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Post by nathanzachary on Oct 16, 2015 16:10:26 GMT -5
Hi there everyone,
I'm thinking about getting the XDA-2 Gen 2 on closeout ($199) to use with my primary workstation. Simply put, I listen to music whilst doing my work almost all day, every day, and the sound quality from the onboard sound card to my headphones is just not great. So, I was thinking about getting either the XDA-2 to do:
Computer --> USB to XDA-2 Gen 2 --> headphones
or I could just get the Big Ego ($219), which is much more portable and easy to fit on a desk.
What are your thoughts?
Thank you in advance!
Cheers,
Nathan Zachary
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Post by macromicroman on Oct 16, 2015 16:47:24 GMT -5
I have used both an XDA-2 gen 1 and a Little Ego. I like the sound from the XDA-2 better than the Ego's. Just seems that instruments sound more accurate and the soundstage seems wider.
Of course as you say the Ego is more portable. Just used it when I visited my son. Played music at night over headphones before bed. Carry the XDA-2 across half the USA just didn't seem like a good idea.
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Post by Cogito on Oct 16, 2015 19:20:27 GMT -5
If you don't need the portability of the EGOs, go for the XDA-2. Not only is it a great DAC, but it does an awesome job as a digital preamp.
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Post by garbulky on Oct 16, 2015 21:00:14 GMT -5
The DC-1 has an audibily and measurably better headphone amp and is also a smaller form factor. Also I (subjective opinion), think it sounds better.
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Post by Gary Cook on Oct 17, 2015 16:37:20 GMT -5
I like the sound of the BigEgo over the XDA-2. Probably due to the TI/BurrBrown DAC implementation in the Ego, which I have a preference for. If sample rates are important to you the XDA-2 stops at 24/196 whereas the BigEgo goes to 32/384. I also like the computer digital control of the analogue resister ladder, which retains the sound quality at lower volumes. If you have need for the other features on the XDA-2 then it's a great choice, but for USB audio the Egos are Emotiva's current state of the art and the XDA-2 is on run out.
Cheers
Gary
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Post by AudioHTIT on Oct 18, 2015 0:21:24 GMT -5
I used an XDA-2 as a desktop DAC and liked it very much. It sounds great through speakers and headphones, has a variety of inputs and I like the physical volume control (many think the taper is too slow however), I also used the XLR or RCA outs to my Airmotive 5s. On the downside the XDA-2 is pretty big, I had the space, but still thought it large. If all you want is USB and headphones the Ego seems to fit the bill, the design is much newer but I haven't heard it, and it certainly takes up less space, I need more ins and outs, but the Ego looks nice.
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Post by nathanzachary on Oct 19, 2015 14:35:32 GMT -5
Thanks for all of the opinions! I think I'll probably end up going with the Big Ego.
Cheers,
Nathan Zachary
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Post by dmitry on Oct 20, 2015 17:15:33 GMT -5
Also puzzled by this question. But then there's the matter of power. The stated capacity of XDA-2 2.25 VRMS against 1.8 VRMS. It is of course virtually. But I intend to listen to music on Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohms, and I doubt that Ego is powerful enough.
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Post by brutiarti on Oct 20, 2015 17:23:19 GMT -5
Also puzzled by this question. But then there's the matter of power. The stated capacity of XDA-2 2.25 VRMS against 1.8 VRMS. It is of course virtually. But I intend to listen to music on Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohms, and I doubt that Ego is powerful enough. I have the dt990 600ohms and the ego sounds better than the xda-2 hands down but not loud enough. I'm pretty sure than 250 ohms will be louder with the ego. You can try it for 30 days and check yourself. |
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Post by vcautokid on Oct 20, 2015 17:46:49 GMT -5
Though I like the XDA-2 allot, the Big Ego is darn good.I think it gives the XDA-2 a run for the gold. If you need the oomph for your high impedance cans, the XDA-2 may be more ideal. Also the obvious about taking it anywhere that is the Big Ego is cool too. How much will you really do that though. The XDA-2 maybe more flexible staying at home. Also the nice Pre-outs are a great case too. I use a small beefy Headphone amplifier already, so for me, the Big Ego is my pick. Everyone's mileage may vary.
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Post by vneal on Oct 20, 2015 17:50:57 GMT -5
For portability I would lean towards the BIG EGO
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Post by dmitry on Oct 21, 2015 5:21:03 GMT -5
Ok.
vcautokid, use an additional headphone amplifier - a good idea. Superior quality!
I already asked this question in another topic, but did not get an answer. I'll ask here.
Can Big Ego play simultaneously through the line-out and headphone output, or if connect headphones, line-out deactivated?
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KeithL
Administrator 
Posts: 9,928
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Post by KeithL on Oct 21, 2015 14:50:27 GMT -5
Yes, both analog outputs (Line and Headphone) play at the same time. However, there is a button that switches between both analog outputs and the Toslink digital output being active (either the Toslink digital output OR both analog outputs are active at any given time). This way, if you connect the Toslink output to another DAC or AVR, you can use the button to switch between your headphones and the AVR. Ok. vcautokid, use an additional headphone amplifier - a good idea. Superior quality! I already asked this question in another topic, but did not get an answer. I'll ask here. Can Big Ego play simultaneously through the line-out and headphone output, or if connect headphones, line-out deactivated? |
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