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The Klipsch site references the X7i as their top model in ear headphones; however, the reviews on other internet sites often list "easy to break" "one ear quits working"... etc. Anyone recommend this model? Is they another model that I should be looking at? Basically wanting clean sound for iPad movies.

I finally hooked up the new processor today... and had a question about how to connect the subs. On my past processor the Emotive UMC-1... I had one sub cable that connected the UMC to the Klipsch sub amp that goes with the Ultra THX II package (KA 1000 -- 2 subs). The one subwoofer cable plugged into one of the slots on the amp. Now the new Emotiva processor (XMC) has two sub outputs. Do I simply get another cable and run them from the Sub Left and Sub Right outputs on the XMC and plug them into the L and R inputs on the Klipsch amp? I think this is correct... just looking for confirmation. I just ordered two matching cables from monoprice and will plug them in when they get here. Thought about spending a bit more to get the bluejeans cables... however decided for this short run (3' feet) it wouldn't make a difference. Is there any benefit to plugging in the two cables versus just keeping the one cable? On the one cable that I was running with the old set up... I did not use a "Y" connection -- I just plugged it from the processor to the receiver.

Did you have to re-program your remote control (assuming that you had some sort of Universal Remote Control)... or did the settings from your prior UMC-1 still work with the XMC?

Wondering if anyone has the in wall surrounds and wishes they had the original full wall mount version. I have the wall mount... but room dimensions would be better served with the in-wall model.

I guess that I will try to stack them. I was doing it more for room organization… and didn't expect the performance increase. I just got a new rack… so will get everything tidy soon.

Can I stack my two Ultra THX II subs on top of each other? Right now I have them on opposite sides of the room, but looking to rearrange to make the wiring easier to arrange.

I run the Ultra IIs with the Emotiva UMC-1 and the UPA-7 amp. In other posts I have flirted with the idea of what to do with the receiver / separates debate… but my current path is to update to the XMC-1 when it is released (on waiting list now) and keep running separates. I agree with the above posters… that 50 watts per channel isn't going to push the speakers the way you intend. If I were you and trying to keep the costs down… I'd recommend finding a user Pioneer Elite receiver (doesn't matter the age… just make sure it has hdmi).

I'm concerned the XMC will be a bit dated by the time it is ever released. Maybe Emotiva will launch something "secret" to wow the fan base.

Interesting...

Seems easy enough!

Good news (for me)... I was able to track down a "hum" that has existed for awhile. The hum noise was a result of two Directv coaxial cables and one time warner coaxial cables being squeezed into a tight location between the walls. Each of these cables had connectors to extend the cables and therefore the metal pieces of the connectors were touching and causing interference. Does anyone know of an existing product to keep these cables from touching? Otherwise... I'll likely just find some rubber sleeve to slip on each line. Hopefully the rubber will be enough to keep the interference away.

I was leaning towards the Marantz AV7005 on accessories4less, but could go up to the $1,600 for the AV7701 to "future proof" but not really sure it's necessary. I do think 4k will come more prevalent sooner than expected though (and I may need a new tv in a few years).

Ok... it sounds like I will keep my separates set up and not return to the AVR world. I was considering the AVR for a more simple system. Still considering upgrading the UMC-1 for something more user friendly. Will let you know how this plays out...

Thanks

You could buy a new modern style end table. Some of the modern "tables" are designed to have additional separate modular cabinets sit on top of them. You could get the lower table without the modular components and use that to keep the speakers 4-6" off the ground. Will add additional cost, but will look clean and will fit the purpose. That is what I have done with that same set up.

How do I list my equipment in my posts? I see that others have their equipment listed out in the lower section of their posts...

So...it is possible to have an AVR use some channels from the internal amp... and then use the external amp for other channels? I was under the imprseeion that if you hooked an external amp to an AVR... that it would only use the external amp power and shut down the internal amp.

This topic started in another posting, but this should warrant its own thread. Is there a benefit to adding an amp to an AVR? If so... what are the benefits? It seems that most people start with an AVR... and then some upgrade to separates. But once you have gone to separates (and maybe realized some of the complexity, or don't want to continue adding cost to get to the next level, etc) and are thinking about returning to an AVR -- would you still keep the amp and hook it up to the receiver for more power? Can the AVR use its internal amp as well as the external amp?

After all this exploration... I may push off my decision to upgrade. Even though it doesn't happen very often, I was getting frustrated with the HDMI switching of the UMC and some of the pauses (though not a bad issue). Over the past few days... I took some time to play with the system and crank it up. One major learning is that I had been listening to music in PLIIx and recently discovered the "Direct" mode which was much cleaner and more musical sounding. Not sure if this is the majority or not, but I liked the Direct mode more than the stereo mode (by quite a bit). Given that 95% of our use is for tv watching, 4% for movies, 1% music (me sitting in room alone for 30 minutes every 6 months) -- I never really moved the mode settings.

Ha! I am fine going off topic a bit. It's crazy how everything is fine... then I start to think about an upgrade and then BAM... my mind starts racing! I'm sure that the Marantz AV7005 will be suitable, but at $900 plus shipping... I am now wondering if the AV7701 is worth the extra $600 to buy new (vs refurbished) and have the 4k availability. I realize the 4k bit may not be immediate, but I am one of the guys who think it may be more mainstream quicker than expected (ex Apple and others potentially pushing). Also, my Pioneer Elite plasma is pushing 7 or 8 years and I may be in the tv market in upcoming years. Everything is still on the table -- if I could find the right buyer... I could sell the Emotiva package (UMC & UPA7 & upgrade card) and just keep things simple with an AVR for awhile since young kids with early bedtimes keep my volumes low anyways. I think I would just miss the 30 minutes each month I can find to blast the volume on a movie scene.

I am grateful for the responses and am learning from the knowledge. I am at a "good place" -- I watched a movie last night and enjoyed the UMC1 and thought the sound was good. It just seems that if I can get a good buyer for the UMC 1 with the upgrade card... then swap to the Marantz AV7005 for a few dollars more... it would be worth the experience to try something new.

Based on what you stated above... is it correct to assume that adding a receiver to the mix would not add any more power than just sticking with a processor (with zero power)? Everything would just stay connected to the amp.

It terms of power... I use the Emotiva UPA 7 (~100 watts per x 7 channels = 700 watts). I have 7 speakers hooked up to it... so assume ~100 watts per speaker. If I add a receiver with 100 watts per channel (7 channel receiver x 100 watts = 700 watts)... and use the amp for the mains -- does that mean I have 700 watts from the amp divided by 3 (left, center, main) so ~233 watts per speaker plus the receiver for the 4 surrounds (700 / 4 = 175 watts per speaker)? Is this correct? Does it matter if the amp is class A/B and the receiver is class D? Does it matter than the mains will have more power than the surrounds?

I saw the Pioneer SC61 listed in a few other threads. May lean that direction. When I made the "switch to separates"... I didn't think I would return to the world of receivers so quickly. I am having trouble rationalizing why the Marantz AV7005 is the same price as the Pioneer receivers. Some of this is just in my mind... brand, advertising, etc. Does Marantz not have a good following in the Klipsch forum? In our local shop... they push the Anthem brand and state the Marantz is a re-modeled Denon (I may have missed some key points and don't want to infer a solid statement that I can't back up). For some reason... I feel that if I stay with processor vs receiver... the Marantz is a safe bet.