My first Pre/Pro..Initial Impressions of the UMC-1

[xki]

Youthman - Keep at it. It's a journey. Not a destination.

[NorthStar]

...But he'll eventually get somewhere, ...or else. ;D

[Youthman]

Thx xki.

Nov 4, 2011 23:33:24 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

...But he'll eventually get somewhere, ...or else. ;D

Now that was funny. ;D

[Deleted]

I can say that to my ears the UMC-1 is no better at home theater and audio than the 5508. I would like to see a blind test comparing the audio different pre-pros. I would bet the difference would be very small. The UMC-1 is a bargain if the buyer understands that there will be problems.

[Deleted]

Nov 5, 2011 5:49:56 GMT -5 @theresa said:

I can say that to my ears the UMC-1 is no better at home theater and audio than the 5508.

Legitimate statement, and thanks for your observations. Onkyo makes one of the better receiver, pro/pros on the market.

Nov 5, 2011 5:49:56 GMT -5 @theresa said:

I would like to see a blind test comparing the audio different pre-pros. I would bet the difference would be very small.

Me too. It's been awhile since a comparison was done by a major publication (at least it seems that way). Of course, there are numerous reviews available on individual pieces, to be sure, and there's a lot of excitement going on right now in this area. I too expect the differences in the sound to be very subjective but I'm interested nonetheless.

Nov 5, 2011 5:49:56 GMT -5 @theresa said:

The UMC-1 is a bargain if the buyer understands that there will be problems.

Not a fair statement. Certainly, your observations and problems with the UMC-1 perfectly legitimate but you can't extrapolate your experiences into general statements.

[Porscheguy]

Nov 4, 2011 17:14:11 GMT -5 billmac said:

Nov 4, 2011 14:14:42 GMT -5 Porscheguy said:

Yes, you're right. Not publicly..

Sooooo...... how do you arrive at 5000 UMC-1s sold ?

Bill

Lets just say I'm privy to some of that info..

[jamrock]

Nov 5, 2011 5:49:56 GMT -5 @theresa said:

The UMC-1 is a bargain if the buyer understands that there will be problems.

Not a fair statement. Certainly, your observations and problems with the UMC-1 perfectly legitimate but you can't extrapolate your experiences into general statements.[/quote][/color]

This is where I always seems to have problems with a lot of my fellow members: These general, broad-brush statements about ther UMC-1 that give the impression that all units have problems or exhibit the same problems. You know, if Michael Angello used a broad brush..........

Each UMC-1 must be examined in conjunction with its supporting cast of components because reported problems are varied and inconsistent. Sometimes hardware, sometimes software, and sometimes it is the user's lack of knowledge. How many reported problems have been solved without the respective UMC-1 leaving the rack? Many owners coming over from the auto AVRs & Pre/Pros, seem to have a wider than normal learning curve getting a hang of this manual UMC-1.

Great response Mr. Mod.

[klinemj]

I recently started having some problems I had not had, even though nothing has changed. My UMC is slower to lock on to A/V from DirecTV when I switch from any source back to DirecTV. It's not slow to lock when I go from DirecTV to other sources (the Wii, DVD player, BluRay). Also, simultaneous w/this change that DirecTV is slow to lock - DirecTV is slower overall also...slow to bring up its guide when I push the "guide" button, slow to bring up channel info when I hit that button, just slow, slow, slow on every function

I don't know what changed, but it does not appear to be w/my UMC-1. I hope that whatever changed in DirecTV changes back soon! It's not awful, but it's noticable.

Mark

[billmac]

Nov 5, 2011 5:49:56 GMT -5 @theresa said:

I can say that to my ears the UMC-1 is no better at home theater and audio than the 5508. I would like to see a blind test comparing the audio different pre-pros. I would bet the difference would be very small.

Theresa,

These were my findings as well when comparing the UMC-1 to the Onkyo 886 for HT. For 2CH music I felt the UMC-1 had better SQ. But recently I tried using the 5/7.1 analog input of the 886 for 2CH music. Now I feel the 886 would compare quite well with the UMC-1 for 2CH music. I think a blind test would be very interesting as it would remove all bias. The results might surprise some although it might be difficult to setup.

Bill

[billmac]

Nov 5, 2011 6:47:20 GMT -5 Porscheguy said:

Nov 4, 2011 17:14:11 GMT -5 billmac said:

Sooooo...... how do you arrive at 5000 UMC-1s sold ?

Bill

Lets just say I'm privy to some of that info..

Thanks . I find it interesting that the number of 5000 UMC-1s sold has never been mentioned before. Especially with a few members here that seem to have access to privy information as well . I wouldn't have guessed the number to be that high but it is certainly possible.

Bill

[jamrock]

Nov 5, 2011 8:10:55 GMT -5 klinemj said:

I recently started having some problems I had not had, even though nothing has changed. My UMC is slower to lock on to A/V from DirecTV when I switch from any source back to DirecTV. It's not slow to lock when I go from DirecTV to other sources (the Wii, DVD player, BluRay). Also, simultaneous w/this change that DirecTV is slow to lock - DirecTV is slower overall also...slow to bring up its guide when I push the "guide" button, slow to bring up channel info when I hit that button, just slow, slow, slow on every function

I don't know what changed, but it does not appear to be w/my UMC-1. I hope that whatever changed in DirecTV changes back soon! It's not awful, but it's noticable.

Mark

Quite likely, DirecTV has made a change to their box and throw the chemistry with the UMC-1 out of wack. This ability for cable & satelite companies to make these changes remotely, without warning or explanation, will haunt us for some time to come.

I hope that you'll be able ti isolate and correct the problem.

All the best!

[Bruce]

Nov 5, 2011 7:53:04 GMT -5 jamrock said:

Nov 5, 2011 5:49:56 GMT -5 @theresa said:

The UMC-1 is a bargain if the buyer understands that there will be problems.

Not a fair statement. Certainly, your observations and problems with the UMC-1 perfectly legitimate but you can't extrapolate your experiences into general statements.

[/color]

This is where I always seems to have problems with a lot of my fellow members: These general, broad-brush statements about ther UMC-1 that give the impression that all units have problems or exhibit the same problems. You know, if Michael Angello used a broad brush..........

Each UMC-1 must be examined in conjunction with its supporting cast of components because reported problems are varied and inconsistent. Sometimes hardware, sometimes software, and sometimes it is the user's lack of knowledge. How many reported problems have been solved without the respective UMC-1 leaving the rack? Many owners coming over from the auto AVRs & Pre/Pros, seem to have a wider than normal learning curve getting a hang of this manual UMC-1.

Great response Mr. Mod.

[/quote]
Please tell me why I am having NO problems with my Onkyo-3008 but had many problems with my UMC-1 using the same EXACT set up??? I am not saying that the UMC-1 did NOT sound good for Music but also had many other problems that I am NOT having with my 3008: no center dropouts,no problems with HDMI to my Comcast box,no switching problems,Complete pass through for video,No setting up Bass problems,and these are just a few problems I had and not to mention the downloading of firmware using the Computer rather than a USB device.It was just not worth the problems for the sound for music as my 3008 comes REAL close if we could do a blind test.I think Theresa is pretty correct with her statement.

[billmac]

Nov 5, 2011 7:53:04 GMT -5 jamrock said:

if Michael Angello used a broad brush..........

?. Do you mean Michelangelo? I did a google for Michael Angello and found a house painting contractor in Pompano, is that who you are referring to ;D?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo

Bill

[jamrock]

Let me try to answer:
Q: Why am I having no problems with my Onkyo 3008?
A: For the same reason(s) that I am not having any problems with my UMC-1.

No center drops.......... I and many others don't have cc drops either.
No HDMI problems with cable box.............An acknowledge issue. But viable workarounds are available.
No switching problems............I and many others don't have any switching problems.
Complete pass through for video................Well acknowledged by Emo. Not complete with the OSD.
No setting up bass problems..............Bass management by design. Love it or leave it! Not a bug.
Downloading firmware................Ask Bill Baumann, LCSeminole, RR and many others why they don't. But, I do acknowledge that the process is certainly not the best.

Which pre/pro sounds better is too subjective to entertain for an educational discussion. Just too many variables to consider. If you like how yours sound, well that's goal. Isn't it? Enjoy!

Theresa's statement would be accurate if it read: ...if the buyer understands that there 'could' be problems. Emotiva has acknowledged publicly that there are remaining issues and they are developing a comprehensive fix. But, not all units exhibit these problems, and that's a fact.

But I now wait to be accused (not necessarily by you) of 'putting words into other people's mouths' or, 'dictating what others should say' Be well.

[jamrock]

Nov 5, 2011 9:19:52 GMT -5 billmac said:

Nov 5, 2011 7:53:04 GMT -5 jamrock said:

if Michael Angello used a broad brush..........

?. Do you mean Michelangelo? I did a google for Michael Angello and found a house painting contractor in Pompano, is that who you are referring to ;D?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo

Bill

If only you could be this jovial more often. ;D

Great catch and thanks for the correction! Just try posting without having your caffeine fix!

[Youthman]

I've stated in this thread my only quirks with the UMC-1. I have not had ANY center channel dropouts. I'm only using the PS3, no cable box, satellite etc. This may be different if I had those items in my system.

Theresa, I did understand the potential problems prior to purchasing the UMC-1 and in the end was willing to take the risk. I do not regret my decision. The UMC-1 hasn't been a bad experience at all.

Whether or not I decide down the road to keep or sell the UMC-1 and go a different direction. Right now, I'm willing to try and unlock it's full potential in my room over the next few months and then make a decision if the UMC-1 is right for me.

[Bruce]

Nov 5, 2011 9:33:04 GMT -5 jamrock said:

Let me try to answer:
Q: Why am I having no problems with my Onkyo 3008?
A: For the same reason(s) that I am not having any problems with my UMC-1.

No center drops.......... I and many others don't have cc drops either.
No HDMI problems with cable box.............An acknowledge issue. But viable workarounds are available.
No switching problems............I and many others don't have any switching problems.
Complete pass through for video................Well acknowledged by Emo. Not complete with the OSD.
No setting up bass problems..............Bass management by design. Love it or leave it! Not a bug.
Downloading firmware................Ask Bill Baumann, LCSeminole, RR and many others why they don't. But, I do acknowledge that the process is certainly not the best.

Which pre/pro sounds better is too subjective to entertain for an educational discussion. Just too many variables to consider. If you like how yours sound, well that's goal. Isn't it? Enjoy!

Theresa's statement would be accurate if it read: ...if the buyer understands that there 'could' be problems. Emotiva has acknowledged publicly that there are remaining issues and they are developing a comprehensive fix. But, not all units exhibit these problems, and that's a fact.

But I now wait to be accused (not necessarily by you) of 'putting words into other people's mouths' or, 'dictating what others should say' Be well.

Please a COMPREHENSIVE FIX have been hearing this for 2-3 years?I did many FIXES to my UMC-1 and it fixed a few problems BUT created a few more also.I have read many threads on the downloading of the firmware as maybe you should read those threads to refresh your memory as to the many people who had the problems downloading.I also downloaded many times and it was a fifty to fifty shot I had no problems .The problems with HDMI to cable boxes is a fix to use other cables in place of the cable it was designed to use is also a FIX.I also beleive you DID have dropouts in previous threads but you might not remember as you have NO problems with your UMC-1 is that correct? Did Emotiva have the same problems with their previous Processor ? I wish that Emotiva would follow OPPO and have customers use the unit and give them feedback before the offcial release and we ALL would not have these problems.Yes I do LOVE my 3008 and as you have said about your UMC-1 I am NOT having any problems and the SOUND is just as good in my room.

[jamrock]

The point that I am trying to get across is that giving the impression that everyone is having problems or bad experiences with their UMC-1 is completely false. See reply #135 for instance. My complaints have been two fold: (1) The apparent narrow focus of the remote and (2) "I think" that my surrounds don't play as loudly after set up as I would like. Then I discovered the TRIMS on the remote and that issue disappeared. So, I have no remaining problem with the unit itself.

I have seen where LCSeminole reported that Onkyo was having problems with their 08 & 09 series pre/pros. Maybe not to the same extent as the UMC-1, but problems nonetheless. So, what do you say to those Onkyo owners who are having issues with their pre/pro, if they are giving the impression that all 08 series pro/pros are a piece of junk? You would not agree. Would you? I think not because you are a very happy owner of the 3008. Oh, I forgot. Only Emotiva products are supposed to have irritating problems. Would it be o'k if I mention that all the other pre/pros and AVRs to which the UMC-1 is compared, their manufacturers have been years ahead of Emo in making these products? Isn't it obvious that they should have less problems than Emo? This is not an excuse. Just a fact to consider.

[billmac]

Nov 5, 2011 11:12:28 GMT -5 jamrock said:

I

have seen where LCSeminole reported that Onkyo was having problems with their 08 & 09 series pre/pros. Maybe not to the same extent as the UMC-1, but problems nonetheless. So, what do you say to those Onkyo owners who are having issues with their pre/pro, if they are giving the impression that all 08 series pro/pros are a piece of junk?

I know your above post is in response to Bruce's post but I would like to give my thoughts on this. If an Onkyo owner posts here or any other forum that Onkyo AVR/prepros are junk and have serious issues then I have no problem at all with that. That is one persons opinion and I feel if that person is frustrated with Onkyo then they have every right to voice that opinion.

I might post I have had no issues with the Onkyos I have owned but I'm not going to have an issue with that persons thoughts if done in a respectful way. I'm certainly not going to tell that person how they should post in whatever forum the discussion is taking place.

Bill

[Bruce]

Let all see if the XMC-1 is still having these same problems as I will look to that Proceesor as a benchmark for Emotiva.I also have read that Onkyos have had their share of problems and have tried to correct most of them as I have upgraded the 3008 software 3 times without any problems.I hope Emotiva takes another path to the chips they use in the UMC-1 as most other MAN. have had to change every couple years.I think the Cirrus chip sets are most of the UMC-1 problems and hope the XMC-1 changes many of their problems as maybe a new chipset is needed.See their you go again as I did not state JUST Emotiva is having a problem and do read about many others that are having problems.You may ask yourself why the UMC-1 has not been Evaluated by most of the people that have reviewed the Denon,Onkyo,Integra and most other Pre Pros is it because they would give the UMC-1 a negative review and hurt the sales?The reviewers are jumping on Onkyo good or bad to check out their units even the lower priced units.I hope the XMC-1 comes through with flying colors as it has been in pre production for 3 years and should be a KILLER processor.I have had not one problem with my XPA amps as they are simply AWESOME and they are the best buy for amps so see I love my Emotiva product just as you love your UMC-1.