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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 15:57:26 GMT -5
So after lots of research, asking questions, and just evaluating what works best for me I am going to go with the UMC-200 and the XPA-5 (likely gen2) to replace my old (8ish yrs) receiver. The problem is I can only afford one or the other right so my question is which would you buy first?
My current receiver (Yamaha RX-V1400) has 5.1 multi channel inputs that I could run the UMC-200 to, and it also has preouts that I could run to an external amplifier.
My current thinking is go with the UMC-200 because my receiver doesn't have HDMI so I would be getting a better quality signal and it would make my wiring much easier and cleaner.
Thoughts?
Whatever I don't get now I will likely buy early next year.
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Post by jlafrenz on Sept 3, 2013 16:03:39 GMT -5
What source will you be using and what connections does it have?
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Post by chaosrv on Sept 3, 2013 16:06:07 GMT -5
Usually, I would recommend the amplifier first. However, if you don't have HDMI on your receiver and assuming all of your other gear (TV included) does support HDMI, I would go with the processor first.
If your received doesn't support HDMI it likely doesn't support all the latest audio formats either. The UMC-200 would.
*edit*
Yup, your display supports HDMI. I'd go for the UMC-200 if I were you. It will give you more immediate flexibility.
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 16:07:41 GMT -5
Will have 4 sources:
Blu-Ray via HDMI
FiOS box via HDMI
Wii - I am going to get a component to HDMI converter, so that will also be HDMI
Chromecast via HDMI
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 16:10:27 GMT -5
My TV does have HDMI, so I am currently running two separate HDMI cables from the blu-ray and cable box to the TV, as well as a component cable from my receiver to the TV.
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Post by meldhache on Sept 3, 2013 16:14:59 GMT -5
IMOO,you have a lot of hdmi souces, i Will go for the Umc-200 first but try Emotiva b stock to save some dough, enough maybe to get a b stock upa -5 .. In y case i used two sets of amps to biamp my fronts and centers.
Mel
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Post by phatfos1 on Sept 3, 2013 16:24:13 GMT -5
Upgrade your processor first. That will bring you up to date with the latest lossless audio which you can then output to your current processors multi-in (which, after a google, I see you have). For the time being you will have less power than you'd like but you'll have the highest resolution and a cleaner overall setup. Going amp first has only one benefit.
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Post by jdskycaster on Sept 3, 2013 16:25:51 GMT -5
Why not go the Sherbourn route. The 7020 is a great deal at $399 and pickup a used amp on the emporium (there is a used XPA-5 for $500 plus shipping). As an alternative to the pre-pro route the SR-8100 is also a great buy right now but I understand your desire for more power reserves.
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 16:27:34 GMT -5
I appreciate the quick responses. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything I was missing as I thought through which to buy first. Emotiva, you are about to get a call.  |
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 16:31:02 GMT -5
Yes, I was debating about going with the 7020, but decided against it. I guess I just want something "newer". If the SR-8100 had preouts I would have jumped on that already.
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Post by jlafrenz on Sept 3, 2013 16:40:02 GMT -5
Does your Blu-ray have 5.1 analog audio out? If so then you should be able to get the higer rez audio using it. Using HDMI to the UMC for the other sources uses less cables and clean things up a bit, but you aren't getting high rez out of them for sound so optical would work just fine.
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Post by jdskycaster on Sept 3, 2013 16:42:22 GMT -5
Did you make the call? What did you get?
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Post by brubacca on Sept 3, 2013 16:47:18 GMT -5
Pt-7020 and use XPA-5 is a great idea.
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Post by mshump on Sept 3, 2013 16:52:35 GMT -5
Pt-7020 and use XPA-5 is a great idea. +1 I just picked up a PT 7020 a couple weeks ago, replacing an ONKYO AVR and was completely astounded by the sound ! Well worth the 399.00 price. |
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 16:54:53 GMT -5
Order placed!! Will arrive on Friday.
My Blu-ray does not have 5.1 out, only Coax/optical. I thought HDMI did carry high rez audio through it. Am I missing something?
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 17:01:09 GMT -5
Got the UMC-200. Can't wait to get it!! Now I need to convince my wife to take my daughter out shopping or something on Saturday. I had considered the 7020 but just felt more drawn to the 200...now logical reason just a preference. I don't mind saving and paying a few extra bucks for what I really want, within reason of course. I'm sure either processor will be quite the step up for me over the yamaha receiver. |
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Post by TUGA Audiophile on Sept 3, 2013 17:01:47 GMT -5
So after lots of research, asking questions, and just evaluating what works best for me I am going to go with the UMC-200 and the XPA-5 (likely gen2) to replace my old (8ish yrs) receiver. The problem is I can only afford one or the other right so my question is which would you buy first? My current receiver (Yamaha RX-V1400) has 5.1 multi channel inputs that I could run the UMC-200 to, and it also has preouts that I could run to an external amplifier. My current thinking is go with the UMC-200 because my receiver doesn't have HDMI so I would be getting a better quality signal and it would make my wiring much easier and cleaner. Thoughts? Whatever I don't get now I will likely buy early next year. Will have 4 sources: Blu-Ray via HDMI FiOS box via HDMI Wii - I am going to get a component to HDMI converter, so that will also be HDMI Chromecast via HDMI My advice to you and your money. Wait for the XMC-1 and buy now the XPA-5 and enjoy the difference of sound quality. GOOD LUCK |
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 17:05:29 GMT -5
Well, now that I am "friends and family" I will be able to purchase the XMC-1 later down the road for 25% off, saving me $500. That is almost the price of the 200, so I am good with it.
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Post by geebo on Sept 3, 2013 17:05:39 GMT -5
I put more importance into sound quality and a few years ago got an XPA-5 for my Onkyo 807. Later I got a UMC-1. If I had it to do over, I'd do the same thing. The sound quality improvement was wonderful. But it really depends on one's priorities. Improve first what YOU want improved first.
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Post by thoff on Sept 3, 2013 18:55:29 GMT -5
Thanks for the last minute inputs. I haven't bought any A/V equipment in about 4 years when I bought my Pioneer plasma, and I am already feeling giddy to receive the UMC-200 on Friday. Now I understand why others have gone slightly crazy as they wait for delivery of their new gear and posted about it on here. |
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