Marantz vs. Emotiva

Sorry to hear , my UMC-1 has worked great out of the box. I would try working with Emo again to resolve the issues.

So he trades it in and gets 150 off on their $2000 processor after getting such a bad experience?  And no, the MC-700 would not be worth considering(not even released yet). The UMC-1 was their flagship processor so the XMC-1 would be the only worthy contender from Emotiva.

In my opinion, the 7702 would be a significant improvement. This is because the room correction system is miles, and I been miles ahead of what was on the UMC-1. That and many good features and options that are included.

@dbw1 I have some presumably favorable news for you. Emotiva just announced - not on their website but via email to certain subscribers/customers - today their "fall trade in" deals. They are offering $150 for your UMC-1 even if it is out-of-warranty and/or not working. Caveat is (a) you must be original owner (b) must purchase something of equal or greater value and (c) offer expires 11/15/16.

I'v had it 2 and a half years at this point. Presumably not under warranty. At $500 brand new it was a steal, or so I thought. :)

dbw1, irrespective of your intention by virtue of this thread to understand if the Marantz would be a step backward in terms of sound quality, if you have purchased an Emotiva product and are not completely satisfied because of a manufacturers defect while the product is still under warranty, you should be entitled to a refund or replacement. My recommendation is to call Emotiva and ask for Lonnie Vaughn. Explain your situation and at least make an attempt to be fairly compensated.  

I have not asked for a replacement. Their service model does not seem great. It's mostly communication by email. I'm not too concerned with the "musicality" as I have separate components for music. I'm just wondering if the Marantz would be a step backward for HT in terms of sound quality. Thanks all. 

dbw1, I'm just a "fly-on-a-wall" with this thread because while I have no familiarity with either component you mention herein, I do have two pieces of Emotiva gear I'm happy with, so I'm concerned with the lack of servicing you have experienced. Have you asked for a replacement? FWIW I have a ERC-3 CD player and CMX-2 power conditioner.

I also knew somebody who had a Emotiva processor (I can't remember if it was a UMC-1 or UMC-200).  They had problems with it also, and switched over to a Marantz receiver instead.  They loved the Marantz.  I have listened to the Emotiva receiver (basically a UMC-200 with a 7 channel amp).  It is on the cold side.  The Marantz will be warmer and probably a lot more musical.