Emotiva UMC-1 Pre-Processor Video Review

[admin]

Can you get a $2000 processor for just $700? Emotiva is betting you can. It's new UMC-1 7.1 processor combines some of the more advanced A/V processing you'll find into a package that is hard to beat. Let's start with the hardware. The UMC-1 utilizes Emotiva's signature aluminum faceplate design and LED backlit controls that give it a warm, minimalistic look. They're going to audiophile appeal and I think they nailed it. The UMC-1 looks like the love child offspring of a McIntosh and Anthem processor. We're just saying... This is a very compelling buy from a company that has been producing value-priced products that consistently outperform their higher-priced counterparts. You owe it to yourself to at least check out the UMC-1, especially since they offer a 30-day money back guarantee. Pair the UMC-1 with one of Emotiva's hefty multi channel amps and you’ve got a separates solution with more power at your command than a flagship A/V receiver - and for much less…


Discuss "Emotiva UMC-1 Pre-Processor Video Review" here. Read the article.

[sjcguy]

I read the review and watched the video and I wouldn't call this a review. It sounds like an product introduction to me. Features and spec don't mean much. I'd like to know how does it performs with movies, 2ch music.
tran.

[smurphy522]

I would agree with sjcguy as this is really just a detailed introduction not a true Audioholics review.

It's also a shame that their UPA line of multi-channel amps, which would be a great pairing, are no longer available (or at least currently). while I know the XPA are truly superior I can't justify the extra $ especially if pairing it with the UMC-1 which only has a balanced line out for the subwoofer.

For an UMC-1, an XPA-5 and XPA-2 you are looking at $2400. Yes, that is a super potent combination!

However I would really like to know how the auto calibration ~ Emo-Q measures up to the industries other offerings.

[Casey01]

A nice review(what there was of it), however, considering how long the unit has been on the market, I am surprised as to the lack of a more detailed analysis of its operational and performance capabilities. It also didn't mention the rather unfortunate aspect of the UMC-1 and its on-going firmware update issues to correct some rather stubborn problems which, for the unit's age, have continued far too long.

[BoredSysAdmin]

I read the review and watched the video and I wouldn't call this a review. It sounds like an product introduction to me. Features and spec don't mean much. I'd like to know how does it performs with movies, 2ch music.
tran.

Have a second look at Forum FAQ/Rules...
specifically at these lines:

Additional Rules:

1) No slandering of manufacturers or forum members, including Audioholics Staff and moderators
2) No bashing our site, ethics, motives, etc. If you have criticisms about us, send us a PM or email (info@audioholics.com)

.....
Public forum editors/owners critique is surefire way to get chicklets and possibly ban....

As per review - yea - It was short, yes but it still a review - I'd like a bit more features tested like EmoQ and VHQ Video Scalling scores, but hey it's still a review - it was bench tested and results were published....

[porscheguy]

Review? What review? For a site that prides themselves on really putting products through their paces, I'm not sure what this is supposed to be.

Have you considered actually listening to the UMC-1 and watching movies through it?

And I have a whole house full of Emo gear including a UMC-1...

For shame.....

[gene]

Lot's of whining today. Here is some cheese for your wine

These are Video reviews. They give you an overview of the product. We have found that 3-5 minute videos are the perfect amount of time to cover a product. Making the videos any longer means people lose interest. I also included measurements of the product to give objective performance data. We can't do 10k word reviews for every product we cover and I apologize for setting the standard so high with our content.

If you want us to melt over the chocolatey midrange or buttery smooth bass, we typically don't do that in Video Reviews. We stick more to facts and discussions of features and setup. I had a chance to listen to the UMC-1 in my own reference system and found it sounded just fine.

My initial unit didn't have the proper filter slopes on the crossovers but Emotiva has since then addressed it via firmware updates. I may take a closer look at this product in the future, but I may decide to wait till the next generation one comes for a formal review.

In the meantime, you can watch our video and read our text which is still far more detailed than you will find on any other publication and best of all its FREE.

[sjcguy]

Have a second look at Forum FAQ/Rules...
specifically at these lines:

.....
Public forum editors/owners critique is surefire way to get chicklets and possibly ban....

As per review - yea - It was short, yes but it still a review - I'd like a bit more features tested like EmoQ and VHQ Video Scalling scores, but hey it's still a review - it was bench tested and results were published....

Wow, i m impressed with audioholics forum now.

[Cruise Missile]

Semantics.

Every time they post up a video review a bunch of clowns drive up in a tiny car, jump out, and start screaming about how it's not a review.

THE VIDEO REVIEWS FOLLOW A DIFFERENT FORMAT THAN THE FORMAL WRITTEN REVIEWS. GET OVER IT.

I personally like the different types of articles and reviews including the video reviews. Helps keep things fresh.

Plus I like clowns.

[hooch]

LOL...I think they accidentally cut and pasted Emotiva's UMC-1 product announcement from 2 years ago.