[howard1818]

I have an Emotiva UMC-1 that has 6 hdmi inputs (I am using 3) it has developed intermittent issues that I haven't been able to correct. What can I use to replace it? Using hdmi from my computer to play music from my hard drives, blu ray player and tv. Thanks

[mcgsxr]

What amp do you use with it?  May be some better and worse choices depending.

[howard1818]

pp el 34 power amp

[WC]

If you want HDMI connection, then you are in the AV Receiver/processor space which is what your UMC-1 is. Pick the one that has all the features you want for a cost you are willing to pay. If you are only stereo out there are other options that will provide better sound quality than the UMC-1, such as a DAC/preamp, but you would have to run separate cables to the TV from your video sources and the audio sources into the DAC/preamp.

[howard1818]

If you want HDMI connection, then you are in the AV Receiver/processor space which is what your UMC-1 is. Pick the one that has all the features you want for a cost you are willing to pay. If you are only stereo out there are other options that will provide better sound quality than the UMC-1, such as a DAC/preamp, but you would have to run separate cables to the TV from your video sources and the audio sources into the DAC/preamp.

So any specific models you would recommend? Only stereo. I'm already running those cables so not an issue

[WC]

Price range?

Since this is cheap and cheerful we would be talking about items less than $350.

[mcgsxr]

I’d be looking at a receiver with pre outs for the main channels at this price point.

I use an older Marantz receiver that way with great success. 

[howard1818]

sounds about right could go to around 500

[Doublej]

Marantz NR series (half height) would do it for you.

There's the Outlaw 976 pre-pro but that's $1k. The Outlaw 975 pre-pro is an excellent piece but I think it has been discontinued so your only option is used.

The older the AVR is the more likely it is to have pre outs.

You might be able to use an HDMI switcher with audio extractor and then feed a preamp. If the Emotiva has analog input that works you could be done for under $75 (can't speak to the sound quality of this)

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=30919

[WGH]

Have you contacted Emotiva about a repair? It might be your cheapest option.

I have an Outlaw 975 I will give away but it is stuck in standby. I contacted Outlaw and servicing a Model 975 is $75.00 - $150.00 plus round-trip shipping.
Local pickup in Tucson, AZ because I don't want to ship an item that is already broken.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=169492.msg1796387#msg1796387

Like you, I was looking for a Cheap and Cheerful solution to replace the Outlaw but after a lot of research I didn't find anything I would like, pulled out my credit card and bought an Anthem AVM 60. Sooo happy I did, it's lovely machine. I do have a 7.1.4 home theater/stereo system so that swayed my decision.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_973AVM60/Anthem-AVM-60.html

eBay?
Emotiva UMC-1
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=emotiva+umc-1&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=emotiva+uc1

Outlaw 975
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Outlaw-Audio-Model-975-7-1-Surround-Processor-Preamp-in-Good-Condition/224267748613?hash=item3437664505:g:XasAAOSw-u9fzVn5

[howard1818]

I am going to reach out to emotiva and then go from there. thanks

[howard1818]

if you use an av receiver can you bypass the amplifier section and not use it?

[RDavidson]

Yes. Of course. If the receiver has preamp outputs just hook your external amp(s) up accordingly. Just don't hook your speakers up to the receiver's amps. Simple as that. The amps in the receiver will just be sitting idle, effectively making the receiver serve as a preamp.

[howard1818]

Thanks it looks like so far the leader in the clubhouse is the NR series Marantz. I will keep searching for a pre for a little while seems like a waste to use a receiver.

[walkern]

Earlier Anthem AV receivers can be had quite reasonably and sound very nice.  Not sure how many HDMI inputs they will have (may depend on how far up the line you go) but I would expect them all to have at least 3.

[howard1818]

even those may be out of the price range and I'm thinking newer is better considering how tech evolves so quickly

[howard1818]

also looking at an OPPO 103d that is in the price range and  looks to be in great shape as another option

[WGH]

also looking at an OPPO 103d that is in the price range and  looks to be in great shape as another option

I love my Oppo BDP-103, the picture quality is excellent and movie sound HDMI output into a processor is outstanding but...

Just for fun I tried the analog sound (RCA) outputs into my amp and compared to a real preamp it sounded like crap with muffled, lumpy ill-defined bass, fuzzy imaging, rolled off highs. I could go on but you get the idea. My 1980's Yamaha receiver sounded better.

[howard1818]

well I'm really looking for a way to use HDMI to the computer for hard drive music and blu ray. I can always add a separate pre amp later on