pre/pro decision....

[nyy0223]

In the process of upgrading my HT system. After a lot of research i have decided on this so far for my 5.1 system.

I Decided on:
Fronts: Axiom m80v2
Center: Axiom VP150
Sub: going to keep my Polk 10" for now......eventually a SVS PB12-NSD when i have the money
Backs: Axiom QS8
Amp: Emotiva XPA-5
Pre: ???

What i need help on is which pre/pro to get. I am looking to spend $1000 to $1500. I will be using an oppo blu-ray player and a xbox360 both over hdmi. I need at least one more hdmi port to hook my computer up. A usb for my ipod would be nice but not necessary. Id say the use is 45% movies 45%music and 10% tv (usually only for sporting events).

All help is appreciated!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think the Integra pre-pros are hard to beat.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Emotiva UMC-1 and UPA-5 (I'd save some $ on amp since your speakers will be easy drive for upa-5 anyhow - 185w into 4Ohm with 95db in room efficiency - you'll get deathing loud volume levels...
You'd be better off getting better sub right-away...

I'd even consider AVR vs pre/pro - like mid range Denon 3310 will more than enough to drive your speakers, while putting more money into sub.
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR3310CI-7-1-Channel-Multi-Zone-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFQ2

 

[nyy0223]

I actually was looking at the umc-1. I like it and the feature set but i have heard that it is very buggy which worries me. Also if i were to go with a better sub like you suggested which route would you go? Thanks for the advice

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Yes, UMC-1 had originally small f/w issues, but I strongly believe emotiva fixed them using newer software versions...

About sub, hard to rec without knowing size of your room, but lets say you went with 3310 avr, that leave you with $726 (out of 1500 avr budget) for sub.
a bit over this budget, but great choice would be Epic Empire - $799 or eD A5-350
http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/empire.html
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=618

 

[oppman99]

I actually was looking at the umc-1. I like it and the feature set but i have heard that it is very buggy which worries me. Also if i were to go with a better sub like you suggested which route would you go? Thanks for the advice

I have a UMC and I would say it is still a little buggy. I have a fairly basic 5.1setup and it works well for the most part. For me, the HDMI handshake is a little slow. They did fix some of the audio dropout issues. Emoq is not ready yet in my opinion. Not a big deal for me since I set my system up manually. The sound quality is stellar though, and is good enough for me to keep the UMC and wait for the bugs to be worked out.

For subs, look at SVS and HSU. I've heard a number of people that are happy with the new Epik offerings as well (like Bored mentioned).

 

[abhaskare]

An option you also have is to get the Denon 3310 and bi-amp the fronts using rear amp. 3310 is rated at 120 watts and the sound is really nice. I am not sure if UPA-5 will be substantially different since it is rated at 125 watts.