Xki Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 I've heard only good things about Emotiva. Eventually, I will need a new setup with HDMI (using component now). An Emotiva UMC-1 preprocessor and UPA-7 amp will run $1300. The popular receivers by Marantz, Onkyo, Denon, etc, can cost more than that. Do you guys have any preferences and pros/cons as to which would be the "smart" purchase? Right now there are LaScal mains, Heresy center, KSW-12 subs, RB-25 surrounds. I am going to hook up another pair of RB-25s for rear surrounds in the next month. So, the 125w/channel of the UPA-7 is just about right. ??????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nezff Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 I loved the sound of my first XPA3! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xki Posted December 26, 2009 Author Share Posted December 26, 2009 Very nice room you have there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nezff Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted December 26, 2009 Share Posted December 26, 2009 Only 'con' with going the Emotiva route is you have two very large electronic items to find a space for instead of a tidy little all-in-one receiver. That is a major obstacle for some people. I have my UPA-2 on the floor behind my left Forte speaker since it doesn't fit underneath my TV stand without doing some major re-arranging. I eventually want to get a component rack to sit next to my right Forte and then I'll have more room under my TV stand. I have a feeling that the UMC-1 is going to be a huge hit. If your budget is $1000-1500 you should seriously consider it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xki Posted December 26, 2009 Author Share Posted December 26, 2009 Thanks for the come back. My space is rather limited at the moment and I would have to rethink placement, power, and ventilation. I have a feeling that going the Emo route would be a long term move. The buzz on the UMC-1 is everywhere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nezff Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 yeah, my xpa3 was pretty big. The umc-1 doesnt look very big at all from the pics on the emo site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xki Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 The UPA-7, on the other hand, looks huge. A rack would be great but a complete budget buster. There is one spot in the room where I could build in the components. That's always an option. There are 2 things that are the underlying reasons for asking the original question. Back in the 70's when I first purchased my LaScalas, stereo was all there was. I had a complete Sony system: pre-amp, amp, tuner, turntable. Heck, I still have them! I put an SAE 10 band stereo EQ between the stages and spent a couple hours manually setting/balancing each band. I was able to get the mains just right. I really miss that control. That's the first reason. The second is that it seems with most receivers in my price range, when approaching -15 db, the mains tend to lose a lot of the punch I was accustomed to. I'm fully aware that mny LaScala's crossovers need work and auditioning receivers in-store isn't a true test. But, having fully discrete amplification just makes sense. I'm using a low end Sony right now (STR-DE898) that has served our needs pretty well. It's just when the SPL goes up, the tonal quality goes down and having just bass/treble adjustment is, well, frustrating! I suppose a little research is in order here and there are a lot of options. The Emotiva units are winning the battle at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winchester21 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I have no Emotiva products at present. However I am sold on them for HT applications. I plan to replace a dead out board with a 2 ch Emotiva in Jan. I see no reason to buy anything else if you have to space to accomidate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oblio Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I'm using a low end Sony right now (STR-DE898) that has served our needs pretty well. It's just when the SPL goes up, the tonal quality goes down and having just bass/treble adjustment is, well, frustrating! I suppose a little research is in order here and there are a lot of options. The Emotiva units are winning the battle at this point. I had the same issues with low end AVRs. I eventually went with a HK AVR-254 which seems to have a decent power supply which I suspect is the issue with the cheaper AVRs. I'm still contemplating an XPA-5 when I get some spare cash, not that the 254 really needs help, more the toy factor [H] 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I have no Emotiva products at present. However I am sold on them for HT applications. I plan to replace a dead out board with a 2 ch Emotiva in Jan. I see no reason to buy anything else if you have to space to accomidate. Emotiva's sale goes through December 31st, FYI. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xki Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 Thanks guys. That's one thing about some of us. The toy factor has a great amount of pull. There is a local shop here that carries HK and Klipsch + a lot of others. I'll have to get over there on a quiet day and do some detailed listening. I'll leave the credit cards at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.4knee Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Emotiva puts a lot of HT bang/buck in the can when you compare them. I'll likely go that route myself along with Oppo BDP 83 or BDP 83SE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xki Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 83SE? (Drool!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaskar Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 Anyone compare the Emotivas to B&K amps or AVR? The price scares me. I read good reviews on some internet brand speakers, used them a week sent them back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 I have a UPA7,it's just as good as my Outlaw 7125 was,Parasound 1205a,Rotel 1075(barely inferior to my 1095 imo).I have been nothing but giddy since I got the UMC,this is the first time I've been content with a prepro for 2ch.The soundstage is huge,imaging spot on and clarity without harshness.I suppose I'm a very satisfied customer,kinda like when I bought my 7's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted April 1, 2010 Moderators Share Posted April 1, 2010 Congrats on the new purchase Fish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgdawsonco Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 Fish, I see you have RF-7's AND KLF-20's. Since I don't know anyone who has both, I have to ask...how do they compare? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaskar Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 I have a UPA7,it's just as good as my Outlaw 7125 was,Parasound 1205a,Rotel 1075(barely inferior to my 1095 imo).I have been nothing but giddy since I got the UMC,this is the first time I've been content with a prepro for 2ch.The soundstage is huge,imaging spot on and clarity without harshness.I suppose I'm a very satisfied customer,kinda like when I bought my 7's. Interesting...I just got some 7s and love em, more power would be nice if its as clean as what I have now at EMO prices. Did you have the upgrade to your 7s? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaskar Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 I had an Emotiva X5....and returned it. I personally think an amp from Amplifier Technologies Inc. (ATI) or Rotel is a better value. I also think with just a little bit more cash, you can find a better used amp deal. Just MHO...... Care to share why you returned it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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