joshjp:

thanks for all of the comments so far, do you guys think the processor is better on the umc-1, then my Poineer VSX-1121?.

In a nutshell....YES

I just replaced my Pioneer vsx9130 with the UMC-1 and it is far better in processing both audio and video.

 Josh, I do not think you will get a night and day dfference with  the Emotiva.  It depends on if you will eventually move to all separtes.  I personally like the avr/amp combo.  You get more power and having the avr as a pre-amp works very well.  Separate pre-amps last about as long as an avr before you want new features.  I am vey happy with the pre-amp in my Pioneer.

derrickdj1:

I am vey happy with the pre-amp in my Pioneer.

 

I'd be happy too with a  Pioneer Elite SC 35 pre amp. the 1121vsx is not in the same class and my 9130 is in the middle of the 2. The flexability and increased soundstage of the UMC-1 over my 9130vsx (rebadged sc-01 or 03 cant remember off top of head) made me a happy camper running it off an old Carver a705 amp. JMO

 

Congratulations on the new pre-amp and enjoy.

 Ok thanks guys for all of your comment, im going to get the UPA-5, next friday, so when i get it i will tell you how it is.

Awesome! When you get it all hooked up, let us know what you think!

tmassey:

Awesome! When you get it all hooked up, let us know what you think!

how your setupworking out for you

Very good! I am extremely happy with it. There are a few more major upgrades in the sub department I need to make, but other than that, I couldn't be happier with what I have and how much I paid for it. Out of curiosity, how are you powering your RB-81s? I am also looking to get an XPA-2 for fronts and getting and running some RB-61s off the XPA-5. If I am not going to hear much of a difference out of the 83s with the xpa-2 though, I would rather just get an Emotiva a-100 for the rear surrounds.

Find a used xpa-2 and if you dislike it move it along to someone else. I love my Xpa-2! And I like only turning one amp on to play just music as well!

Scrappy, thats a good point, i like that you can just turn on one amp, to just POWER you fronts, BTW with the emotiva AMPS do you need to let them warm up before listining to them?. THANKS

I don't think so. Granite I don't go straight to refrence levels immediately.

joshjp:

 Does anybody here have this amp?, if so how did it help out your system, i currently have the Pioneer VSX-1121.

Hay Josh. I've owned the UPA-5 for 2 years and I think it was a great deal (I bought on sale for $400, before they discontinued it) There is not a night and day difference but it is definitely noticeable, when watching a movie the center channel had more clarity and the sound stage sounded more open. My Yamaha 1065 receiver is rated at 105 watts x7 but it just doesn't sound as good without the upa5, even with the speakers crossed at 80Hz. Sometimes I listen to two channel (pure direct ) with no sub and this is where an amp with “headroom “ shines. Even though I only have RB-81s as my mains the quality of sound at higher volumes is better. I would only assume that your RF82s would have more punch especially in the bass area. As far as pricing like I said I paid $400 new, shipped and it was A stock, but I've seen a lot of them go for $500 or more and thats still a good deal for an 5 channel amp. I hope that helps a bit, feel free to ask any questions if they come up. Nathan

Scrappydue:

Granite I don't go straight to refrence levels immediately.

 

Isn't that a rock? 

Youthman:

Scrappydue:

Granite I don't go straight to refrence levels immediately.

 

Isn't that a rock? 

*** right is. So granted would be what I wanted to say

LOL.  Just having some fun.  We knew what you meant.