Post by tesla on Feb 15, 2012 15:47:09 GMT -5
My UMC-1 was delivered with what was at the time of this writing the latest Emo software, so it is presumably a completely mature example. After living with this UMC-1 for several days, I'd like to offer my take on it.
Construction Quality: Outstanding materials and assembly quality at any price; unbelievable in this price range. Emotiva indisputably demonstrates the ability to provide more for less by eliminating the traditional distributor network and brick-and-mortar retailer.
Functionality: Start-up is quick for a microprocessor-based unit. From a warm boot, my UMC-1 is ready to rock in roughly eight seconds. Output voltage ramp-up is very smooth, and is a welcome feature. Switching among sources or among available modes while listening to source could be a little faster, but is acceptable, particularly for this type of hardware architecture. The unit's menus are logically laid out and easy to navigate. EMO-Q works as advertised, and provides a solid starting point for system audio settings. However, I felt compelled to tweak the EQ settings, crossover frequencies, and levels after the automated process had completed.
Sound Quality: Video quality is absolutely superb, with just a slight digital boundary edge, which may be attributable to my DLP more than the UMC-1. Although I do not know why, my 1080p sources look even better routed through the UMC-1 than when run directly into my DLP. The UMC-1's audio quality is also top notch. Sound is very open and musical with my stereo analog sources, as opposed to the dry, clinical sound that I've come to expect from most of these processors. Vocals sound very natural. Sound stage imaging and depth are excellent, and audio detail and instrument definition are present and accounted for, with just a hint of grain.
Overall Value: An outstanding bargain and a worthy addition to my home entertainment system. Kudos to Dan and everyone at Emotiva for a first-rate effort.
Accept or dismiss this review as you like, but I have been playing with esoteric gear for more than 30 years, and worked professionally with high-end equipment and professional sound reinforcement gear for a dozen years in my younger days. Back then, I was fortunate enough to cross paths with many of the industry giants, from Amar Bose and Bob Carver to Paul Klipsch and Frank McIntosh. I long ago went though my infatuation with tube equipment and survived my "straight wire with gain" phase. Eventually, I retired my audio scope and sweep generator, and settled on a "sounds good to me" philosophy.
This unit sounds REALLY good to me.
;D
Construction Quality: Outstanding materials and assembly quality at any price; unbelievable in this price range. Emotiva indisputably demonstrates the ability to provide more for less by eliminating the traditional distributor network and brick-and-mortar retailer.
Functionality: Start-up is quick for a microprocessor-based unit. From a warm boot, my UMC-1 is ready to rock in roughly eight seconds. Output voltage ramp-up is very smooth, and is a welcome feature. Switching among sources or among available modes while listening to source could be a little faster, but is acceptable, particularly for this type of hardware architecture. The unit's menus are logically laid out and easy to navigate. EMO-Q works as advertised, and provides a solid starting point for system audio settings. However, I felt compelled to tweak the EQ settings, crossover frequencies, and levels after the automated process had completed.
Sound Quality: Video quality is absolutely superb, with just a slight digital boundary edge, which may be attributable to my DLP more than the UMC-1. Although I do not know why, my 1080p sources look even better routed through the UMC-1 than when run directly into my DLP. The UMC-1's audio quality is also top notch. Sound is very open and musical with my stereo analog sources, as opposed to the dry, clinical sound that I've come to expect from most of these processors. Vocals sound very natural. Sound stage imaging and depth are excellent, and audio detail and instrument definition are present and accounted for, with just a hint of grain.
Overall Value: An outstanding bargain and a worthy addition to my home entertainment system. Kudos to Dan and everyone at Emotiva for a first-rate effort.
Accept or dismiss this review as you like, but I have been playing with esoteric gear for more than 30 years, and worked professionally with high-end equipment and professional sound reinforcement gear for a dozen years in my younger days. Back then, I was fortunate enough to cross paths with many of the industry giants, from Amar Bose and Bob Carver to Paul Klipsch and Frank McIntosh. I long ago went though my infatuation with tube equipment and survived my "straight wire with gain" phase. Eventually, I retired my audio scope and sweep generator, and settled on a "sounds good to me" philosophy.
This unit sounds REALLY good to me.
;D
