pre/pro suggestion help - forced upgrade!!

[wazzelby]

I hate to make my first post a "help me decide" post but here goes.
Last week my house was struck by lightning and my entire home theater fried. I'm replacing it all this week and need to make a decision this afternoon on what to get. I'm coming from a Yamaha receiver as my processor/amp and figure this is a good time to go separates.
I'm considering the Emotiva UMC-1 with a couple of amps. But have been reading a lot about the Integra DHC-40.2 and Marantz AV 7005.
Does anyone have any input on these choices? I know the Integra and Marantz are almost twice as much for the processor, is it really worth it?
Also, can anyone recommend a good place to actually shop for the Integra and Marantz?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I recommend the Denon 3310 like-new condition (1 yr warranty) for $442:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002AKKFQ2/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1310661126&sr=8-1&condition=used

Or the Denon 4311 brand new for $1,128:
http://www.independentaudiovideo.com/store/item_view.asp?estore_itemid=1010637

 

[wazzelby]

So you would recommend the 4311 over the Marantz 7005?
I can find that online for $1250

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

So you would recommend the 4311 over the Marantz 7005?
I can find that online for $1250

Personally, yeah, I would get the Denon 4311 and use it as a pre-pro.

What amps do you have or want?

 

[wazzelby]

I have the Emotiva XPA-3 and XPA-5 for amps.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have the Emotiva XPA-3 and XPA-5 for amps.

I heard they are excellent amps.

I don't know if all the bugs have been worked out on the UMC-1. I don't feel too confident about it.

 

[wazzelby]

Ok, well it looks like I have some thinking to do here. I really like the price point of the UMC (who wouldn't). But The reviews on the Denon are all good. Tough choices!!
Thanks for all your suggestions!!

 

[wazzelby]

Personally, yeah, I would get the Denon 4311 and use it as a pre-pro.

I talked to the guys at the link you posted above today and they really weren't any help at all. First he said the unit wasn't in stock (even though the web site says it is), then he says the price has actually gone up to $1500. That's almost $500 more than the web site says. So unfortunately I'm gonna go another route.
I really appreciate the suggestion though!!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I haven't looked into the UMC-1 lately, have you?

What is everyone saying about the UMC-1 in terms of software these days?

I just looked at the measurements on the UMC-1, and they looked great, so the hardware is very good.

As long as the software is ironed out, I think it may still be the best thing with your other Emotiva amps!

Edit: Nope, I just checked the UMC-1 thread, and Majorloser is still having bug issues on the UMC-1. Too bad.

 

[adk highlander]

I have the AV7005 and been fairly satisfied. They are more sensitive to ground loops than the Integra. I owned an Onkyo PR-SC885 before so I also have experience with the Integra/Onkyo models. Sound quality will be about the same with either one of these. It really comes down to aesthetics and specific features. The AV7005 has balanced outs and the Integra does not.

Two other notes to think about. Marantz is raising the price by $100 on the AV7005's and they are still a bit hard to get due to manufacture slow down after the tsunami. Second check over at AVS as there have been people that have a marantz/emotiva combo and when running Audyssey and have the trim maxed out at -12 due to the high gain of the amps.

Good luck and sorry to hear about the lightning strike.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I talked to the guys at the link you posted above today and they really weren't any help at all. First he said the unit wasn't in stock (even though the web site says it is), then he says the price has actually gone up to $1500. That's almost $500 more than the web site says. So unfortunately I'm gonna go another route.
I really appreciate the suggestion though!!

Did you talk to Mark Herman?

I just sent Mark an email to see if he would give you a lower price.

I'll let you know what he says.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Did you talk to Mark Herman?

I just sent Mark an email to see if he would give you a lower price.

I'll let you know what he says.

Mark said Denon raised the dealer cost by 10%. He said brand new 4311 from authorized dealer is $1524 shipped.

Wow, DenPureSound got his 4311 brand new from Electronic Expo for $1,500 shipped.

Oh, well.

 

[wazzelby]

I appreciate you trying!! I decided to go with the UMC-1 and see how it works out. I spoke with a few people who bought one recently and also with Emotiva directly. So far they all confirm that the latest updated software is working very solid. Emotiva also told me that if I have any problems that I can return it for a full refund.
So I figure it's worth a shot. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I appreciate you trying!! I decided to go with the UMC-1 and see how it works out. I spoke with a few people who bought one recently and also with Emotiva directly. So far they all confirm that the latest updated software is working very solid. Emotiva also told me that if I have any problems that I can return it for a full refund.
So I figure it's worth a shot. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.

That is good to know about the UMC-1.

In terms of hardware, Emotiva products have performed very well. The measurements of the UMC-1 and all their amps shows it all.

Like GranteedEV says, if Emotiva has finally solved the early software issues that plagued the early adopters, then they have an incredible product for the price!!!

On top of that, the UMC-1 matches your other Emotiva amps perfectly!

So I think you have made the right choice.