New Receiver (Canada)

[thebird]

In the market for a new avr. I have it narrowed down to a few options right now. In particular I am looking at the Onkyo TX-NR 809 and the Yamaha Aventage A2000. I can get the 809 for around $1200 taxes in and the A2000 for $1300. I have read throughout different forums people picking up the 809 for $699 from Newegg but seeing as I am in Canada(Halifax Nova Scotia) I can not take advantage of that deal and am 5.5 hrs away to the border.

I previously had a Yamaha HTR 6190(same as RXV-1800). I like the idea of the network receiver and would like take advantage of some of features. I like the new look of the Onkyo's and the new Yamaha look is growing on me. I like the new OSD and GUI... the Onkyo wins there I think.

Anyway, just want to see what other people think on this. Not looking for answers like go listen to them to yourself and decide. The Yamaha is local but I have to order in the 809.

I have previously owned both Onkyo and Yamaha and had good results with both. My room is 19Lx11Wx8H. My speakers are Monitor Audio RX6, RXC and RXFX's with a Bic Acoustech PL-200 for a sub. I watch a fair amount of movies and listen to music as well(70/30 we'll say).

I have also seen a used UMC-1 for $400 shipped and can get a UPA-7 for around $700(plus shipping maybe).

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[NorthStar]

Hi Chris,

1. The UMC-1 pre/pro with the UPA-7 multi-channel amp seems like a very nice option for the total price.

2. The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2000 A/V Receiver has some raved reviews all over.

3. The Onkyo TX-NR809 A/V Receiver also has some great reviews from several places by pros and owners.
[Onkyo did have some issues with this year and last year receivers, but by now, with the new batches, this issue should be resolved.]

So here you have three great choices (no doubt about it). The question is: what do you truly value first?
The Sound Quality?
The Features including the Auto Room Correction & EQ, and the Video processing, and the Streaming functions & applications, and the connectivity?
The OSD GUI?
And the Build Quality with the Ergonomics?
* As for Overall Value ($), they are all great values.

See, it becomes a personal issue after all.
And I'm sure you already read several reviews of these units.

* But here's one review of the UMC-1 from an Audiogon's member:
=> forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rprea&1293740318&read

* Review of the UPA-7 amplifier:
=> www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-upa-7/upa7-introduction

* And here's one more on the Onkyo TX-NR809 receiver:
=> www.areadvd.de/hardware/2011/onkyo_tx-nr809.shtml
{Just use the [Translate] feature from your Google's toolbar.}

The Yammy 2000 has a better 'regular, natural' sound overall, in my opinion. But the Audyssey system from the Onkyo is superior to the Yammy's YPAO, again in my opinion.
Video processing is pretty much a toss up.

* Here's a review of the Yammy RX-V3067 (RX-A3000 equivalent):
=> www.areadvd.de/hardware/2011/yamaha_rx_v3067.shtml

* And here's another one for the Yammy RX-V1067 (RX-A1000 equivalent):
=> www.areadvd.de/hardware/2010/yamaha_rx_v1067.shtml

* Finally, the Yamaha Aventage RX-A2000 receiver review:
=> www.hometheater.com/content/yamaha-aventage-rx-a2000-av-receiver

___________________________

It's a tough choice man! And you're going to have several different views from various people here. Some owners and others not.

Me, today, just like that, I might be inclined to go with Emo!
And my second choice would be the Yamaha.
And last but not least, the Onkyo.

But these cards could be totally inversed as well, so...

[thebird]

Sound quality is my main priority at this price point but also do like the features that of them provide for the price. I haven't been on the emotiva forum in awhile. How has the umc-1 been with the new firmware updates... has there been any problems hanging around? I remember I was almost set on buying the UMC-1 and was turned off pretty quick when they first started rolling out.

[NorthStar]

Chris, you'll have to stay in touch with the latest regarding the UMC-1 (a new firmware update is in the works very near).

Best is for you to check the latest threads on the UMC-1.

1. The price is incredible! $499!

2. And with it you get a 40% off coupon towards the XMC-1 if you like to upgrade eventually.

3. The Main Man (Big Dan) has just announced that a new firmware update is coming real soon, and that should address the UMC-1's remaining issues.

[NorthStar]

Sound quality = Emo (Yammy second).

Features = Onky (Audyssey, and all that Jazz...).

[Topend]

The 40% discount with the UMC-1 only applies to the next generation processor, like the XMC-1.

Dave.

[NorthStar]

Fixed! Thanks Dave.

[thebird]

One issue I read on the 809 with the audio return channel and networking is that it takes up a good amount of wattage in standby and just passing through video and audio from the source to the tv without having the receiver turned on. Whereas the Yamaha is quoted to use significantly less power doing the same task.

What remaining issues are with the umc?

What were the main ones that were fixed before?

[NorthStar]

I'm not your man any longer Chris.

You have now two choices as I can see:

1. Wait for the new UMC-1 firmware.

2. Get the Yammy with an Emo amp.

[NorthStar]

...And 3. Wait next year, and get the Onkyo TX-NR1009 from London Drugs on clearance price (50% off).

* Here's a review:
=> www.areadvd.de/hardware/2011/onkyo_tx-nr1009.shtml

[Deleted]

Aug 20, 2011 19:53:23 GMT -5 thebird said:

Sound quality is my main priority at this price point but also do like the features that of them provide for the price. I haven't been on the emotiva forum in awhile. How has the umc-1 been with the new firmware updates... has there been any problems hanging around? I remember I was almost set on buying the UMC-1 and was turned off pretty quick when they first started rolling out.

The UMC-1 still has problems with the occasional drop out. I had my first in a week or two last night, but most of those who have the UMC-1, myself included, think the sound quality is terrific. I would get the UMC-1 with an XPA-5 (or UPA-5 if you can find one) any day over a receiver.

[tchaik]

[/quote]

The UMC-1 still has problems with the occasional drop out. I had my first in a week or two last night, but most of those who have the UMC-1, myself included, think the sound quality is terrific. I would get the UMC-1 with an XPA-5 (or UPA-5 if you can find one) any day over a receiver.[/quote]

agreed...........

tchaik............

[roadrunner]

Aug 20, 2011 19:53:23 GMT -5 thebird said:

Sound quality is my main priority at this price point but also do like the features that of them provide for the price. I haven't been on the emotiva forum in awhile. How has the umc-1 been with the new firmware updates... has there been any problems hanging around? I remember I was almost set on buying the UMC-1 and was turned off pretty quick when they first started rolling out.

The vast majority of the problem have been fixed with the UMC-1. Some owners occasionally experience a dropped channel... primarily using FF with DVRs. Many owners no longer have any problems with their unit. Nearly all users are in agreement that the UMC-1 has extraordinary sound quality. The good news is that this past week Dan Laufman, President of Emotiva Audio, posted a comprehensive status report of all things Emotiva. In this communication, Dan announced that ALL remaining issues have been fixed with the soon to be released FW upgrade. Click on the link below to catch-up with where the Emotiva processors stand.

emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=announcements&thread=19396&page=1#308888

I have owned my UMC-1 for 18 months now and have not had any issues with my unit in the past year. It has performed flawlessly for me. I realize that some owner still have occasional problems with their units, but Emotiva has shown its resolve to eliminate all problems for every user, so I feel comfortable in recommending the UMC-1 to anyone. If you are a music lover, the UMC-1 is your dream machine.

[jim]

Hi everyone, just activated. What a great site. The Onkyo 808 is a very good AVR but it has very low voltage pre-outs of 200mv, so not good for driving separate amps to there potential. Still alot better than the AVR but I will be changing in the future.

[thebird]

Just want to let everyone know I decided to go with the Onkyo 809. I was able to get a good price on it to fit my budget. I will let you know how they work with my Monitor Audio RX line of speakers(RX6,RXC, RXFX). Should be here before the end of the week. Looking forward to playing around with it then.

Thanks

[jhayman]

That's the way I went I have a Yamaha RX-A2000 and went with a XPA-5
Loving every second I have them powered up..
The Yammy has top notch video processing and is network ready..
The iPad app is awesome

[ansat]

Sept 17, 2012 22:18:44 GMT -5 jhayman said:

That's the way I went I have a Yamaha RX-A2000 and went with a XPA-5
Loving every second I have them powered up..
The Yammy has top notch video processing and is network ready..
The iPad app is awesome

Wow raising the dead on this one.


sent from my phone. sorry for the short response

[jhayman]

Well the info could help another answer seeker make their choice..
+ I did not read all the posts, my bad..:-)