kde

thanks for posting the link -- I was looking at the NAD T 187 processor (didn't even know they made receivers).

Thanks - I've heard that about NAD... but it's more than I want to spend right now (assuming it would be ~$2,500).

I started with a Pioneer Elite receiver pushing the THX Ultra 2 package and, then tested an Onkyo that felt "cold" (quality - just not my style). Ended up with the Emotiva UMC paired with the Emotiva UPA 7 amp. I liked the Pioneer sound a bit better. I believe that I have enough power as I don't push the system too much. I don't think I want to update to the Emotiva XMC whenever it's released...so starting to look at other options. I would hook back up the old Pioneer but it doesn't have HDMI and it would add cables to my rack (but it could be done -- sell UMC and use Pioneer to pass some time and old unit is just sitting in a box). Or the Marantz AV7005 is avail for ~$800 online and I hear that it would have a good chance of having the "warm" sound I am looking for. Not to get into a receiver / processor discussion... but also looking at one of the year old Pioneer Elites (to save money) and using some of the power to push the surrounds while using the amp for the mains. Then I'd have the Pioneer sound. Not sure how much different the Marantz processor would be. Lastly, I could get the new model Marantz with 4k ability (future proof - don't have 4k tv) but not really looking to spend $1,600 for a minor upgrade. Starting to ramble... so... I'll stop here...

Nice... If you twist my arm... then I may consider taking your AV8801 for a trade!

I may be posting this a bit early, but wanted to see if there was any interest. Thinking about offering for trade a Emotiva UMC-1 (with future buyer card) for a Marantz Pre/Pro like the AV7005. Seems like a fair deal. I like the UMC-1, but wanting a more "warm" sound.

I didn't want to start a new thread for this... so hoping this works. I just checked my firmware on the UMC-1 and it seems that I am one iteration behind. I have 7.04.00 and not 7.04.19. If I make this firmware update... will it impact the settings on my URC MX450 remote control? Meaning that I likely won't update the firmware if I have to have someone come out to reprogram the remote (I've never figured out how to do it). Is this firmware update recommended? The UMC-1 is working fine... except for a light hum (which isn't likely related to the firmware anyways).

Good thing I didn't wait on it a year ago when it was "coming soon"...

What is the life expectancy of an amp? How long are they expected to last before having problems? 10 years? 20 years? Does connecting them to a Furman power conditioner improve the lifespan?

Is there any news about whether Emotiva will release a XPA-7 amp? For rack purposes I don't want to have two separate amps to get the 7 channels. Currently have the UMC and UPA7. This is sufficient, but always thinking it would be fun to have more power...

Regarding Pioneer Elite to UMC-1 -- not sure if this was directed at me or not, but I listed these models in a previous post. I really liked my Pioneer Elite and it was my first step into home theater. I believed it had a "warm" sound. Right before going to the UMC-1 I demoed an Onkyo pre-amp that I did not like as it didn't seem as warm. It's hard to really tell if the jump to the UMC1 was the driver in my improvement as I also added a Furman elite, the UPA 7 amp and changed some cords, etc at the same time. Thus, it wasn't like just adding the UMC1 to an existing set up. I am 75% tv, 15% movies and 5% music and 5% PS3 games. I saw a clearer picture in my tv with good deep tones. I also noticed more detail in the sound (especially at lower volumes) -- not sure if this was the amp or the UMC. I believe the UMC is closer to the Pioneer sound than to the Onkyo sound (so warmer). Sorry if this didn't really answer the question...

I don't think Charter is available in our area. I need to have an alternative prior to calling Time Warner, right? I can't threaten to walk away unless I am ready to walk away. I'm starting to look for alternatives however AT&T only has DSL in our area (tried to bundle with Directv service). Wanting something faster (movies, work, iPhones, iPads, etc).

What are normal rates for broadband service? I am paying Roadrunner $54 / month for ~10mbps. This seems pretty high. I started to compare rates when I inquired about increasing my download speed for streaming movies, etc.

What about from a Directv box? Can I run one hdmi and one component from the same box and have both tis work?

My UMC-1 has one HDMI output, and it also has one Component output. My main tv is hooked up via HDMI. Can I hook another tv (ok if it can only be the same channel) to the UMC-1 via the Component output (and still get signal on both tvs)? I want to take an old tv outside and run a 5 line Component cable (3 video and 2 audio) from the UMC-1 to the outdoor set (which doesn't have HDMI anyways).

Due to space constraints -- I need a ~65" (70" is too large). I am between these models. A. Samsung PN64D550 for ~$1900 on amazon or the Panasonic P65ST30 for $1700 on Amazon.

I didn't make the purchase yet (need to soon)... leaning towards this -- Samsung un60d6400 for $1999 on Amazon.

Looking for deals on the new purchase of two new tv's -- likely ordering this weekend. Looking for 60" LEDs with a top brand -- of course want 1080p (which I'm sure they all have) but don't need tons of bells and whistles. I am not set on the LED... but don't want to get into the whole Plasma vs LED debate!!! TV's will be in well lit room with natural lighting and will be mounted above the fireplace in an open floor plan living room (open to kitchen, etc). Will use it most for having a game on while doing something else or listening to directv music stations. Will buy two matching units.

Not sure which company did this, but I poked around (carefully) the electrical connections that enter the house and the coax cables. Turns out that the tie-wrap that I had keeping one box shut was cut and when I looked in... it seems that someone removed one of the ground wires to put in a new one. When I reconnected the loose ground -- my hum went away! Glad to have this resolved, but wish that installation companies would be a little more through and not cut so many corners. While we are on the discussion -- I also noticed that one of my other ground wires that was supposed to tie to the house main was simply stuck 6" into the ground (not connected to anything). Think it may be time to have a certified electrician come over to make sure things are connected properly.

Can a coax line touching a power line cause a hum?

thanks for the reminder -- I just sent him a note. I have two coax lines running from the satellite to the directv box. Why do I have two? Will I need these Jensen units for each line? I believe only one line makes a noise (so common sense tells me I only need one transformer). Agree?

I'll call Jensen -- it is definitely the coax.

So... can I use these isolators with Directv? The ADT people aren't being too helpful in helping resolving the ground loop...

The website says that model will not work with satellites. Directv is a satellite... right? from the website: For Analog and Digital Cable TV and Cable Modems Solves "Ground Loop" and "Hum Bar" Problems (Supercedes the VR-1FF) ***Important Installation Instructions*** **NOTE: This unit will NOT work with satellite systems**

Isn't it archaic to still use coaxial cables? I would love to be in an area that has fiber coming into the house and get rid of all coax cables...

Follow up -- this appears to be a ground loop with my directv box. Any advice?