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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 3, 2012 4:21:30 GMT -5
OK, ladies - Here's my question. What, exactly, do I get for my $$$ if I pony up for an XMC-1? I can get a used UMC-1 on e-Bay for about $350 now (significantly less after the XMC-1 release). Assuming that I don't use the discount card on the XMC, I'm looking at 1.5 large to buy that box.
For the 1.2 grand difference, do I really get anything different? Differences that I see offhand include but the room correction, newer video/audio chips, and balanced outputs.
Are any of these truly significant? Obviously, this depends on one's priorities...
Mine include (in order of importance) stereo sound quality, trouble-free movie viewing, and reliability.
I was most interested in the XMC because I wanted HDMI (2-d only) and the automated room setup. I see now that that both features are already available on the UMC-1. Assuming that the price difference is not a large factor, why should I go for one over the other?
I've currently got an old Rotel preamp that's driving me nuts because I can't access the on-screen setup display. The Rotel has no HDMI, and my projector (an Epson 5010e) uses wireless video transmission for HDMI only.
Given that I may have a six-month wait for the XMC, I'm looking harder & harder at a used UMC-1. Please advise.
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Post by jdskycaster on Jul 3, 2012 5:04:14 GMT -5
No one can tell you the true advantages until the XMC-1 is available. At this point it is a list of features.
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Post by audiohead on Jul 3, 2012 5:26:38 GMT -5
Boomzilla..Same here i like what the XMC-1 has in it 7.2 and everything else,but the UMC-1 has a really nice price on it and it won't do 3D but getting a Blu-Ray 3D with two HDMI outs would take care of that for me.I could run the audio to the UMC-1 and the video to my HDTV and save 800 bucks.What to do!
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Post by suffolk112000 on Jul 3, 2012 7:00:39 GMT -5
What speakers do you own...? What amp do you own...? That might help some here give you advice.  |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 3, 2012 8:09:50 GMT -5
My speakers are a hodgepodge. I use Thiel 3.6 mains, a Definitive Technology center, and Polk bipolar surrounds. The Thiels are run by an Emotiva XPA-2. The DefTech is run by a Crown 400. The Polks are run by wireless KEF amplifiers.
My current sub (haven't decided to use or not) is an older Polk 10".
Ideally, bass management would be smart enough to run the mains full-range, the center crossed at about 80 Hz, and the surrounds at about 150 Hz.
Can the UMC-1 do this?
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Post by stads77 on Jul 3, 2012 9:12:06 GMT -5
yes, the umc-1 allows you to set individual crossovers.
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Post by Entity on Jul 3, 2012 9:20:33 GMT -5
Prices may drop a little more possibly, but there seem to be people who are assuming that it's going to be dropping to $150 or something. This is probably more wishful thinking than will be reality. Regardless of the XMC-1's capability, the UMC-1 is still an excellent sounding 7 channel processor with plenty of features to get by with for several more years. The 2 processors are completely different, there is really nothing to compare since the XMC isn't out. That being said, the difference that people seem to be most interested in is the use of TACT. TACT has the potential to be pretty amazing. UMC-1 does have room correction software, but it's not going to be some kind of life changing difference in sound after it has been run. It's a starting point and is completely modifiable by the user. Yes, it can run full range for the fronts and separate crossover settings for every set of speakers. If it's not done the way you like with EmoQ, you can simply go into the menu and adjust them to taste. emotiva.com/help/resourcesThere is a link there to a video of the CEO showing what EmoQ looks like and can give you a feel for options and menus. |
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Post by suffolk112000 on Jul 3, 2012 9:38:18 GMT -5
When I got my UMC-1, just for kicks I tried performing a manual calibration. The sound improvement was a very noticeable improvement over my previous Denon.
I then ran EmoQ and the improvement was quite noticeable.
What I really like is the ability to trim my speakers after running EmoQ. I have not 'tweaked' my front L-C-R or surrounds, I'm happy with the over-all sound. But I did find it necessary to spend some time tweaking my sub.
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Post by djoel on Jul 3, 2012 9:46:20 GMT -5
I would opt for what I can get today instead of what I can hope for tomorrow, th XMC-1 might arrive with unforeseen oddities.
Beside, if later you decide and go with XMC, using what ever you have on hand can give you a good stand on comparison thus acquiring some useful tools in this hobby.
Just saying
Djoel
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Post by Nemesis.ie on Jul 3, 2012 10:05:59 GMT -5
Boomzilla..Same here i like what the XMC-1 has in it 7.2 and everything else,but the UMC-1 has a really nice price on it and it won't do 3D but getting a Blu-Ray 3D with two HDMI outs would take care of that for me.I could run the audio to the UMC-1 and the video to my HDTV and save 800 bucks.What to do! Actually the UMC-1 does do some 3D, I use mine with SBS content no problem, you just have to force the display into SBS mode, a bit of a PITA but it does work, so depending on what 3D you want/need, it might work for you. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 3, 2012 10:38:00 GMT -5
Decision made. I ordered a new UMC-1. Should I decide to go higher when the XMC-1 becomes available, I'll have a discount coupon. Should I decide that the UMC-1 is adequate to my needs, I've saved $$$.
Either way, it's a no-lose option.
THANKS to those who coached me through this thicket. I'll write a review of the UMC-1 after playing with it for awhile. Anyone want a used Rotel?
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Post by regulator on Jul 3, 2012 10:59:08 GMT -5
Good call, I think you made the right decision.
I hate to be the negative one here, but there is no guarantee that the XMC will even come out in 6 months. Plus no idea on how it will perform. You may recall the UMC was delayed quite a bit, and had numerous issues when released. I hope the XMC doesn't have the same fate, but we shall see how it turns out.
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Post by suffolk112000 on Jul 3, 2012 11:32:30 GMT -5
Decision made. I ordered a new UMC-1. Should I decide to go higher when the XMC-1 becomes available, I'll have a discount coupon. Should I decide that the UMC-1 is adequate to my needs, I've saved $$$. Either way, it's a no-lose option. THANKS to those who coached me through this thicket. I'll write a review of the UMC-1 after playing with it for awhile. Anyone want a used Rotel? I'm sure the XMC-1 will be great when it comes out, but I am sure you'll enjoy the UMC-1 while you wait. When is it supposed to be delivered? Hope the 4th of July holiday doesn't cause any issues with getting it before the weekend.  So you decided to not go the e-bay route... I think you made a wise choice. You would have been better off simply getting a refurb thru Emotiva and getting an extra $50 in Emo bucks if you were really concerned with saving $$. |
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Pauly
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 5,237
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Post by Pauly on Jul 3, 2012 12:04:31 GMT -5
If your UMC behaves for you, you will enjoy the heck out of it. It really does sound good, and it's a pleasure to use and tweak. I'm very excited about the XMC, but the UMC is working so well for me that I can't justify the XMC purchase. I'm more of a two channel music guy though, so HT takes a back seat to my two channel rig. So I think the UMC will stay in my HT for a few more years.
Congrats on the UMC purchase.
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Post by chaosrv on Jul 3, 2012 12:45:46 GMT -5
Just a reminder since this is a used UMC - double check the firmware and upgrade it if needed.
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hemster
Global Moderator 
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,951
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Post by hemster on Jul 3, 2012 13:05:57 GMT -5
Just a reminder since this is a used UMC - double check the firmware and upgrade it if needed. He ordered a new UMC, so likely it came with the latest FW. But no harm in checking anyway. |
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Post by chaosrv on Jul 3, 2012 13:12:20 GMT -5
My bad - misread the the thread. (hey that rhymes)
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Post by muzicianx on Jul 3, 2012 18:27:07 GMT -5
Congrats on the purchase! The sound quality is great, and you can always move to the XMC next year when you get sick of the bugs of the UMC... sorry, rant. Tried to watch Thor today, and center dropouts were awful.
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Post by Entity on Jul 3, 2012 18:28:50 GMT -5
Odd...the center channel dropouts have been gone for most everyone I believe. Are you using an old firmware?
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Post by muzicianx on Jul 3, 2012 20:43:25 GMT -5
I tried to do the update with a PC laptop that I have, but to no avail. Tried 3 times in fact. I'm sure it's the PC, it's older and has issues. I did get it to update to the 7.04 awhile ago. I may try again since I just reinstalled the factory software and am ready to get rid of it... The dropouts aren't the only thing, I don't like how long it takes to lock onto an HDMI signal, I don't like Emo-Q, I don't like the lack of delay when using the triggers, I don't like the OSD, but I do like the sound quality, and that's what keeps me going back. I'm tempted to go back to the receiver/separate amp solution with the flagship Onkyo... I used to have the TX-NR906, and it worked flawlessly. I secretly wished I never got rid of it. I love dealing with Emotiva, and I just bought a set of 6.3s on clearance and 4.1s for new surrounds, and they sound great... I just really am done with the UMC. I know the XMC will be great, I'm just tired of compromising on performance. I go on vacation next week, maybe that's all I need;)
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