XDA-1 volume issues?

When used as a “pre-pro” this issue can be resolved by sending the unit back to Emotiva to reprogram the “linear” volume control profile for a “logarithmic” one; or asking for it upon ordering. In my case, the original contour played too loudly at a setting of “0.5,” (out of a possible 160 discrete settings, with a 0.5 step interval). This lowest volume setting produced a volume that was too loud for quiet listening, with too few steps between quiet and average. Now, with the “logarithmic” volume control profile, the “60” setting seems to play at approximately the same volume level as the “linear” profile “20” level. This profile change allows a much more gradual diminishing slope of the volume so that you can find many more discrete levels at low volume listening. The effect of this change will be somewhat different for each system, depending mainly on loudspeaker sensitivity. If you have a very sensitive loudspeaker system, I would suggest that you ask for the logarithmic contour. If your system’s loudspeakers are less sensitive (perhaps less than 85db at 1 m with a standard 2.83v input), you may be more comfortable with the standard linear contour. Tastes vary. But, if you never listen at very low levels, save yourself the trouble, and go with the standard linear contour. My speakers have average sensitivity (85dB at 1 m with a 2.83v input), but I still found the standard volume control to have too few low volume settings for my taste. With the new “logarithmic” contour, I now have more discrete settings available from which to choose for low level listening. And, I can still obtain a very loud maximum level when desired. Of course, this doesn’t matter at all if you plan on using your XDA-1 with a preamp.

Regardless of how sensitive your speakers are, you probably want logarithmic. The only scenario where linear makes sense to me is if you plan to listen at or near reference levels almost all the time and want the finer control way up there (this is my theory as to why Emotiva did it to begin with).

But the issue is moot as I was told a week or so ago when I called to pay for my XDA that all units are now shipping with a logarithmic profile.

ronjr,
As I indicated in the other thread, I think the Oppo/NuForce bests the XDA-1 for 2 channel music. But, XDA-1 is a great value, and sounds better than any $349 DAC should be able to sound. In my system, connected directly to my Parasound Halo JC-1 mono-blocks and feeding Vandersteen 5A speakers, it presents a very wide and solid image with great definition and control of the bass frequencies. The overall sound is grain-free and very listenable without any signs of “digititus” or listener fatigue. It is also extremely quiet. The lack of background noise is very impressive, and allows me to clearly hear into the lowest level of detail in the music. When listened to by itself, without attempting A-B comparisons, the overall sound is presented as well-integrated, balanced, and extremely listenable. No significant aspect of sound quality is obviously missing.
The primary comparison DAC’s I have on hand are the integrated DAC chips in my Oppo BDP-83 NuForce Edition (ESS 9016 Sabre32), my seven year old Parasound Halo C1 processor, and my new Emotiva UPC-1. The DAC in the Oppo BDP-83/NuForce Edition ($1200 MSRP) achieves greater transparency in the mid to high frequencies, resulting in more precise imaging, greater resolution, sense of space, and a more overall life-like presentation. It is better able to re-create a more convincing, realistic, and dynamic presentation. The NuForce just sounds more like live music, and allows a greater sense of involvement in the performance. However, these differences may not be overwhelmingly obvious unless you are listening through a very revealing system. The control and definition in the bass performance of the XDA-1 beats the Oppo BDP-83/NuForce when used without a preamp, even though the NuForce upgrade of the Oppo specifically targets (and significantly improves) the stock Oppo BDP-83SE analog output section. Of course, even though there is a volume control on the Oppo, it is usually recommended to feed it into a dedicated preamp for driving a power amp. The XDA-1’s analog output section clearly does not need a preamp for directly driving a power amp.
The XDA-1 has a tremendously capable analog output section that helps to create a proper sense of drive and rhythm. The digital section is superior to many (usually much higher priced) components only a few years old, but doesn’t seem to reach the performance level of the ESS Sabre 32 DACs. However, the comparisons between my seven year old ($6000 MSRP) Parasound Halo C1 processor, or the more recent Emotiva UMC-1’s processor demonstrates the clear superiority of the newer technology, and robustly built XDA-1.
So, unless you are willing to spend much more on higher-end DACs, the XDA-1 seems to be a great choice for most systems. At some point in the near future I will probably consider the Wyred4Sound DAC-2, which uses the ESS Sabre 32 9018 DAC; but it costs more than four times the price of the XDA-1. It has a Theater By-Pass mode, better front panel indicators, and can also be used without a preamp.

All XDAs are shipping with the logarithmic volume. I was told that they would all ship that way and that there was no option to go with the linear control.

Eric

^ you guys are funny.... lol

I agree, terrific info but break it up to make it easier to read.

Just saying.

Just got my XDA and hooked it up after work last night. Volume is not an issue.

I haven't cranked it up to see how sensitive the changes are, but at about 4 in the morning in my quiet apartment bedroom I had it around 16-20. When my heat kicked on in the other room I bumped it to 25 watching a TV show.

This is through a pair of 100w ICE monoblocks (old NuForce Reference 8B) to medium-low efficiency ATC SCM12 speakers. I haven't gotten to play around during daytime hours, but I'm guessing I'll spend most of my time between 20 and 40, and maybe hit 50 for nice healthy-but-sane listening.

I was a little disappointed to cycle through the dimming levels and not find an off--we'll see if the lowest one works or if I have to crack the thing open and disconnect the LEDs for the buttons.

Eric--I actually don't mind the display itself on the lowest setting, but when you add the 10 bright button surrounds it's a bit much.

I'd prefer to have the display show volume when you change it and cut off after a few seconds, but if I can kill everything else it won't bother me. I haven't opened it yet but don't see it being difficult (hopefully plugs on the circuit board rather than soldered), and don't really need indicators to remind me I'm on USB.