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Emotiva sets the UMC-1 processor for next month, more goodies to come
The long (really long for some) wait for Emotiva's UMC-1 AV processor looks like it will be coming to a close soon. A lucky few will get in on a small pilot run of UMC-1s later this month, and mass shipments starting in July will start whittling down the preorder list. It sounds like the UMC-1 has been put through the wringer, with the latest bug fixes centered on some pesky HDMI handshake issues (and you wonder why some folks are iffy on HDMI 1.4). Also getting mention was the company's new $399 USP-1 stereo preamp with a HT bypass, also due in July. If you're a fan of being on wait-lists, though, how about the XSP preamp with balanced connections due for sometime before the year is out, or the Class H, 7x400Watt XPR-7 amplifier that's penned in for the top of Emotiva's amplifier lineup whenever it's ready? Well done, Emotiva -- give us something and keep us wanting more in one announcement!
Emotiva UMC-1 preamp processor gets an estimated delivery date
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!]
Emotiva's ERC-1 reference CD player ships next month for $399
If you're lovin' that post-modern / art deco look that Emotiva has going on, and you're a sucker for all things audiophile, we've got just the thing to make you $399 poorer. Said outfit has just revealed that its ERC-1 reference CD player will be arriving next month, and aside from the unmistakable design, it'll also bring along Burr Brown OPA2131 Op-amps, an Analog Devices 1955 DAC and a 24 bit-processor. You'll also find (well, you will if you crack things open) separate and sealed power supplies for each working mechanism, which supposedly ensures noise-free listening. Oh, and then there's the glowing blue CD slot, which is totally worth four bills in and of itself.
Emotiva's UMC-1 AV preamp-processor enters production
Emotiva's internet-only products have earned the company a place in the hearts of many cost and performance conscious shoppers, and its upcoming UMC-1 AV pre-pro looks to continue the trend. A long time in development, the $699 piece of gear -- a price that the company will hold beyond the initial run -- has finally entered production, garnered a web page of its own on the Emotiva website and should be making its way to enthusiasts who preordered soon. We'll let you hit the link for the full details on what's promised, but highlights include support for the lossless Blu-ray audio formats, Genesis Torino video scaling of all formats up to 1080p across the single HDMI output, 5 HDMI inputs, flexible bass management and an on-screen UI. Sounds good, but what really sets Emotiva apart is the rabid fan base that consistently compares their gear to other stuff way beyond the price point, so our hopes are high on this bit of gear. Separates at receiver prices sound good to us, so if you've got one of these in your system let us know what you think![Thanks, Aaron!]
Emotiva ER 5.0 speakers get reviewed
There's udio lot to be said for speakers that are designed to work well together in your AV setup. And if you hang around internet forums for a while, you'll come across internet-only speaker companies that promise tremendous value; but can you trust the interwebs? Judging by the full and exhaustive review by Audioholics, you can when it comes to internet-direct vendor Emotiva's upcoming ER 5.0 speaker system. They may not have been wowed by the aesthetics, but once the lights went down and the sound went up, the system acquitted itself quite nicely. For $1250, you get three monitors across the front and two bipolar/dipolar speakers in the back; well-assembled and including real-world usable features like boundary compensation and tweeter response adjustments. The system did well on the test bench, too, turning in some respectably flat curves. It's always refreshing to see what good design can do with 5.25-inch woofers, 1-inch tweeters and sealed enclosures. Hit the link for the full review.