bootman
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Typing useless posts on internet forums....
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Post by bootman on Apr 9, 2010 7:24:25 GMT -5
I have had the 885 and the 886 at the same time in my system and the 886 is clearly better to me. I can't comment on the 5507 vs the 885 or 886 as I did not have it at the same time. The 885 and 886 have literally identical circuitry. Analog sections are 100% identical. Ultimately it is the analog implementation that has the most influence on a particular's gear sound characteristics. Personally I have owned a couple of Onkyo gear (various AVRs) and they all basically sounded the same. I called it the Onkyo sound. To my ears and in my system (system matching is critical regardless of gear) they all sounded a bit dry with some harshness in the top end. My last Onkyo AVR was replaced with my current LMC/LPA combo. This (again with the same speakers and source) sounded much more full/warm and no shrillness at the top. Obviously dynamics were also improved. I used the old Onkyo AVR as a prepro for a while as a test and while dynamics were good, the basic sonic signature of the Onkyo remained. What the top tier has over the current UMC is IMHO a much better video implementation. But that is a subject for another thread.  |
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Post by mutki on Apr 9, 2010 8:52:27 GMT -5
Ultimately it is the analog implementation that has the most influence on a particular's gear sound characteristics.
Personally I have owned a couple of Onkyo gear (various AVRs) and they all basically sounded the same.
I called it the Onkyo sound.
To my ears and in my system (system matching is critical regardless of gear) they all sounded a bit dry with some harshness in the top end.
[/quote]
100% in agreement. As a past owner of the PR-885, I feel that - in my system - the UMC-1 sounds better for 2 CH music. You would probably have to move up to a Cary for somewhat better SQ from a pre/pro. In my book, that makes the UMC-1 (warts and all) a bargain.
Also, the room will have MAJOR impact on overall SQ. For most, an intelligently treated room is a must to get the most out of any gear. Yet, so few spend the $$ to do this and then wonder why everything sounds so mediocre.
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ntrain42
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Post by ntrain42 on Apr 9, 2010 8:55:49 GMT -5
Basically in agreement with above. Onkyo AVR's and processors are very dry/neutral sounding(which is a good thing). The analog sections are average in terms of noise, but for those using a digital in and using the onboard DACs they are actually quite good for 2 channel music even though they are obviously geared towards HT. It all depends on implementation.
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 9, 2010 9:19:01 GMT -5
My 886 is up and running. Performed a quick aud setup and seems to work fine. Seems a little more detailed than my 876 receiver but that is probably the new euphoria. Anyway my audio rack thanks me that 876 is a heavy beast of a receiver. Will for sure hold me over till the XMC hits the market. The best thing is the wife didn't even notice the change. You are quite right, I also noticed that difference for the better between my 876 and newer 886 pre/pro, more detailed, refined with better textures, no doubt. It's not euphoria, the 886 simply sounds better than the 876 receiver. * Good for your wife. ;D ...Cool thing those Onkyos look all alike. Anyway I'm glad for you and that you can also tell the difference, good set of ears indeed. You can also say the same for Emo products, as far as looking alike with that power button in the middle. Now that you mentioned it, I think Lonnie needs to change the design of the upcoming DAC back to the original, with the button in the middle. Otherwise the wives are gonna notice there's a new box in the rack!! (Besides, the softly glowing power buttons have a hypnotic effect that makes them blend in with everything else). ;D |
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Post by dropzone7 on Apr 9, 2010 9:26:28 GMT -5
I did a stealth installation of my UMC-1 last night and hopefully the wife won't notice...
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Post by moe on Apr 9, 2010 9:34:11 GMT -5
Ultimately it is the analog implementation that has the most influence on a particular's gear sound characteristics. Personally I have owned a couple of Onkyo gear (various AVRs) and they all basically sounded the same. I called it the Onkyo sound. To my ears and in my system (system matching is critical regardless of gear) they all sounded a bit dry with some harshness in the top end. 100% in agreement. As a past owner of the PR-885, I feel that - in my system - the UMC-1 sounds better for 2 CH music. You would probably have to move up to a Cary for somewhat better SQ from a pre/pro. In my book, that makes the UMC-1 (warts and all) a bargain. Also, the room will have MAJOR impact on overall SQ. For most, an intelligently treated room is a must to get the most out of any gear. Yet, so few spend the $$ to do this and then wonder why everything sounds so mediocre.[/quote] I think I'd agree with most all of this.I do have an Onkyo 606,it sounds fine and operates well,for non critical listening,just as good as the 805 I sold.I'd say the UMC is not the last word in sound quality,but for it's price and features(upon full implimentation) it's the best value ever created in a prepro,all imo. |
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Post by billmac on Apr 9, 2010 9:34:15 GMT -5
I did a stealth installation of my UMC-1 last night and hopefully the wife won't notice... Wow you guys are bad (I should talk) ;D. Maybe in my subconscious that is why I went from the 805 - 885 - 886 so my wife would not notice  . My plan went out the window when I put the UMC-1 in my system. My wife is not that observant with the gear in the rack but she noticed that difference  . Bill |
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Post by billmac on Apr 9, 2010 9:40:11 GMT -5
As a past owner of the PR-885, I feel that - in my system - the UMC-1 sounds better for 2 CH music. moe, I could not agree more. When comparing the UMC-1 to the 886 for 2 CH listening the UMC-1 is the clear winner. I did a direct comparison between the UMC-1 and my Parasound 2100 with the UMC-1 holding its own quite well. I prefer the 2100 but it was a lot closer than I would have thought . Bill |
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 9, 2010 9:44:04 GMT -5
I did a stealth installation of my UMC-1 last night and hopefully the wife won't notice... Wow you guys are bad (I should talk) ;D. Maybe in my subconscious that is why I went from the 805 - 885 - 886 so my wife would not notice . My plan went out the window when I put the UMC-1 in my system. My wife is not that observant with the gear in the rack but she noticed that difference . Bill I am very fortunate. To my wife, all of my toys are "gadgets" and they all look alike to her. I think it helps that everything is black. Plus with all those glowing blue lights, that makes them look all the more similar. ;D Now I might have some trouble if I were to get something like Magnepans, but then I might be able to get away with saying "oh, these were here all the time but I just turned them so they face in a different direction." ;D |
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Post by BillBauman on Apr 9, 2010 9:59:09 GMT -5
Guys, this is all really encouraging news about the 2-ch SQ of the UMC-1. I'm getting more excited to hear it all the time.
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cgolf
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Post by cgolf on Apr 9, 2010 10:02:38 GMT -5
OK, who's in charge here anyway??? Be a man and run your house!!! If you want new equipment, just tell your wives, "I want new equipment and I'm going to buy new equipment" and be done with it..... ;D Hey, who woke me up from my wonderful dream anyway?  ;D Truth is, my wife is wonderful. She just wants to turn it on and turn it off. She tells me to get what I want and be happy and then just shakes her head when I change stuff out.... ;D |
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Post by dotvibe on Apr 9, 2010 10:08:11 GMT -5
I did a stealth installation of my UMC-1 last night and hopefully the wife won't notice... Wow you guys are bad (I should talk) ;D. Maybe in my subconscious that is why I went from the 805 - 885 - 886 so my wife would not notice . My plan went out the window when I put the UMC-1 in my system. My wife is not that observant with the gear in the rack but she noticed that difference . Bill tell her you went for something cheaper. they like that. |
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 9, 2010 10:29:06 GMT -5
OK, who's in charge here anyway??? Be a man and run your house!!! If you want new equipment, just tell your wives, "I want new equipment and I'm going to buy new equipment" and be done with it..... ;D Yeah, but what good is all that new equipment when you are living and sleeping in your car? ;D |
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Apr 9, 2010 10:46:45 GMT -5
OK, who's in charge here anyway??? Be a man and run your house!!! If you want new equipment, just tell your wives, "I want new equipment and I'm going to buy new equipment" and be done with it..... ;D Yeah, but what good is all that new equipment when you are living and sleeping in your car? ;D OTOH, if relegated to sleeping on the couch, I'd take the money seat.. grab the remote and slip into something.. blissful (analog bliss!)..  |
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bootman
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Post by bootman on Apr 9, 2010 15:50:53 GMT -5
Don't forget a nice glass of your favorite libation. |
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NorthStar
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"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
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Post by NorthStar on Apr 9, 2010 17:05:12 GMT -5
I did a stealth installation of my UMC-1 last night and hopefully the wife won't notice... ;D |
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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 Apr 9, 2010 17:11:24 GMT -5
All right now, let's toast to all our wifes, and get those blinking lights going as the new celebration for gear changing without their knowing or in some cases with their consent. ;D
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Post by radridd on Apr 9, 2010 19:07:23 GMT -5
My 886 is up and running. Performed a quick aud setup and seems to work fine. Seems a little more detailed than my 876 receiver but that is probably the new euphoria. Anyway my audio rack thanks me that 876 is a heavy beast of a receiver. Will for sure hold me over till the XMC hits the market. The best thing is the wife didn't even notice the change. You are quite right, I also noticed that difference for the better between my 876 and newer 886 pre/pro, more detailed, refined with better textures, no doubt. It's not euphoria, the 886 simply sounds better than the 876 receiver. * Good for your wife. ;D ...Cool thing those Onkyos look all alike. Anyway I'm glad for you and that you can also tell the difference, good set of ears indeed. It is good to receive a confirming opinion. After listening to DVD-A this afternoon I am sure the improvement is there. As for the wife, she found the box this afternoon. Never been able to keep anything from her for very long. |
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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 Apr 9, 2010 20:53:48 GMT -5
^ Oh my goodness! ...She did find the box finally! ...You're now in a world of hurt! Can you duck? |
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Post by BillBauman on Apr 9, 2010 22:10:31 GMT -5
radridd, I think you're gonna be okay on this. Cardboard boxes are common in the animal kingdom.
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. My plan went out the window when I put the UMC-1 in my system. My wife is not that observant with the gear in the rack but she noticed that difference 
. 
;D
