We Discuss: Emotiva UMC-1 Pre/pro

[Bluesmoke]

$699. An unbelievable amount of time in the making, the specs are out of this world for the price. I became sick and tired of waiting and bought a receiver but now the release is just around the corner so it's making my mouth water again!

Twin Cirrus® 32 bit dual core DSP’s for uncompromised high resolution HD audio decoding

Decoding support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, Dolby PLIIx, DTS, DTSES, DTS HD, DTS Master Audio, DTS Neo 6, SPDIF, PCM 8 channel (note: some audio formats only supported via HDMI)

Genesis® Torino high performance video scaling engine with full Faroujda DCDi® processing

10 bit video resolution

Automatic Emo-Q™ multi channel room correction and automatic loudspeaker setup. Calibrated measurement microphone included.

Quadruple bass manager with independently selectable high and low pass frequencies from 40hz – 160hz

All legacy video inputs can be scaled and output over HDMI at up to 1080p

HDMI sources can be format converted to component video up to 1080i

Full color graphical OSD over live video, including HDMI

All inputs are assignable and feature input labeling, selectable decode modes, selectable triggers, etc.

Independent graphic EQ and bass and treble controls

0.5dB level trims

High voltage, low impedance main analog outputs (7 VRMS)

5 - HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output.

3- composite video inputs (RCA)

3 - S-video inputs (S-video mini DIN)

3 - component video inputs (RCA)

1 - component video output (RCA)

4 - stereo analog audio inputs (RCA)

1 - 7.1 analog input set (RCA)

1 - 7.1 analog output set (RCA)

4 - coaxial digital inputs, (RCA)

4- optical digital inputs (Toslink)

1- coax digital audio output (RCA)

1- optical digital audio output (Toslink)

1 - Stereo or 2 channel analog multi channel mix down output for fixed level monitoring (RCA)

1- stereo analog variable and independent Zone 2 output (RCA)

1 - stereo analog fixed level record output (RCA)

High performance AM/FM tuner with 24 FM and 6 AM presets

3 - assignable trigger outputs Movie/Music/Amp (3.5mm mini)

1- IR input (3.5mm mini)

1 - IR output (3.5mm mini)

1. Microphone input (3.5mm stereo mini)

1- USB data input (for software upgrades only)

 

[Adam]

I think that this falls into this thread - I'd like to understand what makes this pre-pro better than a receiver that can be had for the same price? That isn't specific to Emotiva, but a general question about pre-pros. I ask because of the statement that, "the specs are out of this world for the price."

Thanks.

 

[rnatalli]

That's easy Adam. The EMO is much sexier than any receiver out there

You also get a 5-year warranty and EMO's customer service.

 

[gene]

Many receivers at this price have inadequate drive levels to allow dedicated amps to reach full power unclipped. Assuming the Emo works correctly, it should be a big advantage over receivers in its price class as a dedicated pre/pro. Plus it looks a whole lot better IMO..

 

[Adam]

You also get a 5-year warranty and EMO's customer service.

Some here know why I just smile at that.

 

[Adam]

Many receivers at this price have inadequate drive levels to allow dedicated amps to reach full power unclipped.

Thanks, Gene. I admit that I've never really researched pre-pros, but that's the first thing that I've read that made me think that they might be worth it - at least to someone like me. I appreciate the info.

 

[Rickster71]

I think that this falls into this thread - I'd like to understand what makes this pre-pro better than a receiver that can be had for the same price? That isn't specific to Emotiva, but a general question about pre-pros. I ask because of the statement that, "the specs are out of this world for the price."

Thanks.

Hi Adam.

A lot of receivers don't have balanced outputs. (like some pre-pros do)
While XLR's may not always be necessary, they do provide are very good ground connection between the amp & pre-pro

Another cool thing, if you already own an Emotiva pre-pro you can buy this at a 40% discount.

 

[Bluesmoke]

I think that this falls into this thread - I'd like to understand what makes this pre-pro better than a receiver that can be had for the same price? That isn't specific to Emotiva, but a general question about pre-pros. I ask because of the statement that, "the specs are out of this world for the price."

Thanks.

Well, if you compare specs, it's on par, if not exceeding in some areas what Denon and Integra are offering in terms of pre/pros.

The video processor itself is quite spectacular, combine that with full OSD over HDMI while the video is playing is pretty cool at this price. It has independant Bass management for each channel, and and the amount of customizing flexibility is really appreciated. Great Waranty, and in a nice compact package.

 

[greggp2]

I want one!!! I only have 2 days left to return my Yamaha 3900.. I don't think it will be released in time...

 

[Now Slappy]

I want one!!! I only have 2 days left to return my Yamaha 3900.. I don't think it will be released in time...

He, he, he, he...

 

[dssmith999]

Months for the folks on the preorder.

 

[rnatalli]

Some here know why I just smile at that.

Ok, so some have had less than good customer service. I would still take my chances with EMO over say Onkyo customer service.

 

[Kitsum]

But, but we old skoolers absolutely need a headphone jack and phono input. The UMC-1 is not a pre-pro it's only a pro. I hope the XMC-1 will be a real pre-pro (having all basic functions of a preamplifier and a processor).

 

[rnatalli]

The video processor itself is quite spectacular, combine that with full OSD over HDMI while the video is playing is pretty cool at this price. It has independant Bass management for each channel

The HK 254 and up have done all this for almost a year now. That said, being eligible for the 40% discount, I would easily take this over a receiver for around $400 beans.

 

[majorloser]

But, but we old skoolers absolutely need a headphone jack and phono input. The UMC-1 is not a pre-pro it's only a pro. I hope the XMC-1 will be a real pre-pro (having all basic functions of a preamplifier and a processor).

I am on the list for both items. They will be used in different room for totally different systems. By the time the XMC-1 comes out I should have a good handle of how it should work from the experience with the UMC-1.

 

[jostenmeat]

Many receivers at this price have inadequate drive levels to allow dedicated amps to reach full power unclipped. Assuming the Emo works correctly, it should be a big advantage over receivers in its price class as a dedicated pre/pro. Plus it looks a whole lot better IMO..

Thanks, Gene. I admit that I've never really researched pre-pros, but that's the first thing that I've read that made me think that they might be worth it - at least to someone like me. I appreciate the info.

That's the first time I read that as well.

So is this the key spec: "High voltage, low impedance main analog outputs (7 VRMS)"?

Can't find any kind of spec like that on my 805. I've been considering an upgrade if only to try Audyssey Pro, but that wasn't enough for me to drop major coin.

This information might . . . grrrrr . . . first speaker wire, now this.

 

[rnatalli]

"HDMI sources can be format converted to component video up to 1080i"

This is the first time I've seen this spec. I thought it wasn't legal to downcovert HDMI.

 

[Nomo]

I thought it wasn't legal to downcovert HDMI.

Me too. Is that a misprint?

 

[brijenjas]

But, but we old skoolers absolutely need a headphone jack and phono input. The UMC-1 is not a pre-pro it's only a pro. I hope the XMC-1 will be a real pre-pro (having all basic functions of a preamplifier and a processor).

XMC-1 will have a headphone jack, here are some of the preliminary specs..

http://emotivalounge.proboards54.com/index.cgi?board=updates&action=display&thread=4121

 

[brijenjas]

Months for the folks on the preorder.

Seems like I've been on the preorder list for a year.