Post by roadrunner on Nov 16, 2010 15:07:08 GMT -5
You could do this but you would be loosing some of the sound quality simply because you would be going from a fully balanced signal from the XDA-1 down to an unbalanced signal path in the UMC-1. That is the same reason Lonnie pointed out that you would get better sound quality by going direct from the XDA-1 to the power amps versus sending a signal from the ERC-1 CD player to the XDA-1 then to the USP-1 on its way to the power amps.
The soon to be released XSP-1 is the elegant way of solving this issue. The XSP-1 will have a fully balanced signal path and will have the HT Bypass switch... allowing you to maintain a fully balanced path from source component all the way to your speakers, if you are connected to a balanced amp like the XPA-1.
In my case if I'm going to use the XPA-2, that fully balance signal is lost in the XPA-2, right?
The other question; still going unbalance, connecting the XDA-1 to the UMC-1 (directMode) to the XPA-2, am I still have the chance to have a better stereo sound quality than the UMC-1?
You are correct about using the XPA-2. Even if you use the XLR connectors it is still a single-end, unbalanced amp. The only true balanced amp Emotiva has is the XPA-1. So you will lose a little sound quality compared to using the XPA-1, but it is still going to sound VERY good.
You are also correct in thinking that connecting the XDA-1 to the UMC-1 will provide better stereo sound quality than just the UMC-1 by itself. If you have an USP-1, running the signal thru it will be a step up in sound quality; and, if you run the signal thru the XSP-1 you will take yet another step up in sound quality.
If you have a turntable, tape recorder, or any number of other analog source components, obtaining the XSP-1 becomes a "no brainer" purchase if you are looking at using the XDA-1. The XSP/XDA combo will give you a marriage made in audio heaven -- the best of the analog and digital worlds.
