After having had my UMC for a month...

[threxx]

Has Emo even stated they're working on PLIIX? In the official status thread I don't think they've even specified what bugs will be fixed. They've said they'll update us soon on those bugs, but last I saw they still haven't. edit: I just checked... six days ago Dan said "Please allow me a day or two to get the bug list updated here for all to see. " I don't see an update though and I see them mentioning PLIIX not initializing as the default sometimes but nothing about PLIIX sound processing/quality.

I really don't know what PLIIX is supposed to sound like but I've found that pretty much all of the non direct pass through modes sound really bad compared to just passing the signal through. I assumed that just meant I was a purist... not that there was anything wrong with it. But listening to PLIIX I really couldn't understand who would want the system to sound like that.

Now that you mention it, a multichannel stereo mode is something I've been missing. I forgot about it.

I like the fact that the stereo mode at least plays the sub... but I'd like the option to include my surrounds and center into the stereo mix as well. Heck I had a 15 year old Pioneer receiver that did that.

Speaking of receivers, it's interesting that several responders in this thread have replaced the UMC-1 with receivers and ended up happier because of it. In my mind I just can't justify a receiver purchase when I've already paid for a dedicate amp and the receiver's internal amp is just going to sit there unused.

[flamingeye]

WOW I feel for you guys I never listen to 2 channel anymore ether haven’t for a very long time now and I never thought PLIIx sounded right/good enough that`s why I always used all channel stereo , I do not know about the UMC ever going to have this all channel stereo ,but I suer hope the XMC does I have way to many red book CDs damn near 1,000 and I like to listen to my vinyl this way also I hate to say this and I will give the XMC a try first but it could be a deal brake`r for me I suer hope not though

[Lonnie]

This is funny you guys. The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it. ;D

[RSavage]

Mar 15, 2010 22:29:48 GMT -5 Lonnie said:

The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it.

So it should be really easy to change back? ;D

Sorry Lonnie, just wishful thinking on my part.

R

[snodog]

Let me dig a little deeper into it and try and adjust some things in the alternate modes. DONT not buy it tknice on account of this, it really is a unique piece of equipment just needs some love and hopefully an update or two to appease everyone.
Alamat that is exactly what I was hoping for as well,,,just turn the *bleep* on and let it do the adjustments and work. Part of the pain for me is also getting the remote to work with it all, right now Im using two to make adjustments.

[snodog]

Mar 15, 2010 22:29:48 GMT -5 Lonnie said:

This is funny you guys. The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it. ;D

OBVIOUSLY it wasnt everyone cuz it sounds like a lot of people would have preferred the option of it. To me it just is a necessity to balance and compensate where some sources and or modes suffer and are weaker. Now having said that ....PLEASE PUT IT BACK IN THE DAMN MENU!!!

[snodog]

The USP is strictly two channel let those snobby listeners buy that and leave the UMC for what its intended Universal Multi media controller isnt that what it means dangit. lol seriously though put it in the SW update.

[wizardofoz]

Mar 15, 2010 23:26:45 GMT -5 @snodog said:

The USP is strictly two channel let those snobby listeners buy that and leave the UMC for what its intended Universal Multi media controller isnt that what it means dangit. lol seriously though put it in the SW update.

for gawd sakes ... its all in software so let us have all the options that you have the capability for and you please more people than you can imagine and probably sell a heap more boxes ... especially if you have the code developed already... leave it in there. maybe should have an all channels mono too...my onkyo does as have other proc's I have used...and yes that also included all chan stereo too with centre and sub support

[roadrunner]

Mar 15, 2010 22:29:48 GMT -5 Lonnie said:

This is funny you guys. The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it. ;D

I think that this shows you have a significant number of people from both camps who are very vocal in letting you know their preferences. You are going to piss off a lot of folks unless you modify the firmware to offer both options instead of just one of the options. I assume that providing both options will make hearly everyone happy. ;D

[tknice]

Yeah, the PLIIx standard is designed to matrix out the extra channels for 7.1 and I need it done properly or I don't think the UMC has a place in my setup.

Man, that is very unfortunate...

[raylock]

Mar 15, 2010 22:29:48 GMT -5 Lonnie said:

This is funny you guys. The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it. ;D

Well, I guess that is the danger of making assumptions The squeaky wheel at the moment is not the same as everybody.... I don't have my UMC yet, but I will also vote for all channel stero.

[klinemj]

This is funny you guys. The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it.

I was one inquiring about 2 channel only (before Emofest and during). Sorry if I came across as just wanting plain old 2 channel. To be clear, what I would want would be the either/or option.

My current Denon has that and I love it. Each has their use.

Mark

[tknice]

Mar 16, 2010 6:47:58 GMT -5 klinemj said:

I was one inquiring about 2 channel only (before Emofest and during). Sorry if I came across as just wanting plain old 2 channel. To be clear, what I would want would be the either/or option.

My current Denon has that and I love it. Each has their use.

Mark

I was just thinking about this last night. If the 2 channel vs multi-channel can't be configurable (which I don't understand), perhaps EMO can provide two different firmware optimized for each?

I realize that supporting two different firmware packages is a pain in the ass, but it is really disappointing to think the UMC may not work out for me.

I'm really eager for this to be my favorite A/V purchase ever! C'mon guys, it sounds like we are sooooo close

[coolhands]

So what do I do with my UPA-7 if the UMC-1 is 2 channel?

[billmac]

Mar 15, 2010 22:29:48 GMT -5 Lonnie said:

This is funny you guys. The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it. ;D

Why not have both options? From what I understand the twin Cirrus DSP processing gives the UMC-1 excellent processing power. So I would think having 2 CH stereo and all channel stereo processing would not be that difficult to do.

It was a decision by Emotiva to not have 2 CH stereo on the original FW then it was changed to 2 CH stereo with all channel stereo removed. Why Emotiva did not think UMC-1 owners would not want a 2 CH stereo option (use of their sub) surprises me. In your post you make it seem like UMC-1 owners or those interested in it are being difficult. I would think it would be easier to have both options then no one would be complaining (about this issue anyhow .

Bill

[DYohn]

Mar 15, 2010 22:29:48 GMT -5 Lonnie said:

This is funny you guys. The original software had all channel stereo and everyone complained and said they wanted just plain old 2 channel stereo so we changed it. ;D

I was one of those complaining as I want stereo to be 2-channel only. A separate option for "all channel" would be fine if it's possible, but it is not something i would use. To each his own.

[rskarvan]

I have a seperate pre-amp for 2-channel only. I plan on using it in H/T Pass-Thru mode on my front mains when using the UMC-1. Therefore, the party-mode (5.1) for listening to stereo is absolutely what I want on the UMC-1. Before, I had a Denon receiver with party-mode and it was fabulous. Yes, DO THAT -- stereo mode with all channels driven.

[tknice]

Mar 16, 2010 8:27:14 GMT -5 rskarvan said:

I have a seperate pre-amp for 2-channel only. I plan on using it in H/T Pass-Thru mode on my front mains when using the UMC-1. Therefore, the party-mode (5.1) for listening to stereo is absolutely what I want on the UMC-1. Before, I had a Denon receiver with party-mode and it was fabulous. Yes, DO THAT -- stereo mode with all channels driven.

I wish I knew more about how this stuff works. I thought the PLIIx mode complies with some kind of standard which should be completely separate from whatever 2 channel stereo mode the UMC has. Why does one affect the other?

Aren't there different modes like 2 channel stereo, 7 channel stereo, PLIIx Movie, PLIIx Music etc?

[doohickey]

I will chime in on this subject as it is important to me as well. I have an xpa-5 and am eagerly awaiting the umc-1. I listen to a lot of 2 channel music on cd & vinyl and I do not currently have multi-channel stereo in my receiver, so I listen in plII and neo-6 mode. I was looking forward to having all channel stereo. I don't see why we can't have the option for both if they are both possible. If the final decision is to not have all channel stereo, I may have to pass, which would be quite a disappointment after waiting for almost a year.

[moovtune]

I have a hard time believing those of you requesting all-channel stereo actually listen in that mode. I assume you want it for parties or something to help fill the room with sound. Personally, I wouldn't consider it a mode for actually sitting down and listening to music. It bears no resemblance to any musical situation I can recall except a multi-room club with ceiling speakers throughout playing a stereo source. I would think the Emotiva amps you have would shut off in revolt. (Haven't had my coffee yet today).