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Post by sahmen on Jan 6, 2014 19:13:04 GMT -5
I posted this on a different thread, which may have gone pretty cold, because I am not getting any responses from there, so I shall repost it here:
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The UMC-200 is back to $599.00, whereas the 7030 has remained priced at $699.00, so I think this debate needs to be revived in the light of this new price relationship. I have to say that I have been tempted by the 7030 for quite a while now, with the only thing holding me back being the manual eq and room correction I will have to do on it. Here are questions:
***Correction: The price of the UMC-200 has been brought back down to $499.00 since I last checked so question 1, below, is no longer relevant.
1. Is there any reason why the 7030 priced at $699.00 does not blow the UMC-200 at $599.00 out of the water in terms of value for money?
2. I know the 7030 is being phased out, but how is it doing on the front of firmware updates that are meant to correct its bugs?
3. To those who have been using the 7030 for a few months or more, does it have any notorious bugs a new buyer should know about (I have heard about audio delays and audio dropout, but I do not know how serious or widespread they are)
4. Does anyone know whether the 7030 will still come with the 40% upgrade card (I would like to use that for the XMC-1, obviously, so I would like to know), given that the $699 is no longer a sale price?
5. Well I know that one advantage of the 7030 over the UMC-200 is supposed to be the legacy inputs (Personally, I have a couple of VHS VCRs and an audio cassette player/recorder, that I no longer use, although they're all very functional, and I still have VHS and audio cassette tapes, but I prefer cds, dvds, blu ray discs, and hi-rez ripped formats, played through htpcs or media streamers: - I hope the 7030 can accommodate all these formats)...
Any thoughts?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2014 20:30:35 GMT -5
I posted this on a different thread, which may have gone pretty cold, because I am not getting any responses from there, so I shall repost it here: **************** The UMC-200 is back to $599.00, whereas the 7030 has remained priced at $699.00, so I think this debate needs to be revived in the light of this new price relationship. I have to say that I have been tempted by the 7030 for quite a while now, with the only thing holding me back being the manual eq and room correction I will have to do on it. Here are questions: 1. Is there any reason why the 7030 priced at $699.00 does not blow the UMC-200 at $599.00 out of the water in terms of value for money? 2. I know the 7030 is being phased out, but how is it doing on the front of firmware updates that are meant to correct its bugs? 3. To those who have been using the 7030 for a few months or more, does it have any notorious bugs a new buyer should know about (I have heard about audio delays and audio dropout, but I do not know how serious or widespread they are) 4. Does anyone know whether the 7030 will still come with the 40% upgrade card (I would like to use that for the XMC-1, obviously, so I would like to know), given that the $699 is no longer a sale price? 5. Well I know that one advantage of the 7030 over the UMC-200 is supposed to be the legacy inputs (Personally, I have a couple of VHS VCRs and an audio cassette player/recorder, that I no longer use, although they're all very functional, and I still have VHS and audio cassette tapes, but I prefer cds, dvds, blu ray discs, and hi-rez ripped formats, played through htpcs or media streamers: - I hope the 7030 can accommodate all these formats)... Any thoughts? 1. I can't personally comment because I haven't heard the umc-200 ( but I opted for the 7030 so it must be better ) <<<<<lol 2. Andrew has said previously that a firmware update IS coming but cannot give a definitive timeline for arrival 3. The bugs I have experienced are very minor, 1-2 second audio delay on digital sources I hooked my oppo up via analog to listen to my cd's so no issue there. I experience some inaccuracy in the subwoofer test tones through the 7030 so level matched using rew test tones. 4. The upgrade card is no longer offered 5. I have not found anything I couldn't hook upto my 7030, I'm sure you could connect your cassette player via the analog inputs . When I first received my 7030 I listened with no eq applied for the first week or so and strongly believe it was a deeper, wider And more immersive listening experience than that of my umc-1 with emo-q applied. Even my wife commented on how much more detailed the music sounded. This is just my opinion and experience but I personally LOVE my 7030 and have no intention to replace it for some time..... Hope this helps |
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Post by bosshogg on Jan 7, 2014 0:41:16 GMT -5
The UMC-200 is still $499.
I chose the PT-7030 over the UMC-200 because:
1. Balanced outputs
2. 2 more HDMI inputs(6 vs 4) so I do not have to use a HDMI switch.
3. Matches my Sherbourn PA 7-350 esthetically.
4. 40% uprade card which I'll be using on the processor after the XMC because I do not feel the XMC is a big enough upgrade from the PT-7030.
I run my 7030 flat with no eq and it sounds better than my PT-7020A did with EQ
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Post by sahmen on Jan 7, 2014 4:05:32 GMT -5
One more question, because of some possibly erroneous information I got from an "expert" (but not so friendly) review: I do hope the 7030 decodes all the hd audio formats (Dolby True Hd, DTS Master audio, etc. etc)... Frankly I'd be surprised if it didn't, but because that hostile reviewer said it didn't, I thought I should ask here in order to be sure.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2014 9:19:18 GMT -5
One more question, because of some possibly erroneous information I got from an "expert" (but not so friendly) review: I do hope the 7030 decodes all the hd audio formats (Dolby True Hd, DTS Master audio, etc. etc)... Frankly I'd be surprised if it didn't, but because that hostile reviewer said it didn't, I thought I should ask here in order to be sure. Yes it does decode all of the latest HD audio formats. |
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Post by swampfire on Jan 7, 2014 9:49:05 GMT -5
3. To those who have been using the 7030 for a few months or more, does it have any notorious bugs a new buyer should know about (I have heard about audio delays and audio dropout, but I do not know how serious or widespread they are) 4. Does anyone know whether the 7030 will still come with the 40% upgrade card (I would like to use that for the XMC-1, obviously, so I would like to know), given that the $699 is no longer a sale price? 5. Well I know that one advantage of the 7030 over the UMC-200 is supposed to be the legacy inputs (Personally, I have a couple of VHS VCRs and an audio cassette player/recorder, that I no longer use, although they're all very functional, and I still have VHS and audio cassette tapes, but I prefer cds, dvds, blu ray discs, and hi-rez ripped formats, played through htpcs or media streamers: - I hope the 7030 can accommodate all these formats)... Any thoughts? 3. There is only ONE audio bug, the 1-2 second dropout when starting or skipping digital stereo sources (e.g. a CD or AppleTV). 4. The 40% upgrade card was replaced with a 25% lifetime processor upgrade when the price dropped to $699. 5. I've thrown everything I have at it and it hasn't disappointed me yet. It even supports Apple Lossless. |
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Post by swampfire on Jan 7, 2014 9:59:10 GMT -5
Try to find a DAC for $700 with a toroidal transformer, HDMI input, balanced stereo inputs and bass management. The PT-7030 is a bargain on that basis alone. Now throw in a 6-in/2-out HDMI switch, surround decode, a 10-band equalizer, balanced outputs and bluetooth input. Even if you don't care about legacy sources, it's a great deal.
I think the reason we've been picking the PT-7030 apart is that we can't believe how good of a deal it is.
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Post by monkumonku on Jan 7, 2014 10:02:23 GMT -5
One more question, because of some possibly erroneous information I got from an "expert" (but not so friendly) review: I do hope the 7030 decodes all the hd audio formats (Dolby True Hd, DTS Master audio, etc. etc)... Frankly I'd be surprised if it didn't, but because that hostile reviewer said it didn't, I thought I should ask here in order to be sure. I haven't had any trouble with my 7030 decoding all of the various codecs. It locks on pretty quickly, too. I have no complaints about my unit except that the display is on the dim side so that's a minor thing. At $699 that is a crazy good price. I paid about $1,200 for mine mid-2013 and while I would have rather have paid $699, what I did pay was still well worth the money. |
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Erwin.BE
Emo VIPs 
It's the room, stupid!
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Post by Erwin.BE on Jan 7, 2014 12:33:07 GMT -5
40% upgrade card which I'll be using on the processor after the XMC because I do not feel the XMC is a big enough upgrade from the PT-7030. Have you fact-checked that you can skip a generation? Quote from the FAQ page: You can use the Upgrade Certificate to purchase one next generation processor at 40% off of the standard price.emotiva.com/faq/processor_upgradeNot saying you cannot, but just asking. |
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Post by traderfjp on Jan 7, 2014 16:45:44 GMT -5
I just got my new preamp today. I have the older Sherbourn 1500A amp so I can't use the balanced cables but that is ok. The unit looks well built. I can't wait to start playing with it. From all the reviews I read this is a very musical processor and for 699.99, I just couldn't pass it up. I really don't care about room setup. My ears are more than capable of adjusting and tweaking my settings to my liking.
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Post by sahmen on Jan 7, 2014 17:00:06 GMT -5
Fattykidd, Bosshogg, Badge, Swampfire, and monkumonku: Thanks for your input. I have a little more clarity now, and can feel the grip of my finger tightening on the trigger, already  Now can anyone tell me how best to integrate my DC-1 into a 7030 based 5.1/7.1 HT system for 2.1-channel stereo duties? I am currently using it with my Onkyo 818, but the DC-1 goes through a Sherbourn pre-1 which handles HT bypass, and bass-management... If the 7030 replaces the Onkyo, I would still want the DC-1 to handle 2-channel stereo in the configuration, but I do not know whether the Sherbourn Pre-1 will still be necessary... Any helpful suggestions would be welcome... Thanks in advance. |
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Post by swampfire on Jan 7, 2014 17:04:48 GMT -5
I just got my new preamp today. I have the older Sherbourn 1500A amp so I can't use the balanced cables but that is ok. The unit looks well built. I can't wait to start playing with it. From all the reviews I read this is a very musical processor and for 699.99, I just couldn't pass it up. I really don't care about room setup. My ears are more than capable of adjusting and tweaking my settings to my liking. Congrats, you'll enjoy it! I would say that it's very musical in the sense that it stays out of the way. In my case it sounded much better after applying EQ, but that's very dependent on speakers, room, sub and whether you like a "transparent" or "warm" sound. |
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Post by repeetavx on Jan 7, 2014 17:17:11 GMT -5
Sahmen, I'm curious to have you compare the DC-1 to the DAC in the 7030.
I've got both the Pre-1 and the 7030 and I am still comparing the analog stages between the two. They seem to be very close.
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Post by swampfire on Jan 7, 2014 17:23:04 GMT -5
Now can anyone tell me how best to integrate my DC-1 into a 7030 based 5.1/7.1 HT system for 2.1-channel stereo duties? I am currently using it with my Onkyo 818, but the DC-1 goes through a Sherbourn pre-1 which handles HT bypass, and bass-management... If the 7030 replaces the Onkyo, I would still want the DC-1 to handle 2-channel stereo in the configuration, but I do not know whether the Sherbourn Pre-1 will still be necessary... Any helpful suggestions would be welcome... Thanks in advance. I don't think you'll need the Pre-1 at all. If you want the DC-1 to handle DAC duties for digital stereo, just hook up its balanced outs to the PT-7030's balanced inputs. Actually this is a really good idea for now, because you'll avoid the audio dropouts. But assuming that bug gets fixed in an imminent FW update, you might even consider selling the DC-1, and just let the PT-7030 do it all (unless you need async USB). Maybe you can do a blind ABX test once you get the PT-7030, to see if it's worth keeping the DC-1. |
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Post by sahmen on Jan 7, 2014 17:26:12 GMT -5
Sahmen, I'm curious to have you compare the DC-1 to the DAC in the 7030. I've got both the Pre-1 and the 7030 and I am still comparing the analog stages between the two. They seem to be very close. Will do... but of course, first, I shall have to pull the trigger on the 7030, finally. In the meantime, I am intrigued by your comparison of the analog stages between the Pre-1 and the 7030: I understand from your statement that they do not sound exactly the same, but do you happen to prefer one to the other for strictly 2-channel audio? |
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Post by sahmen on Jan 7, 2014 17:29:43 GMT -5
Now can anyone tell me how best to integrate my DC-1 into a 7030 based 5.1/7.1 HT system for 2.1-channel stereo duties? I am currently using it with my Onkyo 818, but the DC-1 goes through a Sherbourn pre-1 which handles HT bypass, and bass-management... If the 7030 replaces the Onkyo, I would still want the DC-1 to handle 2-channel stereo in the configuration, but I do not know whether the Sherbourn Pre-1 will still be necessary... Any helpful suggestions would be welcome... Thanks in advance. I don't think you'll need the Pre-1 at all. If you want the DC-1 to handle DAC duties for digital stereo, just hook up its balanced outs to the PT-7030's balanced inputs. Actually this is a really good idea for now, because you'll avoid the audio dropouts. But assuming that bug gets fixed in an imminent FW update, you might even consider selling the DC-1, and just let the PT-7030 do it all (unless you need async USB). Maybe you can do a blind ABX test once you get the PT-7030, to see if it's worth keeping the DC-1. Thanks, this is nice and encouraging about the 7030. PS: About the DC-1 : I find its headphone amp/connectivity absolutely indispensable at the moment, so I am not sure I could take it out of the system completely, unless the 7030 can compensate for that... I am not sure it can though... What do you think? As for the pre-1, it can be easily transferred to another HT system at a different location, along with the Onkyo so it won't be redundant at all. |
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Post by repeetavx on Jan 7, 2014 17:31:39 GMT -5
I'm using the Pre-1 as a phono preamp with balanced outputs. This weekend I'm going to put it last in the chain and use its home theater bypass.
I'm still playing with it.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2014 18:04:36 GMT -5
I may have resolved my issue with the low frequency drop out...not sure how, but for the second time I shut the 7030 off via the switch at the back and then unplugged it. Actually I forgot about it so it was unplugged for a couple of hours. After testing it with different source material, the low frequency is back where it should be, no other changes were made.
Prior to that, I had contacted Emotiva support on Friday but on Sunday evening, I received an email from Damon in Tech Support wanting more details and to arrange a time to contact me to discuss the problem...this was unexpected and I must say well above and beyond the normal for customer service.
I spoke with Damon and he went through all of the symptoms in order to troubleshoot the issue but as the unit is working fine now there is no sense in pursuing this any further unless it happens again. The details of this problem has been logged with tech support in case it happens again.
My compliments to excellent customer service on Damon's part!!!
As a side note, I did discuss the audio dropout issue that is a common problem and asked if there is a pending or future firmware update to fix this but he is not aware of one (apparently the 7030 is very difficult to install firmware on, which may be a factor).
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Post by sahmen on Jan 7, 2014 18:13:46 GMT -5
I'm using the Pre-1 as a phono preamp with balanced outputs. This weekend I'm going to put it last in the chain and use its home theater bypass. I'm still playing with it. Understood! Please share any new discoveries you run across. Thanks,. |
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Post by creimes on Jan 7, 2014 18:34:35 GMT -5
Now can anyone tell me how best to integrate my DC-1 into a 7030 based 5.1/7.1 HT system for 2.1-channel stereo duties? I am currently using it with my Onkyo 818, but the DC-1 goes through a Sherbourn pre-1 which handles HT bypass, and bass-management... If the 7030 replaces the Onkyo, I would still want the DC-1 to handle 2-channel stereo in the configuration, but I do not know whether the Sherbourn Pre-1 will still be necessary... Any helpful suggestions would be welcome... Thanks in advance. I have my DC-1 connected to the Balanced input on the 7030 and it sounds great, one bonus of having it connected this way is I can then use my digital sources for the second, third and fourth zones of the 7030, you cannot use any digital connections on the 7030 for the xtra zones, thus this allows me to have my digital library on my Mac Mini connected to the USB on the DC-1 and into the balanced analog of the 7030 and available to use for my upstairs and outdoor speakers. Also the analog section of the 7030 sounds amazing, the DC-1 and 7030 are a killer combo, having owned a Pre-1 I would say unless you need the phono input you will not need the Pre-1, but better you decide that than us. Chad |
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