Noob - XDA-1 and older pre-amp/amp setup

[lotech]

I purchased an XDA-1 from a private party and I'd like to register it in my name for the warranty, I was told that this was an option.

Still learning so please bear with me.

I purchased an XDA-1 DAC second hand.

I am using it with 3 digital sources (Apple Airport Express (Airplay), DVD Player and an HD Radio Receiver. I connect it using the unbalanced RCA jacks to my NAD 1020 Pre-amp via the AUX input then put it out to my amp (McIntosh MC-2105).

I raise the volume on the XDA-1 to 80 (Full) but I'm not sure if this is appropriate. How should I connect this to get the best sound?

Also, I am hearing a slight 'pop' sound and I think it's coming fro the XDA-1 when I start music on any of the sources. I had eliminated the amp and the preamp so I think it's in the XDA-1.

Do I need an attenuator between the XDA-1 and my Pre-Amp? I have read that many people recommend it but can't I achieve the same thing by turning the volume down on the XDA-1??

Very confused and hoping to get some good advice.

thank you!

[garbulky]

The mac has an input sensitivity of 0.5 though apparently there's a way to make it less sensitive. This means with just 0.5V it will be driven to full. The XDA-1 outputs 2V line outs and their previous figures stated that it could do swings of 12V peaks though the 12V figure has been retracted later on.
The best way to see if attenuators make a difference is unfortunately to purchase it then see if it makes a difference. But the good news is they are between 5 and 30 bucks depending on what you go for.
www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=266-244

[AudioHTIT]

You don't need attenuators, the MC-2105 has 'gain' controls which allow you to turn the amp sensitivity down - essentially the same as a variable attenuator. You can also turn the XDA-1 down a little without adverse effects, 70 and above should be fine, but try the gain controls first.

I've never heard any popping from my XDA-1 or 2, are you saying you hear it from say a CD played on the DVD player too?

[lotech]

Okay, thanks for the advice.
I am not sure but what is the difference between 'gain' and 'volume'?
I had the Mac amp set at about 50% and I had read to put the XDA-1 at 80 (full) but i'll move that to 70 as per your recommendation.

I'm going to swap out components again to see what is causing the 'pop' sound.

[AudioHTIT]

Jan 30, 2013 11:17:16 GMT -5 lotech said:

Okay, thanks for the advice.
I am not sure but what is the difference between 'gain' and 'volume'?
I had the Mac amp set at about 50% and I had read to put the XDA-1 at 80 (full) but i'll move that to 70 as per your recommendation.

I'm going to swap out components again to see what is causing the 'pop' sound.

If you had the gains at 50% you've probably taken care of any sensitivity issue. In practice gain and volume are the same, turning either up makes it louder, gain is just the appropriate term for an amplifier. If turning the XDA to 70 doesn't help I'd put it back at 80.

Could you describe again the sound problem, and when it occurs with each source.

[klinemj]

Re. The warranty...you can xfer it to you. Contact Emotiva customer service. Give them your name/address and that of the person you bought from, and they will switch the records.

Mark

[garbulky]

Respectully, I don't know if your solution of turning the gain down will sound the same as the using attenuators. But then again, it may, but my gut tells me to side with the attenuators. However attenuators won't solve the pop issue.