Emotiva UMC-200 or Other?

S

Sugy33

Audiophyte
Hi
I'm looking for some advice on an upgrade path for my 5.1 HT. Right now I'm running everything off of a Onkyo TX-NR509, and would like to upgrade the amp to an emotiva UPA-500. So in order to do this I'm also looking to replace the receiver with either an upgraded HT receiver with preouts or a emotiva UMC-200. I'm not sure if I would get better sound from the emotiva as compared to a similar priced HT receiver? Also one thing I need to factor in is that I usually play a lot of music off of my ipod for convenience. So with the emotiva I'd have to get a DAC like the Pure i-20 or something similar. Any advantage in running off of the Pure compared to say... like a Onkyo dock connected via usb?
 
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
You didn't say why you want move from your receiver to an amp. Unless you're running out of power to drive your speakers I'd just go with a better receiver, one with better room correction. Don't get me wrong, amps can be a nice upgrade, but unless you need more power it's not cost effective. You didn't say what speakers you have but generally the upgrade that makes the most difference and where 2/3 of your money should be are the speakers and the sub.

If you really want a receiver with a bit more power then I'd give serious consideration to a factory refurbished Denon AVR-3312Ci. The 3312 gives you 125w, an excellent flavor of room correction, and preouts for future upgrades. I've had good luck with my two refurb purchases from A4L.
DENON AVR-3312CI 7.2 Integrated Network A/V Surround Receiver w/AirPlay | Accessories4less
 
P

PENG

Audioholic Slumlord
I agree, and would like to add that the 3312 may provide more real world power than the UPA, based on HTM lab measurements.

"HT Labs Measures
Two channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 122.9 watts
1% distortion at 143.3 watts

Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 82.9 watts
1% distortion at 103.0 wattsSeven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 79.5 watts
1% distortion at 96.8 watts"

"from CD input to speaker output with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 122.9 watts and 1 percent distortion at 143.3 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 202.0 watts and 1 percent distortion at 225.5 watts."

The UPA-500's transformer size is only 350 VA, and specified power consumption is 450W (Maximum). My educated guess is that the Denon has a larger power supply transformer but less storage capacitance. The UPA specifies 5X80 into 8 ohms and 5X140 into 4 ohms. Those are impressive numbers but are most likely short term ratings and not truly continuous. Class AB (or not) amps just can't produce 700W total continuously with a 350VA (less in W) transformer. Not that you need continuous rating, I am just saying if you want more power, go for something bigger than the UPA-500, otherwise the 3312 does seem like a viable alternative.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
Another vote for Denon 3312/3313.

Call around (Electronics Expo, Vanns, Onecall, etc) and see if they could give you a great deal.

A few months ago, Amazon sold the 3312 new for $550 delivered. Amazon also sold some 3312 open-box (full new 3 YR warranty) for $492 delivered.

Electronics Expo sold the 3313 to a member here for about $800 when it was first released, so probably lower now. But this is over-the-phone deals, not online.
 
S

Sugy33

Audiophyte
Thanks Guys
Was going to update my signature but looks like that option isn't available to me for some reason. Anyhow listed below is my current system and upgrade plan so far. I started off with the Onkyo receiver and Energy Take 5 speakers. I don't think I'm necessarily running out of power but I'd like to keep upgrading to see what I can get out of it. With the upgrade I'll also have more setting to fiddle around with. Another option that came up is to maybe go even higher on the amp with an Emo XPA-3. I could run the front stage off of the Emo and the rears off an HT receiver. Would the XPA-3 be overkill for the PSBs across the front? Going to take a closer look at that Denon.

Onkyo TX-NR509 > Emo UMC-200 or HT Receiver
Front - PSB GB1
Center - Energy Take 5 > Looking for PSB GC1
Rear - Energy Take 5 > Upgrade needed but haven't identified candidates yet. These will go last.
Sub - Rythmik F12
 
P

PENG

Audioholic Slumlord
Thanks Guys
Was going to update my signature but looks like that option isn't available to me for some reason. Anyhow listed below is my current system and upgrade plan so far. I started off with the Onkyo receiver and Energy Take 5 speakers. I don't think I'm necessarily running out of power but I'd like to keep upgrading to see what I can get out of it. With the upgrade I'll also have more setting to fiddle around with. Another option that came up is to maybe go even higher on the amp with an Emo XPA-3. I could run the front stage off of the Emo and the rears off an HT receiver. Would the XPA-3 be overkill for the PSBs across the front? Going to take a closer look at that Denon.

Onkyo TX-NR509 > Emo UMC-200 or HT Receiver
Front - PSB GB1
Center - Energy Take 5 > Looking for PSB GC1
Rear - Energy Take 5 > Upgrade needed but haven't identified candidates yet. These will go last.
Sub - Rythmik F12
It really depends, some people, such as ADTG, is happy with a 3312 driving even 4 ohm high end speakers. For people who like their HT and music loud and/or have a larger room, then the XPA-3 is not an over kill at all. If you enjoy 2 channel stereo music and want to have peace of mind then I suggest you go with the XPA-2. An AVR like the 3312 should be able to handle the other 3 channels. With a 1200 VA transformer on tap, the XPA-2 will give you more choices in your future speaker upgrade.
 

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