UMC-1 vs Onkyo TX-NR708 vs Denon AVR-2310

[pelennor]

Hi all,

My old Marantz SR-4200 receiver is under equipped for the new sound formats + HDMI, so I'm considering an upgrade. I'm running it with 2 x Behringer EP1500 power amps (powering LCR and one surround, each at around 700w / channel into 4 ohms, theoretically). My speakers are all 4 ohms, with floorstanding L+R, and Emotiva ERD-1 rears (x2, not enough space for 7.1). I'm not interested in 3D. My input devices are all digital and HDMI cable (digital TV set top box, HTPC, Xbox 360), and a blu-ray player is on the cards in the near future. Oh, and my current TV is only capable of 720P, but I'd be looking to upgrade that too down the track.

I'm based in Australia, so it cuts down my options a bit as most AV receivers are much more expensive here than in the US. I'm looking at the following three options...

Onkyo TX-SR708 at around AU$1000 all up
Denon AVR-2310 at around AU$850 all up
Emotiva UMC-1 + Emotiva UPA-1 at around AU $1150 all up

Is there going to be much noticeable sound quality difference between these?

Secondly, if I did go for the Emotiva combo, given I listen to a mix of 2 channel music, and HT, how would be best to distribute the amps amongst the channels? My gut feeling would be:

UPA-1 - C
EP1500 - FL + SR
EP1500 - FR + SL

[Pauly]

The Onkyo and Denon will certainly have more bells and whistles, and a reliable auto room EQ, but the Emo IMO, will easily beat those two with 2 channel music. It is also great with HT, but you may get better results with movies with the Onkyo and Denon, when using Audyssey. The UMC also has some bugs to work out still, but with the latest update, it has become very stable. I don't have any serious problems with mine, and I'm just loving it to death.

So if 2 channel music is what you love most, the UMC is right for you. If you want streaming/networking, a good auto EQ, and the latest bells and whistles, I would get the Onkyo.

[pelennor]

Hmm, I usually do my own room EQ with an SPL meter and a tape measure, so I guess I can always override the Emo settings if necessary. How is the stability of the UMC-1 these days?

[Pauly]

The only problem I have is switching from one source, to cable TV(Frontier FIOS). It usually takes a second press of the button for it to lock on. I also have the occasional center channel dropout, but that only happens when my DVR is paused for a while(5 minutes or longer) then unpaused. Also, when the audio switches from DD to a 2 channel source, like when a commercial comes on, my speakers have a sudden pop. It's not loud, but it's just a little annoying I guess. So it's pretty much just little annoyances that remain. At least with mine anyhow. Other than that, the SQ is wonderful, much better than any AVR I've ever had, and better than other separates I've had, or demoed. The flexibility and tweaking ability one has with UMC is rarely seen in an AVR or pre/pro, especially at this price point. You can really get everything sounding very good, and exactly how you want it, if you're just willing to take some time with it. It's actually pretty fun. I've never been a fan of auto room EQ systems, except for movies, so the fact that EmoQ doesn't work very well doesn't bother me a bit. After a careful manual calibration, a week or so of tweaking, I've got it sounding incredibly good. I love the fact that you can setup a different EQ for different inputs. So I've got a music EQ, a TV EQ, and a movie EQ.

In the morning I'm sure you'll get much more varying opinions on it, some good some bad, but IMO, you really can't go wrong at this price, and of course, you get 40% off of your next pre/pro upgrade.

[Lsc]

I had the same dillemma, except no Denon. UMC-1 vs. Onkyo 708 or 808.

In the end I went for the Onkyo 708 because I am expecting that the XMC-1 will be a lot better and went the reliable road.

The auto room EQ is a top of controversy but for me, Audyssey is what makes it for the Onkyo and the EMO q is what broke the deal for the UMC-1. No regrets here, I spent what I thought was closest to the lowest possible and still be able to use my XPA-5 and Audyssey really breathed new life into my old Definitive speakers. The dialogue is so much better, the surrounds are so much clearer and the bass from the sub is a lot smoother.

[roadrunner]

For any user who likes to, or prefers to, manually setup their speakers the UMC-1 is the best choice -- by a long shot. The only advantage of picking one of the receivers is Audyssey; and, since you prefer to manually setup the system that eliminates considering the receivers. As Pauly mentioned, the flexibility and adjustability of the UMC-1gives you the power to match or exceed the corrections that Audyssey performs. Neither of those receivers can begin to compete with the sound quality of the UMC-1.

The UMC-1 is a tweaker's dream machine. Where else can you custom setup multiple EQs for 16 different inputs? ...not counting the AM/FM Tuner. The UMC-1 gives you more control over your system and allows you to customize it to your desires, not the static settings built-in on the receivers.

My bias is for the most realistic, life-like sound possible. The UMC-1 comes closer to achieving this goal than any receiver I have ever heard; and, better than any SSP within $2000 of the price of the UMC-1. If the sound quality wasn't enough, the build quality and the level of support that Emotiva provides its customers warrants selecting the UMC-1. Emotiva provides the best tech support and customer service that I have experienced, or even heard of, from any vendor.

[Mischief]

The UMC-1 does have great 2 channel capability but it easily bests either of those for HT use. Even if you don't get into the lack of power in the AVR's VS UPA power, the UMC-1 has better all around internal quality which means cleaner sound.

If you took the UMC-1 out of the equation however I would go with the Denon because I am tired of servicing Onkyo 600-800 series receivers this year.

[Pauly]

Lot of problems with 600-800 Onkyos, Mischief?

[Mischief]

Nov 18, 2010 18:40:23 GMT -5 Pauly said:

Lot of problems with 600-800 Onkyos, Mischief?

I have had to swap out a much higher percentage of them this year compared to past models. Mostly board failures and other annoying stuff, in general I feel like they are cutting corners and stuffing in more features.

My contract with Onkyo/Integra says I have to carry them if I want to sell the higher end units but I try and push them into Denon or Elite if they won't step up.

I won't sell the regular Pioneers at all, the Elite is a much better buy. Better wire, more robust across the board and their contract is different than Onkyo so I don't need to.

I should clarify that when they work, which is most of the time they are a good unit.

[pelennor]

Thanks for the feedback, all, I was already leaning towards the UMC-1, sounds like I was on the right track

[Pauly]

Well, this an Emo forum after all lol.

[Lsc]

Nov 18, 2010 19:33:49 GMT -5 pelennor said:

Thanks for the feedback, all, I was already leaning towards the UMC-1, sounds like I was on the right track

Very good. But the fact that you are in Australia, I'd check the processor forums to be sure that you are comfortable with the touchy firmware.