Joined: Oct 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 15 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Next Purchase Question « Thread Started on Nov 2, 2009, 11:15am »
This is my first poast on this board, I have had a UPA-2 for about a year now, and I recently picked up a LPA-1.
Here is my current setup:
A/V Receiver/Pre-Amp - Sony STR-DA2400ES Amps: Emotiva LPA-1 (FL/FR/C/SR/SL) - Emotiva UPA-2 (SBL/SBR) Blu-Ray/DVD/CD - Sony BDP-S350 Speakers: FL/FR - Infinity Primus P362; Center - Infinity Primus PC350; Surrounds - Infinity TSS-SAT800 Sub: Infinity PS212
This setup is amazing for 5.1 and 7.1 movies, but I have recently started using it more for 2 channel audio.
For 2-channel, I have been primarily playing iTunes through my system using an Apple Air-Tunes connected to the Sony Receiver using the optical connection. I have also recently started using the Blu-Ray player for CD's.
I would like to begin to upgrade my 2-channel expereince, so here is my question. I am considering purchasing both the USP-1 Stereo Pre-Amp and the ERC-1 CD Player, but at this point I can only buy one. Which should I purchase first?
If I do purchase the USP-1, I plan on running the Air-Tunes through it, as well as utilizing the HT Bypass feature, allowing me to continue to use the LPA-1 in conjunction with the Infinity P362's. My plan is to eventually have a dedicated 2-channel setup.
Joined: Jan 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 2,708 Location: Columbia, MO
Re: Next Purchase Question « Reply #1 on Nov 2, 2009, 7:48pm »
That's a tough decision. Source is very important because everything else in your system will amplify that poor source. If you put poor material in you will get poor material out. On the other hand the USP would be nice so you can have full range 2 channel output.
I think that I would choose source first and go with the ERC-1.
You should look at purchasing used or B-stock to fit your budget and get both.
Joined: Sept 2009 Posts: 93 Location: Silicon Valley, USA
Re: Next Purchase Question « Reply #2 on Nov 4, 2009, 4:53pm »
I would also second the opinion of upgrading the source first. Having gone the route of inexpensive CD/DVD players, to expensive and modified CD/DVD players, while everything else stayed the same in the chain, it makes a difference provided that the rest of the chain is up to the task.
I would also second the opinion of upgrading the source first. Having gone the route of inexpensive CD/DVD players, to expensive and modified CD/DVD players, while everything else stayed the same in the chain, it makes a difference provided that the rest of the chain is up to the task.
Re: Next Purchase Question « Reply #6 on Nov 5, 2009, 2:57pm »
I would say go digital. Rip in as high a bitrate as possible and run it using AirTunes using USP-1 or a DAC (Musical Fidelity V-DAC for e.g.) to USP-1. Although the DAC in AirportExpress is not too shabby, I have been lead to believe.
Joined: Oct 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 15 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Re: Next Purchase Question « Reply #7 on Nov 5, 2009, 4:18pm »
I actually just purchased an ERC-1 from the classifieds section here.
I currently use an AirportExpress that is connected to my Sony AVR using an optical connection. I am pleased with the results, but I have been wanting something better, especially for my large CD collection.
My next purchase will be the USP-1, which will handle both the ERC-1 and Airtunes for 2-channel duties.
Joined: Oct 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 15 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Re: Next Purchase Question « Reply #8 on Nov 6, 2009, 9:39am »
So what is the best way to hook up the ERC-1? I don't have the option of balanced connection, but I can connect it to my Sony AVR through optical, coax or RCA.
So what is the best way to hook up the ERC-1? I don't have the option of balanced connection, but I can connect it to my Sony AVR through optical, coax or RCA.
RCA. Take advantage of the high quality DAC inside the CD player.
So what is the best way to hook up the ERC-1? I don't have the option of balanced connection, but I can connect it to my Sony AVR through optical, coax or RCA.
RCA. Take advantage of the high quality DAC inside the CD player.
Joined: Oct 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 140 Location: Oxnard, California
Re: Next Purchase Question « Reply #11 on Nov 7, 2009, 3:29am »
Yeah, the analog bypass input of the Sony ES stuff is pretty transparent, so that should be effective.
Something else to consider with the Airport is D/A conversion. Right now, the DAC you hear is the one in your receiver. If you use the analog output of the Airport, you'll be hearing the DAC in the Airport. It's not terrible, but I am pretty sure the DAC in the receiver is superior, so that might be a step backwards in sound quality.
After the ERC-1, I would probably look at either: a) an outboard, high-performance DAC and a USP-1 or b) a UMC-1 or XMC-1 to replace your receiver (given that these units look to have excellent DAC's and preamp sections, this would simplify your upgrade path considerably).
Joined: Oct 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 15 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Re: Next Purchase Question « Reply #12 on Nov 12, 2009, 11:36am »
I received my ERC-1 last night and I am very impressed. This is my first "audiophile" CD player and this thing is amazing. I wasn't able to use it a whole lot last night, but the few songs I listened to were incredible. I was really surprised at how large the actual unit was.
Thanks again for all the recommendations, I plan on getting a USP-1 in the near future, especially with the sale prices!
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