2. home-theater
  3. 1385734106

Which one Emotiva or Outlaw for HT

Looking at the Emotiva UMC200 pre/pro with Emotiva XPA 5 channel amp or the Outlaw 975 pre/pro with the Outlaw 7125 amp to replace an Onkyo NR809 HT receiver. Since there is no way to audition either one of these other than the 30 day home trial. I would appreciate any feed back from current owners or anyone who had the opportunity to hear these. I know auditioning is the way to do this but, for me and my work schedule, 30 days is not enough. Trying to decide which combo would be a better match for my speakers. Main use is for HT. Both of these fall within my budget. Thanks for any feed back.

System:
Speakers: Dynaudio Focus 140's with CC200 center
Integrated amp: Plinius 9200
DAC: Bryston Dac 2
CD/Blu Ray player: Cambridge Audio 752 BD
Wadia: 171i for ipod classic 160
Cables: combo of DNM, FMS & Analysis Plus digital crystal
brian27b
brian27b OP
93 posts
 
Yakbob: No, I don't need to buy a matching set but, I would save a little money doing it that way. Still trying to decide which one to get. Thanks for your response.
dms1
13 posts
 
I have had both processors in my family room TV system. I purchased the Outlaw processor first then replaced it with the Emotiva. I give the Emotiva a slight edge in sound quality. Not sure if this is due to the EQ in the Emotiva but I am happy with the Emotiva processor and have sold the Outlaw.

I have no experience with either Outlaw or Emotiva amps as I use a Bel Canto REF150 as a power amp for this system. I use Wyred 4 Sound amps in my big HT system and have been very happy. No need to get an amp from the same manufacturer as the processor.
wz4rfv
7 posts
 
UMC-200 DOA. YRMV but be forewarned!
yakbob
473 posts
 
I'm not sure how you feel about used equipment, but it might be worth a look in the listings here. There's some decent processor deals in the $550 price point. Cambridge Audio 551, Anthem AVM 2, Denon 4308.

It seems many processor owners are looking to the latest codec for sound improvements rather than buying a processor that sounds great in the first place, even with legacy formats.
ak247
8 posts
 
I had both the UMC-1, UMC-200 and Outlaw 975 all paired with an Outlaw 7075 multi channel amp and Rega RS-1 speakers. Emotiva had the edge in sound quality but Outlaw had the edge when it came to lack of bugs and easier operation. The Outlaw 975 sounded a little smoother to me but had less dynamics. It also suffered from not quite enough gain, you really had to crank the volume to get decent output. I also think the UMC-1 had a slight edge in sound quality over the UMC-200 actually but of course the UMC-200 had all the latest bells and whistles such as 3D support. In regards to the Outlaw amp I feel the sound is clean, non offensive and well suited for home theatre duty but really nothing special for music.
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