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Post by deanej on Oct 3, 2010 9:37:41 GMT -5
I have hungered for separates with the intention of getting the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo.
I'm 75 years old, and I don't have an appetite for endless firmware upgrades and shipments to and from the factory. So, it is with great reluctance and disappointment that I begin to believe it's time to move on to some other choice.
I have sort of focused on a refurbished Onkyo NR-5007 for about the same price as the Emotiva combo. I will use it only in a 5.1 configuration, and for Blu-Ray movies only. No other input.
Does anyone see any issues using a 9.2 receiver in a 5.1 configuration?
I zeroed in on the NR 5007 due to it's reasonably high power output and it's extensive audio control.
I'm looking at about $1200 which ever way I go. Any other thoughts that should be considered?
My first choice would be the Emotiva combo, but that seems like an not yet resolved arena I shouldn't get into.
Thanks for your thoughts. They are appreciated, no matter how far outside the box they are. I like to keep an open mind.
Deane
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Post by SticknStones on Oct 3, 2010 9:54:15 GMT -5
Well I am drop dead impressed that at 75 yoa that you are interested in hi-quality audio. I turn 55 next month and love the thought of 20 more years.
I cannot help you on the processor though. I have a Denon 3803 (8 years old) paired with a DVDO ISCAN VP20 and am also making decisions. I want the UMC with the Upgrade to the XMC but not sure if I still need the USP-1 with it.
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Post by deanej on Oct 3, 2010 9:59:26 GMT -5
At age 75, I have a tendency not to get too interested in things that are a year or more away. ;D
In addition to upgrading audio, I have moved into home automation with software based control (Elve), Z-Wave, and a few other things. I refuse to head to a rocking chair, but I do enjoy my recliner in my front projection home theater.
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Post by flamingeye on Oct 3, 2010 21:52:56 GMT -5
There is no problem with going in any combination be it 9.2 , 5.1 or 2.1 with a AVR this is the first time I`ve gone with a onkyo and I haven`t had one problem with it so you should be good to go , but be advised onkyo`s get hot so make suer she has plenty of room to breath
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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 4, 2010 3:32:26 GMT -5
Hi Dean, I'm very glad to make your acquaintance.  And also welcome back to the Lounge. The Onkyo TX-NR5007 is the Flagship model (2009) and is truly powerful in all aspects. And the price is also an exceptional value in the year 2010. You won't need an additional amp with this receiver, unless you have some particularly demanding speakers. And as a pre/pro it is fully equipped with the most important technologies (I'm sure you already know that). Now you did not mentioned your room's size and the speakers you are using, but my guess is that it is of a fair size, and your speakers are of average impedance and sensitivity. If so, I highly recommend your suggested choice on that Onky 5007. I've read several Audio Forums, and pretty much all the owners are very satisfy with it. Plus you'd get great help here at the Lounge from members like myself to help you out (if you do need help) in setting it perfectly for you. I am a big Onkyo fan and I know a lot about their receivers and pre/pros past and present. That's what I do among other things related to The Pursuit of Happyness in the World we live in.Best regards, Bob |
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htmtl
Emo VIPs 
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Post by htmtl on Oct 4, 2010 9:57:00 GMT -5
I'm also moving away from the UMC-1, it's a great piece of equipment, only if "just works" as someone here once said, but i still not "All just work" ... i have already sold my, not because i want other buyer to have problem, but to enjoy more of my home theater setup instead of the joy of "loader and firmware" endless games, not to mention the non-working MIC!
I'm also looking into Onkyo, but this time i will wait for the Anthem MRX familly. In your case a MRX-500 (which i intended to buy) or the MRX-700 will fit your perfectly ...
Hope i'm not confusing you with more choices ;>
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Post by deanej on Oct 4, 2010 10:29:21 GMT -5
Unfortunately, the equation changed a little this morning when Accessories 4 Less changed the listing to SOLD OUT! It's still available around for $200 more, but that causes me to rethink.
Too bad one can't order an Emotiva set that has been through their shop and is ready to go. That would make me happy.
Deane
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Post by Nemesis.ie on Oct 4, 2010 12:16:25 GMT -5
At age 75, I have a tendency not to get too interested in things that are a year or more away. ;D In addition to upgrading audio, I have moved into home automation with software based control (Elve), Z-Wave, and a few other things. I refuse to head to a rocking chair, but I do enjoy my recliner in my front projection home theater. FP and a dedicated room FTW for sure. |
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Post by Nemesis.ie on Oct 4, 2010 12:19:04 GMT -5
Unfortunately, the equation changed a little this morning when Accessories 4 Less changed the listing to SOLD OUT! It's still available around for $200 more, but that causes me to rethink. Too bad one can't order an Emotiva set that has been through their shop and is ready to go. That would make me happy. Deane If you contact them (Janna I would suggest) and ask about B-stock, you might be in luck as a few seem to have been sent back recently - if they are updated with 7.2 and if needed new boards, you might be in luck. |
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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 5, 2010 0:17:12 GMT -5
Unfortunately, the equation changed a little this morning when Accessories 4 Less changed the listing to SOLD OUT! It's still available around for $200 more, but that causes me to rethink. Too bad one can't order an Emotiva set that has been through their shop and is ready to go. That would make me happy. Deane Deane, there is one right now, it's back!  ...$1,199.99 * They do sold out once in a while but they always reappear. |
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htmtl
Emo VIPs
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Post by htmtl on Oct 5, 2010 7:29:59 GMT -5
I guess you have missed his point
Only if the Combo "Just work" than it's great ... too bad that "Firmware and Loader" story fell short!
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Post by deanej on Oct 5, 2010 8:02:30 GMT -5
I've had some great advice, both on the forum and in PMs. This morning (Tuesday), I'm leaning to going with Emotiva and fighting any battles I have to. The lure of separates, and the raving about the exceptional audio quality of Emotiva (outside of the bugs), may be too much to pass up.
I have emailed some questions to Emotiva about supply, hopefully I'll get an answer today and be ready to move ahead. It's not cast in stone yet, but that's my leaning at the moment.
I really appreciate the efforts of those who took time to make recommendations to me. I've learned that even with the glitches, the respect for Emotiva is extremely high, and I certainly respect their effort to bring us fully featured, high quality components at affordable prices. That deserves some support.
Deane
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Post by eljaycanuck on Oct 5, 2010 11:59:23 GMT -5
Although you've already made your decision, I'll toss my 2¢ into the thread anyway. Support for the good products, yes. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to recommend their amps. Given the on-going issues with the UMC-1, however, I would advise against buying it. My suggestion: Get a very-respectable UPA-5 instead of an XPA-5 and put the $250 difference toward a proven, reliable, name-brand AVR (e.g., Denon AVR-3310/1 or -4310/1, Onkyo TX-NR1007/8 or -3007/8, Marantz SR5003/4 or SR6003/4) as a pre/pro. Regardless of your final purchase, I wish you the best of luck and maximum enjoyment. ;D |
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htmtl
Emo VIPs
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Post by htmtl on Oct 5, 2010 13:56:45 GMT -5
Although you've already made your decision, I'll toss my 2¢ into the thread anyway. Support for the good products, yes. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to recommend their amps. Given the on-going issues with the UMC-1, however, I would advise against buying it. My suggestion: Get a very-respectable UPA-5 instead of an XPA-5 and put the $250 difference toward a proven, reliable, name-brand AVR (e.g., Denon AVR-3310/1 or -4310/1, Onkyo TX-NR1007/8 or -3007/8, Marantz SR5003/4 or SR6003/4) as a pre/pro. Regardless of your final purchase, I wish you the best of luck and maximum enjoyment. ;D Yup! it's the best buy as of now, since the UMC-1 still have "some bugs" that might be by design (so it can not be corrected by firmware), so that UMC-1 a side, you might just buy their great AMP and get a decent receiver like suggested above ... |
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Post by deanej on Oct 5, 2010 15:37:35 GMT -5
What will be interesting now is to see if I give up on waiting for sales at Emotiva to get back to me and decide to buy the Onkyo out of frustration.
I wish my business was so great that I could ignore buyers. I even told them I was ready to buy today right after I got answers to my questions.
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Post by eljaycanuck on Oct 5, 2010 17:14:12 GMT -5
What will be interesting now is to see if I give up on waiting for sales at Emotiva to get back to me and decide to buy the Onkyo out of frustration. Don't buy anything out of frustration. Look for a receiver (of any brand) that will give you the pre/pro power and flexibility you're looking for. Pair it with a nice Emo amp, and you'll be fine. You may have to spend a bit more than you've currently budgeted, but at least you won't have any regrets. Again, best of luck with whatever purchase you make.  |
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browe1967
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Sounds more like a convenience store than a gov't agency!
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Post by browe1967 on Oct 5, 2010 20:57:27 GMT -5
I second the UPA5 or XPA5 and a inexpensive receiver with 5 channel pre-outs. Most of todays receivers sound decent with all the surround options available built into them. So for less than $1000 you can be well on your way to semi-nirvanna
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Post by mickeyharlow on Oct 5, 2010 21:34:19 GMT -5
Why not the UPA-7 and an AVR? You can bi-amp your front speakers in a 5-1 setup
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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 5, 2010 22:11:20 GMT -5
Deane, are you going to tell us which speakers you have?
Maybe just a simple good sounding and good quality receiver would do.
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Post by deanej on Oct 6, 2010 5:22:04 GMT -5
The speakers are Atlantic Technology 370THX. My sub is a Velodyne 18" servo drive.
I've communicated with Lonnie, and others at Emotiva and have everything lined up as I wanted it. The order will be placed today.
It will be the UMC-1/XPA-5 combo.
In regard to approaches such as bi-amping (I don't even know what that is), and using a receiver/smaller amp combination, my simple mind likes to keep things uncluttered and straightforward. With the above combo, all I have to do is plug in the Blu-ray player and some interconnects between the two components. That way I know I'm not doing anything to mess up the sound quality.
The comments that have been made here have all been very helpful in my arrival at the end and I sincerely appreciate them.
Deane
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And also welcome back to the Lounge.
...$1,199.99
