Getting back into HT, would like some advice on a Pre/processor

You might want to check out this equipment:

http://www.outlawaudio.com/

You are going to be hard pressed to find a pre-processor under $1,000.  The Emotiva is $699, but then after that you will be looking over $1000.  The Onkyo 885 for just over your budget.  The 5507 is pushing $2,000.  The 5507 is the replacement for the 885.

I have listened to both the 885 and the 5507. The 5507 is quite impressive. 

I currently have the Emotiva and I am really enjoying it.  It is replacing a Marantz 5003 which replaced the Outlaw 950.  The Emotiva is an upgrade sound wise from the Marantz and the Outlaw.

Jeff Aguilar

I can vouch for the Emotiva UMC-1 at $699 as well.  I can't believe how much I'm actually enjoying tinkering with this thing and the flexibility it affords in "staying current".  The XMC-1, if it ever comes to market, should be a huge hit as well.

Oh, and you could also pick up a UPA-2 for $299 to get you the extra 2-channels for 7.1 as a future expansion...

JB

To be honest, the Emotiva could easily be priced at $1000 and it would still be a bargain imho.  I know its a bit of a leap of faith to go directly to an internet company but I'm glad I did it.

I have my UMC-1 paired up with a Rotel A/V that I'm now using only for it's internal amps (except for 2 channel stereo CD that I still run through the Rotel for processing) feeding B&W speakers.  I hope to shortly dump the Rotel and replace it with Emotiva XPA-2 and UPA-5 amps and maybe get the dedicated USP-1 stereo pre-amp.

I don't see why you should pay for the amps inside an AVR when all you need to do is replace the processor in what now appears to be a 18 month development cycle.  I think separates are going to make a comeback because of this (HDMI 1.4 is already out!).  NAD electronics is already experimenting with a PC approach to their AVR's where you only need to swap out a card.  Hope this model catches on...

Do bear in mind that the Emotiva UMC-1 still has some firmware issues and is not yet shipping in quantity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Leiter 

...I alos started looking into Integra's 40.1 pre/pro and receiver lines. looks like I can get the pre/pro for $1200. It;'s a little over my budget but I could probably squeeze into it.

I have the Onkyo Pro 886 that is roughly equivalent to the Integra 9.9 pre. I think Onkyo/Integra is a good way to go. Their stuff is easy to set up and use and sounds mah-valeous. I'd forget that So-ny unit. Sony has no credible repair facility, IMO. They've cheapened up everything since their glory days, IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Leiter 

I did some reading over the weekends on the Emotiva. It seem they have been having a lot of issues with this unit. It make me warry about taking a chance on them at this point.

 

I alos started looking into Integra's 40.1 pre/pro and receiver lines. looks like I can get the pre/pro for $1200. It;'s a little over my budget but I could probably squeeze into it.

Ultimately, your call.  Most of the issues with the UMC-1 are quite nit-picky and you have to bear in mind that those on the emotivalounge forums are pushing the unit to the limits and reporting everything and anything in the hopes of developing a flawless product.  I'm sure if the same dedication was done by Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer, etc user groups, the same issues would arise and I'm not convinced the development branches of those companies would be in day to day conversation with their user group.

That said, I haven't experienced any of the issues raised by most emotiva "beta testers" and I've tried to recreate some of the bugs to no avail, I just don't delve into that level of use of the system on a day to day basis.  The other main issue seems to deal with PS3 handshaking.  I don't own a PS3 so I simply can't relate and my X-Box 360 and Wii appear to work beautifully and I don't have any issues with my Oppo Blu-Ray player. 

Yep, moving to an internet based model company is a bit of a leap of faith but I'm glad it did it.  For $699 it was a small gamble to for me payed off.  If you can afford to increase your budget and are uncomfortable with Emotiva, the Onkyo has great reviews and I'm sure will bring you much enjoyment out of your home theater.

JB