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Post by hobbs on Aug 24, 2010 12:12:38 GMT -5
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Aug 24, 2010 12:24:49 GMT -5
Can anyone explain the differences between XDA-1 and HRT Music Streamer USB DACS: Input flexibility, volume control, format compatibility, likely build quality, probably sound quality... |
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Erwin.BE
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Post by Erwin.BE on Aug 24, 2010 12:57:34 GMT -5
Plus:
1/ USB would not be my option if other inputs were avalable.
2/ XDA-1 has fully discrete output stages, so the SQ will probably be in another league.
3/ Remote Volume Control. The high end remote on itself is worth as much is this USB-DAC
4/ XDA-1 is concipated as a stand alone DAC-preamp with visuals and size to blend in with the rest of the Emotiva set-up.
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Post by hobbs on Aug 24, 2010 13:01:59 GMT -5
The lack of other input types is indeed a problem. However, regarding sound quality the HRT DACS have received good reviews when compared to similarly priced DACs such as the Musical Fidelity V-DAC: www.musicalfidelity.com/products/V-Series/V-DAC/V-DAC.aspThe MF V-DAC seems to have similar sampling 24 bit/192 kHz as the XDA-1 and also sports a variety of inputs (except XLR) and lacks a volume control. The lack of a volume control is not a deal-breaker for me, as I would use the one on the Audioengine A5 powered speakers. For me, then, it would be a choice between the MF V-DAC vs XDA-1 and which one is least obtrusive with my speakers. I wish the XDA had an auxiliary power outlet to allow use of an AirportExpress on its back panel. |
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Erwin.BE
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Post by Erwin.BE on Aug 24, 2010 13:04:45 GMT -5
The lack of other input types is indeed a problem. However, regarding sound quality the HRT DACS have received good reviews when compared to similarly priced DACs such as the Musical Fidelity V-DAC: www.musicalfidelity.com/products/V-Series/V-DAC/V-DAC.aspThe MF V-DAC seems to have similar sampling 24 bit/192 kHz as the XDA-1 and also sports a variety of inputs (except XLR) and lacks a volume control. The lack of a volume control is not a deal-breaker for me, as I would use the one on the Audioengine A5 powered speakers. For me, then, it would be a choice between the MF V-DAC vs XDA-1 and which one is least obtrusive with my speakers. I wish the XDA had an auxiliary power outlet to allow use of an AirportExpress on its back panel. A bit more info on Emonatics here: emonatics.com/XDA-1.shtml |
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Post by hobbs on Aug 24, 2010 13:31:11 GMT -5
Thanks for link with details of the XDA-1:-)
What is the MSRP for the XDA-1?
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Post by joel on Aug 24, 2010 14:13:44 GMT -5
Thanks for link with details of the XDA-1:-) What is the MSRP for the XDA-1? I believe Lonnie said $299, if you by MRSP mean price. I'm not american ;D |
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Post by roadrunner on Aug 24, 2010 19:18:42 GMT -5
It has only been briefly hinted at, but one of the biggest advantages of the Emotiva XDA-1 is its advanced duo output stage with all discrete components. This gives the XDA-1 an implementation advantage that few competing DAC can offer. The entire package offered by the XDA-1 is geared toward flexibility and audio performance at the highest levels.
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Post by briank on Aug 24, 2010 20:20:16 GMT -5
Yeah, what he said. :-) Coming to Emofest 2010 RR? I'm ready for ya this year. I'm wearing my steel toe boots this time. ;D
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Aug 24, 2010 21:27:00 GMT -5
Have they stated where the XDA-1 will slot into the line up at (currently stated from best to worse as XSP-1, USP-1, XMC-1, UMC-1) in the family? Would this be ran between the ERC-1 and my UMC-1 (with the UMC-1 in Direct mode)? Just looking to better my sound at a reasonable price.
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Post by briank on Aug 24, 2010 22:22:26 GMT -5
This would go between your ERC-1 and the analog input of your UMC-1. You would just run the coaxial digital out from the ERC-1 to the XDA-1 and then analog outs either straight to your amps or directly to the UMC-1 in your case. This wouldn't compare directly to the other products you mentioned but would basically be used in conjuction with them as it's only purpose is to provide superior digital to analog conversion.
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Post by roadrunner on Aug 24, 2010 23:45:26 GMT -5
Yeah, what he said. :-) Coming to Emofest 2010 RR? I'm ready for ya this year. I'm wearing my steel toe boots this time. ;D Yep, I will be there again this year! The steel toe boots are a good start, but don't forget the shin guards. ;D ;D I will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriot. Hope to see you and the rest of the gang -- very soon.  |
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Aug 25, 2010 0:04:49 GMT -5
This would go between your ERC-1 and the analog input of your UMC-1. You would just run the coaxial digital out from the ERC-1 to the XDA-1 and then analog outs either straight to your amps or directly to the UMC-1 in your case. This wouldn't compare directly to the other products you mentioned but would basically be used in conjunction with them as it's only purpose is to provide superior digital to analog conversion. You are correct in that it wouldn't compare, functionally, to the others in the set but would the D2AC be similar or better than the others listed? |
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Post by briank on Aug 25, 2010 6:23:12 GMT -5
Stiehl11, regarding the other pre's and pre-pros that Emotiva has, the USP-1 and XSP-1 do not have DACS at all and are straight Analogue, so you would need the Digital to Analog conversion before it goes into their analog inputs. Regarding the other two, UMC-1 and the XMC-1, the XDA-1 would have superior SQ so you would want to run your source digital signal through it and then into the appropriate left and right channel analog input on one of these pre-pros. I may at some point do a separate two channel system using just the ERC-1 to XDA-1 to Amps though as I'm sure this would be a killer sounding set-up.
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Post by briank on Aug 25, 2010 6:26:07 GMT -5
RR awesome that your coming again this year, I'll go find me some shinguards ;D. . . . and maybe a helmet in case Chuckienut comes this year. I hear that man gets wild at parties! ;D ;D
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Chris
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Post by Chris on Aug 25, 2010 11:40:42 GMT -5
I happen to have the new Music Streamer II pictured at the beginning of this thread.
I use it with my desktop computer. I run it's output to a TC Electronic Level Pilot passive volume control and straight into the powered KRK Rokit 5 speakers. I had low expectations.
This product (HRT MS II) sounds amazing.
It literally was like I bought new upgraded speakers. I have a bunch of semi-pro usb and firewire dacs from companies like M-Audio and Native Instruments and none of them hold a candle to the MS II soundwise.
I use the Squeezebox software player to play music from my music server of all my music all ripped in FLAC format and downloads of 48k/24b and higher sources.
This is the best sound quality I have had on my desktop yet.
The modest price for the MS II is entirely justified. The Level Pilot is only $80 and has a wonderful silky feel.
-CB
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Post by ripcordaff on Aug 31, 2010 7:51:29 GMT -5
I happen to have the new Music Streamer II pictured at the beginning of this thread. I use it with my desktop computer. I run it's output to a TC Electronic Level Pilot passive volume control and straight into the powered KRK Rokit 5 speakers. I had low expectations. This product (HRT MS II) sounds amazing. It literally was like I bought new upgraded speakers. I have a bunch of semi-pro usb and firewire dacs from companies like M-Audio and Native Instruments and none of them hold a candle to the MS II soundwise. I use the Squeezebox software player to play music from my music server of all my music all ripped in FLAC format and downloads of 48k/24b and higher sources. This is the best sound quality I have had on my desktop yet. The modest price for the MS II is entirely justified. The Level Pilot is only $80 and has a wonderful silky feel. -CB Hmm, that is an interesting set-up. How are you connecting the level pilot (which only has XLR connectors) and the Music Streamer (only RCAs). Comp---USB--Music Streamer----  ?---Level Pilot----amp\speakers? |
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Chris
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Post by Chris on Aug 31, 2010 11:10:41 GMT -5
I happen to have the new Music Streamer II pictured at the beginning of this thread. I use it with my desktop computer. I run it's output to a TC Electronic Level Pilot passive volume control and straight into the powered KRK Rokit 5 speakers. I had low expectations. This product (HRT MS II) sounds amazing. It literally was like I bought new upgraded speakers. I have a bunch of semi-pro usb and firewire dacs from companies like M-Audio and Native Instruments and none of them hold a candle to the MS II soundwise. I use the Squeezebox software player to play music from my music server of all my music all ripped in FLAC format and downloads of 48k/24b and higher sources. This is the best sound quality I have had on my desktop yet. The modest price for the MS II is entirely justified. The Level Pilot is only $80 and has a wonderful silky feel. -CB Hmm, that is an interesting set-up. How are you connecting the level pilot (which only has XLR connectors) and the Music Streamer (only RCAs). Comp---USB--Music Streamer---- ?---Level Pilot----amp\speakers? It's called an adapter cable by HOSA. Check your favorite music equipment store or Amazon for $7. -CB www.amazon.com/HOSA-XRF305-Female-Professional-Cable/dp/B000NE4IVA |
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MikeWI
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Post by MikeWI on Oct 13, 2010 16:49:19 GMT -5
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Lonnie
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Post by Lonnie on Oct 13, 2010 16:58:30 GMT -5
Just for clarification here the XDA will accept 24/192 via USB with no issues provided your computer will send that out. Eric had to download some third party software to get his computer to port out 24/192 but once he did the XDA picked right up on it and ran with no issues.  |
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?---Level Pilot----amp\speakers?
