UMC-1 Review

[jvenard]

Ok, I received my new UMC 1 late yesterday and since the wife had to work late I decided to install it last night.

History:
I am 53 and have been an audio junkie since selling audio in the 70's. I have had many different setups (Kenwood, Dynaco, Phase Linear, Apt Hollman, and most recently Lexicon DC1 and MC12 v5

Process:
The first thing I did was update the firmware. I was notified by Jana, at Emo, that she was shipping it out and could get it to me faster if I updated my own firmware. The firmware went well. I like the USB connection instead of RS232. Hint: Make sure that you have all of your software unzipped and loaded before hooking the unit up, as it cannot find the driver for the USB online.

I placed the UMC directly above my MC 12 and migrated my cable one at a time. Hooked my HDMI cables up and began to play.

Issues:
1. Popcorn Hour C200 has the same issue that has been discussed on this site.

2. Ran the Auto EQ---- Yuk. This really screwed up the system. BOOOOOOOOOMY bass. I will reset everything today or tonight and manually set the SPL levels.

Overall, for $700, it really didn't sound to bad. I think I may purchase a stereo preamp (Linn) and use it to play stereo music if I don't like the new firmware when it releases.

Stay Tuned

PS Does anyone know how to display the Firmware that is being used in the system?

[monkumonku]

Apr 6, 2010 9:39:02 GMT -5 jvenard said:

Ok, I received my new UMC 1 late yesterday and since the wife had to work late I decided to install it last night.

History:
I am 53 and have been an audio junkie since selling audio in the 70's. I have had many different setups (Kenwood, Dynaco, Phase Linear, Apt Hollman, and most recently Lexicon DC1 and MC12 v5

Process:
The first thing I did was update the firmware. I was notified by Jana, at Emo, that she was shipping it out and could get it to me faster if I updated my own firmware. The firmware went well. I like the USB connection instead of RS232. Hint: Make sure that you have all of your software unzipped and loaded before hooking the unit up, as it cannot find the driver for the USB online.

I placed the UMC directly above my MC 12 and migrated my cable one at a time. Hooked my HDMI cables up and began to play.

Issues:
1. Popcorn Hour C200 has the same issue that has been discussed on this site.

2. Ran the Auto EQ---- Yuk. This really screwed up the system. BOOOOOOOOOMY bass. I will reset everything today or tonight and manually set the SPL levels.

Overall, for $700, it really didn't sound to bad. I think I may purchase a stereo preamp (Linn) and use it to play stereo music if I don't like the new firmware when it releases.

Stay Tuned

PS Does anyone know how to display the Firmware that is being used in the system?

So which firmware was it? The 1st update that everyone complained about, or the new one that everyone has been waiting for?

[ryan08]

Wondering if you tried any 2 chanel listening in the DIRECT mode? The sound is nice for sure.

[jvenard]

So which firmware was it? The 1st update that everyone complained about, or the new one that everyone has been waiting for? [/quote]

I downloaded the firmware that was online. I think 2.08.10

[monkumonku]

Apr 6, 2010 11:08:10 GMT -5 jvenard said:

So which firmware was it? The 1st update that everyone complained about, or the new one that everyone has been waiting for?

I downloaded the firmware that was online. I think 2.08.10
[/quote]

Thanks.. so it seems you still have the one that needed some work on it.

[Winger]

I thought all the units being shipped since Feb had that version installed already.

[hemster]

Hi jvenard,

Thanks for the review and happy to hear that the update went well for you. Somehow I had managed to successfully update mine on the first attempt!

Now, in order to display the installed firmware version on the UMC, turn UMC-1 on and press Mute, Status, Volume UP and voila! version should be 5.46.07.xxxxxx.

HTH

[Ginovino]

Folks, while I am new to this product and forum I find myself disappointed with the lack of substantive reviews of the processor. frankly, it reads like the owners are dancing around any real evaluation or criticism, shortcomings or fear they may have made a mistake in the early purchase and not wait until the bugs are worked out.

I currently have a DENON 4806Ci and strongly considering moving to the UMC - XPS-5 combination. However, the issues presented about the effects or lack thereof of the audio processing leave me concerned. The audyssy circuits of the Denon and other brands, are noted for their simplicity and good outcomes when measuring and adjusting the signal in up to 8 locations.

Am I to understand the UMC is unable to measure that many locations?

That may preclude me from buying a UMC.

I also note, and while I may be wrong, little is offered from any resident Emotiva Guru regarding these issues in this forum.

As with so many new and non reviewed products, we are at the mercy of the well meaning early buyers and their biases.

I too have biases. Though I learned to sit on the sidelines until a new ultra whizbang unit gets shaken out. I think thats what we are faced with here, or so it seems.

Please provide me with some guidance and as "CLARA", stated "where's the beef?"

[jmilton]

The UMC-1 does only one (1) location.

With the latest FW installations going on now...full reviews will be forth coming with much greater alacrity than in the recent past.

Stay tuned! I will be updating mine tonight.