, 2013 17:27:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies Folks! I think I found my problem. I took the covers off my mains to turn the internal crossover switch down and found that the foam on the woofers (both speakers) was disintegrating ... These speakers are 20+ years old, but I've always liked the sound of them. The cones are fine, so I'll try buying a repair kit 1st, if that doesn't work I'll have to weigh other options. drtrey3: I'm using Windows Media Center (Win7/64). I'll check out the free trial of jRiver. I have mixed feelings about WMC anyway, but it does support my HomeRun HD Prime (cable card/network tuner). jlafrenz: Yeah, I used the mic and Emo-Q. It did a decent job of balancing things out! I kind of wonder if that wasn't the last straw for my old woofer foam though... They sounded good with the B&K, but I had the sub set to carry most of the bass load on that head. Dark Ranger: Some great incite on the UMC-1... I reset to defaults before I did anything else. I'll have some free time this weekend. I'll try all your suggestions to see if I can calm things down until I can get the speaker situation fixed and then tweak them again once things are settled. A little OT, but has anyone ever repaired woofers before? I found this kit on E-Bay: www.ebay.com/itm/INFINITY-SM-112-SPEAKER-Parts-10-Woofer-Foam-Edge-Repair-Kit-FSK-10A-/140664004158Comments about the difficulty (or futility) of doing this is are welcomed, including better options...  |
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lewers
Emo VIPs 
You can't have too much clean power
Posts: 117
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Post by lewers on Nov 29, 2013 17:45:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies Folks! I think I found my problem. I took the covers off my mains to turn the internal crossover switch down and found that the foam on the woofers (both speakers) was disintegrating ... These speakers are 20+ years old, but I've always liked the sound of them. The cones are fine, so I'll try buying a repair kit 1st, if that doesn't work I'll have to weigh other options. drtrey3: I'm using Windows Media Center (Win7/64). I'll check out the free trial of jRiver. I have mixed feelings about WMC anyway, but it does support my HomeRun HD Prime (cable card/network tuner). jlafrenz: Yeah, I used the mic and Emo-Q. It did a decent job of balancing things out! I kind of wonder if that wasn't the last straw for my old woofer foam though... They sounded good with the B&K, but I had the sub set to carry most of the bass load on that head. Dark Ranger: Some great incite on the UMC-1... I reset to defaults before I did anything else. I'll have some free time this weekend. I'll try all your suggestions to see if I can calm things down until I can get the speaker situation fixed and then tweak them again once things are settled. A little OT, but has anyone ever repaired woofers before? I found this kit on E-Bay: www.ebay.com/itm/INFINITY-SM-112-SPEAKER-Parts-10-Woofer-Foam-Edge-Repair-Kit-FSK-10A-/140664004158Comments about the difficulty (or futility) of doing this is are welcomed, including better options... I've had good luck with the folks at speakerrepair.com. Here's a link to the kit that looks like it's right one for your speakers, check it out here: www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=11-107-B-INF&Category_Code=If you go this route and re-edge the woofers, remember that right after you do they will be as new as far as that component of the driver system is concerned. So they may need a little time to break-in and sound like you remember. So don't be surprised if the bass is a little reserved and needs some time to fill in in the lower octaves. Best of luck, - Chris |
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Post by witalik on Nov 29, 2013 18:44:24 GMT -5
I would also recommend trying other programs to play your files from. I have had differences from real crappy overdriven sound to normal clean sound. This was different with Windows media player and VLC. VLC did the trick.
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Post by neo20013 on Nov 30, 2013 6:27:11 GMT -5
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Post by daveburt on Nov 30, 2013 23:28:40 GMT -5
I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year... I love the deals, but hate the credit card bills... I still have all intentions of fixing the Infinity's (my babies), but I got an e-mail from a local store that had a Black Friday/Closeout deal on some Paradigm Monitor 9 S7's. www.paradigm.com/products/type=tower/model=monitor-9/page=overviewThey were asking $679 for the pair (MSRP of $1200), but I talked them down to $600 and just couldn't pass it up... The speakers have a 15 day return policy but after tweaking them I doubt I'll be doing that. I've been trying to upgrade my HT/Audio system for a while. As much as I love the Infinity SM112's, they are 20+ years old, so it may be time for a change. Anyway, back on topic: I tried Dark Ranger's crossover suggestions and it helped quite a bit (especially with the new speakers, they carry bass quite well!). The only way I can get the HTPC to activate the sub is by setting the UMC-1 to PLII though. I'm sure there's a learning curve and I'm still close to the bottom.  I settled on crossovers of 80hz for the mains, and 100hz for the sub. It actually sounds pretty good for both music and movies! I am listening to you folks, and I'll start working on the HTPC/software side next! Thanks again for the help! You guys are awesome... I know I'm a cheapskate when it comes to the audiophile stuff, but I'm just trying to get the best bang for the buck and the people on here have been VERY helpful! Not needed, but here's a pic of my system with the new speakers:  |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,235 
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Post by novisnick on Nov 30, 2013 23:36:31 GMT -5
I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year... I love the deals, but hate the credit card bills... I still have all intentions of fixing the Infinity's (my babies), but I got an e-mail from a local store that had a Black Friday/Closeout deal on some Paradigm Monitor 9 S7's. www.paradigm.com/products/type=tower/model=monitor-9/page=overviewThey were asking $679 for the pair (MSRP of $1200), but I talked them down to $600 and just couldn't pass it up... The speakers have a 15 day return policy but after tweaking them I doubt I'll be doing that. I've been trying to upgrade my HT/Audio system for a while. As much as I love the Infinity SM112's, they are 20+ years old, so it may be time for a change. Anyway, back on topic: I tried Dark Ranger's crossover suggestions and it helped quite a bit (especially with the new speakers, they carry bass quite well!). The only way I can get the HTPC to activate the sub is by setting the UMC-1 to PLII though. I'm sure there's a learning curve and I'm still close to the bottom. I settled on crossovers of 80hz for the mains, and 100hz for the sub. It actually sounds pretty good for both music and movies! I am listening to you folks, and I'll start working on the HTPC/software side next! Thanks again for the help! You guys are awesome... I know I'm a cheapskate when it comes to the audiophile stuff, but I'm just trying to get the best bang for the buck and the people on here have been VERY helpful! Not needed, but here's a pic of my system with the new speakers: Technical foul!!!,,,,,you only have five remotes on your TV rack!! Shame on you,,,,,He,,,,,He,,,,,He,,,,, Nick |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,235
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Post by novisnick on Nov 30, 2013 23:38:42 GMT -5
Great deal, do they want to sell a pair of Studio 100s ? Let me know if they will ship!!!!!!
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Post by daveburt on Dec 1, 2013 0:02:27 GMT -5
Hey Nick, There could be more remotes on the shelf. Especially if I included that big metal monster that came with the UMC-1!  Fortunately the Logitech Harmony One can handle most of the functions I need, even if it does add to the confusion a little... |
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