Amp recommendations for new Emotiva av processor
 

Alright, my Emotiva UMC-1 av processor is ready to ship. Here's the link:

http://emotiva.com/umc1.shtm


My current set up is:

Receiver - http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...-31848960.html

Display - th-50phd8uk Panasonic plasma
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-31511908.html

speakers - 2.0 set up Ascend Sierra 1s
http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/pro...srm1specs.html

turntable - Music Hall 2.2
http://www.musichallaudio.com/detail.php?p=2

phono preamp - http://www.phonopreamps.com/tc750lcpp.html

htpc - dvi output directly to tv

monoprice hdmi switcher (receiver only does component and tv has 1 hdmi input)

ps3

Comcast Cisco RNG200 hddvr/cable box

Anyway, that's what I got now. I'm thinking of getting the Emotiva and replacing the Pioneer. I'll also need an amp or preamp or whatever for my speakers. I intend on upping to 3.0 later this year, fwiw and then 5.1 down the road. So, I'm considering this:

http://emotiva.com/xpa3.shtm

or possibly:

http://emotiva.com/upa5.shtm

So, what do you all think? Am I off by getting this processor to begin with? Should I upgrade to 3.0 first? The receiver is decent, but the right channel input sometimes goes out (loose) and I have to carefully pull them to the side to get the connection. I am open to other options (i.e. one piece reicever). Keep in mind the price for the new receiver is $700 and the amps are about $500 so I'd like to keep it at that or lower. Thanks for reading.

Re: Amp recommendations for new Emotiva av processor
 

I'd go with the XPA-5 (not UPA) and get it over with if you are planning to go 5 channel down the road. Let those Sierra's sing. Will you be buying another Sierra for your center.

I haven't heard the Emotiva stuff yet, even though I live 30 minutes away form their headquarters. I plan to go check them out one of these days.

I have Ascend 340's across the front being run by an Elite SC-05, and they fill a 20 X 35 foot room amazingly well. According to indepth reviews the 05 puts out around 120 watts continuous per channel at 8 ohms. With your Sierra's being a bit less sensitive than the 340's, I'd go for the 200 watt amp.

Re: Amp recommendations for new Emotiva av processor
 

thanks. I'd considered the Elite SC-05 a while back when it was on sale, but didn't pull the trigger. My friends (who have B&W speakers) said that the UPA-5 would be more than adequate for my speakers and recommended that. Unfortunately, Emotiva doesn't offer any package deals.

Anyway, thanks again for the input.

Re: Amp recommendations for new Emotiva av processor
 

also, is the new Faroudja clip going to cause macroblocking with my display? I bought an Oppo DV-970HD a few years back since it had a different type of chip and had read warnings about Faroudja and panasonic or something. I still have the Oppo but it's at my sister's place since I use my computer or ps3 for dvds.

Re: Amp recommendations for new Emotiva av processor
 

I ended up getting a new-in-box Pioneer Elite SC-25 from Best Buy for $680, thanks to slickdeals.net

I haven't set it up yet but am looking forward to replacing my non-elite pioneer receiver. Plus, it should pair well with my Ascend Sierras. There are other Best Buys with this model (and others) on clearance, but some places list open-box ones as new and you find that out when you get to the store.