Emotiva fans who have been wringing their hands over the debut of the company's
UMC-1 audio-video preamp-processor were recently treated to some timeline info when the product page was updated with an "estimated June 2009 delivery date." Having a solid date to shoot for is definitely nice, but some of the folks who have been on the preorder list for a long time -- some over a year -- are getting antsy. Seriously, though, with all the functionality rolled into this pre/pro, we think getting a thoroughly tested UMC-1 on "day one" is well worth the wait. If some new photos of the unit that certainly look like it's hardware-ready aren't enough to tide you over, might we suggest enjoying some of the warmer weather? If that's not doing it for you, either, remind yourself that good things come to those who wait (or so we hope, in the UMC-1's case). Some of those nice photos after the break.
[Thanks, Raul!]
posted Apr 2nd 2009 6:45AM
My only quibble with this thing is that it won't upscale HDMI sources. Yes, I could get a separate video scaler for that, I suppose.
It certainly gives me an excuse to buy an MPS-2 should I ever have the money, though. :)
Won't upscale HDMI sources? How did you determine that ?
http://emotiva.com/umc1.shtm
All legacy video inputs can be scaled and output over HDMI at up to 1080p
I'd imagine if it will upscale legacy and then output them over HDMI it would upscale HDMI sources.
Emotiva FTW!
"My only quibble with this thing is that it won't upscale HDMI sources."
Where'd you get that from?
I actually think I am going to hold out for the XMC-1 instead, the feature set fits my needs a little better.
Can't wait until I can read some reviews. Steve I hope you can get one for engadgetHD to do a review.
C
Never heard of 'Emotiva', guess Im out of the loop if so many folks already have this unit pre-ordered. Still, Im highly skeptical of those kinda features for that kinda money ;)
To add to Raul in HD, it is what happens when you cut the middle man out. They design everything in house and it probably doesn't hurt that there is less fat since the company is small when compared to a company like Denon.
I have yet to own any of their products yet, but I have heard nothing but good things about them. Their forums are pretty active with a lot of knowledge people, employees and fans alike.
I have been meaning to make the switch to a separates system for some time now, and right know, I am pretty sure their amps are my number one pick to start to make the switch.
Jouttolunch
I too was on the same bout as you. Had no idea who this Emotiva was. After hearing from the on an av Podcast called AVRant I did some research and found a huge fallowing of happy costumers. I heard they made awesome amps.
I bought the XPA-2 (250w x 2) amp and man did my speakers gave me some sound my Denon wasn’t giving me!!!!! Unfortunately I just had a small family emergency and return my XPA-2 But no worry’s I get it back within 2 or 3 months!!
Wah. I have been looking forwards to upgrading for a couple years. I am one of the original buyers of the Emotiva DMC-1 and MPS-1 pairs (back when sold by AV123) in 2004.
However, I am saddened that this unit eliminates the balanced audio output - that the MPS amps all have as an optional input.
Receiving my puppies:
http://goglen.com/post/theater/twins.jpg
Humming away in the corner:
http://goglen.com/post/theater/theater-equipment.jpg
Glen, The XMC-1, the unit that will follow shortly after the UMC-1 and also it's big brother, will have those balanced outputs you want, and a few other step-up features. Independent Dual HDMI outputs for starters.