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Post by jaylaw on Nov 9, 2011 23:10:19 GMT -5
A friend offered me 1000 for my Marantz AV7005 processor when I told him I was looking at the UMC-1 processor. I have a 3D capable TV and bluray player, but I am very disappointed with the quality of the 3D that I have all but given up on it. My question is... Am I better off selling my current processor and going with Emo gear? I would consider getting the UMC-1 and USP-1 for music with the HT bypass... Has anyone compared the SQ of these processors with the Marantz? Or am I better off staying put? If so, would I benefit with the USP-1 with the Marantz, or am I fine with the Direct Mode? Thanks.
Jason
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Nov 10, 2011 0:02:20 GMT -5
In my opinion the sound quality of the UMC-1 is superior to the AV-7005, but the Marantz is better on the video side. I posted my comparison of the two on here somewhere.
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Post by bozaman on Nov 10, 2011 0:28:01 GMT -5
you have an interesting question here, but i think you need to ask yourself a basic question: other than disappointment in 3d do you find the marantz to be acceptable for ht and 2 channel music duties?
or, are there other motivations causing you to consider the umc-1/usp-1 combo over the marantz?
with that said, i have recently upgraded from a onkyo avr to the umc-1 and thus far couldn't be more pleased with the decision. combining it with the usp-1 would be a really sweet set-up, but i've not (yet) taken that step. i have found the sq of the umc-1 to be an amazing upgrade, and while i don't have any direct experience with the marantz it appears to be a compelling product with excellent reviews.
were it my decision, there would need to be another really glaring concern with the marantz to really make me consider a change.
just my two cents....
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Post by carlp336 on Nov 10, 2011 9:05:41 GMT -5
i went from UMC to AV7005 and dont have any regrets in any aspect
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Post by ngmitter on Nov 10, 2011 9:52:45 GMT -5
I went from a Marantz SR8002 as a processor to my Emo amps, to a UMC-1. I must say that sonically, I notice zero difference. I use my setup for about 60% movies, 30% stereo music, and 10% multi-channel music. The only thing I would mention is that the room processing in the Marantz was more intuitive and predictable. I'm still having trouble with it on the UMC-1.
I've been considering upgrading to an AV7005 for 3D support, better room EQ, and potentially less HDMI handshake issues, but not for more than double the price.
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Post by jaylaw on Nov 10, 2011 10:01:08 GMT -5
Wow, thanks everyone for the quick responses... Another thing I am taking into consideration is the 40 percent discount on the next processor... But at the end of the day I am unsure how much more I want to put into the stereo at this point (for sure some more though  I know that for sure...) but what about the USP-1 for two channel listening. Am I benefiting enough from that to consider the $449? Thanks again everyone; you have all been most helpful all over this forum as I try to learn a little and find my way... Jason |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2011 10:09:03 GMT -5
I went from a Marantz SR8002 as a processor to my Emo amps, to a UMC-1. I must say that sonically, I notice zero difference. I use my setup for about 60% movies, 30% stereo music, and 10% multi-channel music. The only thing I would mention is that the room processing in the Marantz was more intuitive and predictable. I'm still having trouble with it on the UMC-1. I've been considering upgrading to an AV7005 for 3D support, better room EQ, and potentially less HDMI handshake issues, but not for more than double the price. I think it is worth it at more than twice the price (actually more than three times the price as the AV7005 retails for $1599). If you can't afford it than you're stuck. I just got a Onkyo 5508 and find the audio quality identical to the UMC-1's, but I never used direct mode. It seems to have no handshake issues with my two HDMI sources taking just a short moment to switch although with a slight sound from the relays. |
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Post by regulator on Nov 10, 2011 11:48:10 GMT -5
I went from the UMC to the AV7005 and so far it has been the best move I've done with my system. I also had a lot of issues with my UMC, having to send it back to Emotiva a couple times. That is not the norm, it just didn't agree with me. My Marantz has worked excellent and I agree with Dyohn that the SQ edges out the Marantz but IMO just barely. Video processing is much superior on the Marantz than the UMC was for my system setup.
I also have the USP, and I can say paired with the Marantz, the USP is excellent especially if you have a turntable. I kind of have the best of both worlds, a great analog pre, and great HT pre.
My suggestion is to get the USP, and try it out with the Marantz. You may be happy with that set up.
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Post by r1lee on Nov 10, 2011 11:56:09 GMT -5
I find my AV7005 to really lack in terms of music. The reason why I'm needing to buy a Oppo BDP-95 to address that issue.
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Post by Gary Cook on Nov 10, 2011 18:04:28 GMT -5
Wow, thanks everyone for the quick responses... Another thing I am taking into consideration is the 40 percent discount on the next processor... But at the end of the day I am unsure how much more I want to put into the stereo at this point (for sure some more though I know that for sure...) but what about the USP-1 for two channel listening. Am I benefiting enough from that to consider the $449? Thanks again everyone; you have all been most helpful all over this forum as I try to learn a little and find my way... Jason I have recommended the USP-1 to quite a few people, some on this forum. Every one of them, without exception, has come back saying it is the best value stereo purchase that they have made. So I make the same suggestion to you, if you like your stereo then you will love the USP-1. In my system it is easily the single most worthwhile addition I have made. My uncle has an Oppo 95 with the output, using the dedicated stereo DAC's, into a USP-1 then an XPA- 2 driving a pair of Paradigm Reference speakers. The sound is just magnificent, to my ears the best value for money I have ever experienced. I have listened to systems costing 5+ times as much that don't sound anywhere near as good. If you are truly into stereo then a USP-1 should be on your list. Cheers Gary |
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bootman
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Post by bootman on Nov 10, 2011 20:03:14 GMT -5
I would have to agree here.
Get the usp and pair it up with the 7005.
Mind you I have the umc and for the most part (99.9%) works great in my setup.
But if the 7005 is working well, don't mess with it.
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Post by jaylaw on Nov 10, 2011 22:02:21 GMT -5
Okay, maybe a question better suited for the stupid question zone, but... So I hook the USP up to the preouts for the front left and right and one of my subwoofer outputs. Does this mean that when I hook my subwoofer up here that it is unavailable for home theater when I have the HT bypass active? I would assume that this is the case... Are there any ways around this, or should I let my DefTech sub play the HT and get a more musical sub for the USP? And I have my second sub preout hooked up to a Y-splitter and then to my two front DefTech BP7001SC's. Do I have the same issue here? Would I lose the ability to run my subwoofers through either the home theater or stereo? I hope these questions are making sense... They are making sense in my head anyways. As always, thanks for all the help! Jason |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2011 5:00:58 GMT -5
I would have to agree here. Get the usp and pair it up with the 7005. Mind you I have the umc and for the most part (99.9%) works great in my setup. But if the 7005 is working well, don't mess with it. +1 |
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Nov 11, 2011 11:53:28 GMT -5
Bootman has offered the best advice here. Especially the part about not messing with it. That's an important part these days, since you never know how a pre/pro is going to act in your system. If you're happy with what you got, and it doesn't give you any fits, then keep that thing as long as you can stand it.
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Post by roadrunner on Nov 11, 2011 20:59:35 GMT -5
Okay, maybe a question better suited for the stupid question zone, but... So I hook the USP up to the preouts for the front left and right and one of my subwoofer outputs. Does this mean that when I hook my subwoofer up here that it is unavailable for home theater when I have the HT bypass active? I would assume that this is the case... Are there any ways around this, or should I let my DefTech sub play the HT and get a more musical sub for the USP? And I have my second sub preout hooked up to a Y-splitter and then to my two front DefTech BP7001SC's. Do I have the same issue here? Would I lose the ability to run my subwoofers through either the home theater or stereo? I hope these questions are making sense... They are making sense in my head anyways. As always, thanks for all the help! Jason Jason You have completely misunderstood what the HT ByPass does on the USP-1. When you engage the HT ByPass all resources routed from your HT processor to the USP-1 are totally under the control of the HT Processor; and, the USP-1 simply becomes a straight wire between the HT processor and the speakers, subs and amps. You lose no control of any components. This is why the HT ByPass is so valuable. It allows you to seamlessly share use of your mains, sub woofer, and amp(s) between your 2-channel music system and your multi-channel movie system. There is no down-side or loss of use of anything when you use the USP-1 as part of your systems. |
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Post by jaylaw on Nov 11, 2011 22:04:13 GMT -5
Okay, maybe a question better suited for the stupid question zone, but... So I hook the USP up to the preouts for the front left and right and one of my subwoofer outputs. Does this mean that when I hook my subwoofer up here that it is unavailable for home theater when I have the HT bypass active? I would assume that this is the case... Are there any ways around this, or should I let my DefTech sub play the HT and get a more musical sub for the USP? And I have my second sub preout hooked up to a Y-splitter and then to my two front DefTech BP7001SC's. Do I have the same issue here? Would I lose the ability to run my subwoofers through either the home theater or stereo? I hope these questions are making sense... They are making sense in my head anyways. As always, thanks for all the help! Jason Jason You have completely misunderstood what the HT ByPass does on the USP-1. When you engage the HT ByPass all resources routed from your HT processor to the USP-1 are totally under the control of the HT Processor; and, the USP-1 simply becomes a straight wire between the HT processor and the speakers, subs and amps. You lose no control of any components. This is why the HT ByPass is so valuable. It allows you to seamlessly share use of your mains, sub woofer, and amp(s) between your 2-channel music system and your multi-channel movie system. There is no down-side or loss of use of anything when you use the USP-1 as part of your systems. Sure you are right. I absolutely knew that for the speakers but somehow got crossed up with the sub...  I guess I have no idea what I was thinking... Thanks! One more thing; how long does the holiday sale that is going on right now usually last? Into January or no? Jason |
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Post by roadrunner on Nov 12, 2011 3:38:45 GMT -5
Normally, this Sale lasts until Year-End or until current stock is depleted, which ever occurs first. I don't recall seeing anything in the E-Mail that Emotiva sent that spelled out if this is what they are doing this time around. You can easily find out by sending an E-mail or calling Emotiva.
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I know that for sure...) but what about the USP-1 for two channel listening. Am I benefiting enough from that to consider the $449? Thanks again everyone; you have all been most helpful all over this forum as I try to learn a little and find my way...
I guess I have no idea what I was thinking... Thanks! One more thing; how long does the holiday sale that is going on right now usually last? Into January or no?