UMC-200 vs. TX-NR709 for pre/pro

[tparm]

I'm sorta new to the forum posting scene but here is scenario -

Year's ago I bought a Onkyo709 receiver and not long afterward it died. well, it has the bug (I understand there has since been a recall) where it cuts and then off right away. I had already killed an Arcam and Denon receivers so I purchased an Emotiva UMC-200 pre-pro / XPA-5 amp combo as an affordable foray into the world of separates and based on their reviews. As much positive that has been written about the 200, I must say I feel Audyssey MultiEQ XT in the 709 seems to be a more complete solution, to the point where I have defeated the auto-set up settings in the 200 completely went back to my radio shack SPL meter and a measuring tape.

I also can't help but miss the Spotify streaming capabilities of the Onkyo (even though I purchased the Bluetooth dongle for the UMC, it still lacks in comparison). I don't need any type of video upconversion / scaling as everything I watch is Directv HD or Blue Ray.

I listen to vinyl as well as enjoy the biggest loudest action adventure movies out there. The 709 has Burr Brown DACs (not sure which ones) and if used solely as a processor with my XPA-5 amp I'd think both two channel, but especially multi-channel playback, would be superior to the UMC.

Anyone care to chime in?

Related equipment;
Focal 706V, CC700V, 705V speakers
SnapAV Episode 12" sub
PS4 for blue ray
Music Hall usb-1 turntable
Panasonic ST60 60" plasma
(sorta want an Oppo 103 but can't justify cost)
funky room / 30' long bonus room divided in half; home office on one end, mini-theater on other.

 

[rnatalli]

The UMC is a good unit and allows lots of tweaking, but you need to work with it using REW. You should also look at the Denon X4000 which is still around for a great price. If cost is no object, the XMC-1 which uses Dirac will be tough to beat in terms of SQ.

 

[nogaro]

I'll echo rnatalli's comment. To get the best room correction out of the UMC-200, you should use REW. Version 5.01 will create filters specific to the umc-200. I recently acquired a umc-200 and have to say that the results with REW are fantastic. In fairness, I didn't try EMO-Q, but would be shocked if it bested the REW approach.