Rob is correct. I just switched out the Onkyo for the UMC and there was a pretty big difference. Ive had some really nice gear & some budget stuff, this UMC 1 & XPA 5 combo is the real deal. I already put the XPA 5 through tests over this past year, and I have just loved. Even did a superb job through some Magnepan 1.6's. Thats what twisted my arm to try the UMC 1. Now that the bugs are mostly under control, I pulled the trigger.
Theres no doubt the UMC 1 is MUCH better then the Onkyo for 2 channel, and is at least as good for Theater, if not better. Much more detail, and honestly, at least with my setup, Ive possibly never heard a deeper sounstage. Specially since I'm only using Paradigm S2's right now, and a svs ultra sub. Not exactly top speakers, but they sound as good as Ive heard them using the Emo stuff.
For some comparisons, heres some quick ratings based on sound quality on prepros Ive owned the last 4-5 years:
2 channel Home Theater
Anthem 50 8.9 8.5
Bryston 1.7 8.2 7.5
Onkyo 906 5 6.5
onkyo with xpa 5 6.5 7.5
Rotel 1068 7.5 7.5
Emo UMC 1 7.8 7.5
Krell showcase 8 8
Theres no doubt the UMC 1 is MUCH better then the Onkyo for 2 channel, and is at least as good for Theater, if not better. Much more detail, and honestly, at least with my setup, Ive possibly never heard a deeper sounstage. Specially since I'm only using Paradigm S2's right now, and a svs ultra sub. Not exactly top speakers, but they sound as good as Ive heard them using the Emo stuff.
For some comparisons, heres some quick ratings based on sound quality on prepros Ive owned the last 4-5 years:
2 channel Home Theater
Anthem 50 8.9 8.5
Bryston 1.7 8.2 7.5
Onkyo 906 5 6.5
onkyo with xpa 5 6.5 7.5
Rotel 1068 7.5 7.5
Emo UMC 1 7.8 7.5
Krell showcase 8 8