Should I buy a UMC-1?

[petvan]

Hi All,

Haven't been by in a while. I have a setup for my kids that has an LMC-1 with a zillion dead inputs and of course no HDMI switching. I have about 3-4 HDMI sources and one component and one 720P TV (no real need for 4K or 3D). Seeing a UMC-1 up here for 300 CAD and thinking its a no brainer. Then again, lots of UMC-1 software issues in the early days if memory serves and I'm wondering if I want to wade into this? Don't want to spend XMC-1 money just yet (holding onto my 40% off)

Sound like a good deal?

Thanks,

Pete

[ottaone]

How about a Marantzr receiver instead and you can also ditch the amps?

[petew]

I'd buy a cheap refurb receiver instead. I've heard parts are not available for the UMC-1 if repair was needed.

[vcautokid]

Based on your requirements, why not get an AV receiver with pre outs so you can still enjoy amps. A UMC-200 might be a better bet. Do you have allot of legacy video? If so, than an AVR right now maybe the way to go. If you have just HDMI video only, and you could get the UMC-200 used. Or if this not a urgent purchase hold on for the BasX or Emersa Pre Pro.

[The History Kid]

I'm here to spend your money...

www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktxnr636/onkyo-tx-nr636-7.2-ch-x-95-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html
www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr2312ci/denon-avr-2312ci-7.2-integrated-network-a/v-surround-receiver/1.html
www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx2000/denon-avr-x2000-7.1-ch-x-95-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html
www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa740bl/yamaha-rx-a740-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Or if you want the pre-amp section:
www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr6006/marantz-sr6006-7.1-ch-x-110-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

[petvan]

Thanks Guys. Some good ideas here and I think I'll follow your advice - wish I could get those deals in Canada - might need a trip to Buffalo!

Cheers,

Pete

[klinemj]

I recommend the UMC-1. And I recommend mine! (I need to get it on line to sell!)

Seriously, after the initial software issues, most were fine. Mine has been great.

Mark

[repeetavx]

The. UMC-1 sounds great, though it does have its aggravations. If you need to switch a component source, then you are going to have to buy a legacy item. The UMC -1 should work fine for you. Though I might try haggling on the price a bit.

[pedrocols]

Just make yourself a favor and get a Pioneer!!! If you can get a used one for cheap you will be very happy with it and have the ability to also power speakers...

[pedrocols]

May 8, 2016 11:42:13 GMT -5 petvan said:

Hi All,

Haven't been by in a while. I have a setup for my kids that has an LMC-1 with a zillion dead inputs and of course no HDMI switching. I have about 3-4 HDMI sources and one component and one 720P TV (no real need for 4K or 3D). Seeing a UMC-1 up here for 300 CAD and thinking its a no brainer. Then again, lots of UMC-1 software issues in the early days if memory serves and I'm wondering if I want to wade into this? Don't want to spend XMC-1 money just yet (holding onto my 40% off)

Sound like a good deal?

Thanks,

Pete

There is currently one on here for good price. This is the same I have owned since was first available I think 6 or 7 years ago... Click>>>Pioneer VSX-1121

[Loop 7]

I'm a big fan of Pioneer AVRs. I've had a few of them and the HDMI switching has been reliable and non-temperamental. I've bought all of them used via Craigslist.

[petvan]

So I ended up buying a Yamaha RX-A820 for about the same price. It's certainly more modern and has a few more bells and whistles - airplay for one which I like - and has a pre-amp out so I can keep using my older LPA-1 amp. Thanks for all the advice.

Interesting though, my Samsung LED TV appears not to like the HDMI switch at all. It simply cannot negotiate with any source when connecting through the receiver. I can work around it by quickly connecting the HDMI from a source to the TV and then restoring the connections to the receiver, but cold start for all yields no video.

[novisnick]

May 12, 2016 20:05:23 GMT -5 petvan said:

So I ended up buying a Yamaha RX-A820 for about the same price. It's certainly more modern and has a few more bells and whistles - airplay for one which I like - and has a pre-amp out so I can keep using my older LPA-1 amp. Thanks for all the advice.

Interesting though, my Samsung LED TV appears not to like the HDMI switch at all. It simply cannot negotiate with any source when connecting through the receiver. I can work around it by quickly connecting the HDMI from a source to the TV and then restoring the connections to the receiver, but cold start for all yields no video.

Very very odd, ive owned more then my share of Yamaha AVRs and have never had this type of problem.

Yamaha has a 24 hour line you can call and they will pck up the phone, it does take a little loner for them to answer at 3:00 AM, But theywill pick up and help you out. Give them a shout, you may have an update due or a faulty unit.

Let me know the outcome,

Nick

[visiter555]

Anything is a better choice than the UMC-1 or UMC-200.

Too many problems and failures. The UMC-200 has had looping/cap/power problems which require a return for repair if still under warranty.

[goodfellas27]

Emotiva BasX is replacing the UMC this summer. Check out their press releases

hometheaterreview.com/emotiva-introduces-entry-level-basx-line-of-preamps-and-amps/