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Post by papamidnight on Nov 11, 2018 14:05:14 GMT -5
Hello Folks, I've been out of the scene for a while...like a few years. Life has changed dramatically and it's time for my system to evolve. I want to focus on stereo listening and simplifying my system in the process. I've never been super active in the lounge but I'll give a quick re-cap on some of the life changes that I've gone through. [/font][li] Married.[/li][li] Kid.[/li][li] Dog.[/li][li] Moved from private home to 2 Br. Apartment.[/li][/ul] My system was initially built around a 60/40 split in favor of HT over 2ch. however, I'v moved away from HT and now listen to 100% stereo. Listening Habits: I typically listen at low to mid volume while playing with my 8mo. old on the floor or while I'm doing chores. I rarely have time to sit for extended periods in the sweet spot. My musical taste spans across a wide variety of Genres. I tend to stream most music from Apple music using My ATV2. Current Gear: Fronts: Rocket 850 Signature Amp: XPA-3 Gen 1 Pre Amp: XSP-1 Gen 1 Processor: UMC-200 Source: ERC-1, Apple TV2 Wants: I want to keep the Rockets, XSP-1, and Apple TV...everything else can be parted with. I would like to replace the UMC-200 with a small form DAC and replace the XPA-3 with a smaller amp(shorter height...and depth if I'm lucky). I'm not really sure what to do about the ERC-1 is it worth replacing? It has served me well and I don't see it as a weak point in my system. Budget: I'm flexible but would like to keep my budget in-line with my Rockets. Meaning, why break the bank if my speakers will ultimately be the weak link in an ultra high end system. So, what do you guys think? What are some options I should look at? What should I replace first? |
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Post by creimes on Nov 11, 2018 14:21:41 GMT -5
ERC-1 if still working I would keep for sure, Emotiva has some nice little PA-1 mono amps and as far as a DAC how many inputs would be needed as this will determine what DAC you would need, does the Apple TV2 have optical output or only HDMI ?
Chad
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Post by garbulky on Nov 11, 2018 14:47:45 GMT -5
I would reccomend DC-1 - > PA-1 monoblock stack via XLR cables. It's super compact but sounds better than the XPA-3, XSP-1, and UMC-200 combo imo. (I have experience with the XPA-3, XSP-1, and UMC-200). Ditch the XSP-1, XPA_3, and UMC-200 and you should be able to come in without having to spend any money. Add some room treatments and you should be great.  |
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Post by brubacca on Nov 11, 2018 14:59:34 GMT -5
What formats will your apple TV output? Can it be set to PCM stereo or is it always going to send a multichannel signal? Does it have optical output?
Your answers will dictate your course of action on the DAC.
If you really must change the amp then the PA-1 monoblocks will likely fit the bill. I think all the other Emotiva Amps are as deep as your xpa-3.
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Post by papamidnight on Nov 11, 2018 16:16:22 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies.
I don't think I have the ability to select an output format on the Apple TV. I can only select surround or stereo in the audio options. The apple TV also only have an HDMI out.
Is the DC-1 still available? I didn't see it on the main webpage.
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Post by creimes on Nov 11, 2018 16:33:12 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. I don't think I have the ability to select an output format on the Apple TV. I can only select surround or stereo in the audio options. The apple TV also only have an HDMI out. Is the DC-1 still available? I didn't see it on the main webpage. DC-1 is no longer being made, but there are a few on here in the Emporium(selling section), if the ATV2 only has HDMI output you would need another option that has a Toslink output that will play from Apple music. |
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Post by knucklehead on Nov 11, 2018 17:55:58 GMT -5
Take a look at the Onkyo 8270 stereo receiver with 4 HDMI inputs. It's a nice neat package with plenty of digital and analog inputs, and will only cost you around $400 new. Accessories4Less.com has them refurbished, but only gives you a $50 break from new, and cuts the warranty period in half. I've had one for about 6 months and I'm very happy with it. It has electronic crossover, I.E. bass management, something you won't find in many 2 channel receivers at that price. Pioneer and Integra also have a stereo receiver with HDMI, and both are made by Onkyo, which owns Pioneer and Integra.
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Post by garbulky on Nov 11, 2018 18:50:31 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. I don't think I have the ability to select an output format on the Apple TV. I can only select surround or stereo in the audio options. The apple TV also only have an HDMI out. Is the DC-1 still available? I didn't see it on the main webpage. You have the apple tv 2 right? It has an optical audio output which would work with the DC-1. You can get a DC-1 used by posting an ad on the emporium.  |
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Post by brubacca on Nov 11, 2018 19:46:45 GMT -5
It is very important that you can have PCM output on the Optical. I have a panasonic TV that can be set to Stereo or Multichannel, but it outputs Dolby Digital with either selection. Dolby Digital does not work with a regular stereo DAC.
Anything that takes the HDMI in would work.
Connect the optical out to your UMC-200. Set the apple tv to Stereo Output. The UMC-200 MAY (i don't have one) be able to tell you the format it is receiving from the apple TV. Maybe someone else can chime in.
Just because it is Toslink Optical doesn't necessarily mean it is PCM. Think of the optical port as the phone line. Its the physical connection. A stereo DAC is expecting PCM, lets call it English for the argument. The Apple may only be able to speak Multichannel (Japanese).
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Post by garbulky on Nov 11, 2018 23:15:27 GMT -5
It is very important that you can have PCM output on the Optical. I have a panasonic TV that can be set to Stereo or Multichannel, but it outputs Dolby Digital with either selection. Dolby Digital does not work with a regular stereo DAC. Anything that takes the HDMI in would work. Connect the optical out to your UMC-200. Set the apple tv to Stereo Output. The UMC-200 MAY (i don't have one) be able to tell you the format it is receiving from the apple TV. Maybe someone else can chime in. Just because it is Toslink Optical doesn't necessarily mean it is PCM. Think of the optical port as the phone line. Its the physical connection. A stereo DAC is expecting PCM, lets call it English for the argument. The Apple may only be able to speak Multichannel (Japanese). Though I cant be sure but my fire tv and other devices output pcm. It makes sense to me that the apple tv will output pcm for dacs. That's the point of optical imo. |
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Post by brubacca on Nov 12, 2018 7:46:12 GMT -5
It is very important that you can have PCM output on the Optical. I have a panasonic TV that can be set to Stereo or Multichannel, but it outputs Dolby Digital with either selection. Dolby Digital does not work with a regular stereo DAC. Anything that takes the HDMI in would work. Connect the optical out to your UMC-200. Set the apple tv to Stereo Output. The UMC-200 MAY (i don't have one) be able to tell you the format it is receiving from the apple TV. Maybe someone else can chime in. Just because it is Toslink Optical doesn't necessarily mean it is PCM. Think of the optical port as the phone line. Its the physical connection. A stereo DAC is expecting PCM, lets call it English for the argument. The Apple may only be able to speak Multichannel (Japanese). Though I cant be sure but my fire tv and other devices output pcm. It makes sense to me that the apple tv will output pcm for dacs. That's the point of optical imo. I agree. The Apple TV should do this, but being burnt after assuming something should do it makes me more careful. |
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Post by vcautokid on Nov 12, 2018 12:11:23 GMT -5
I would second the DC-1. Don't know when the DC-2 is coming, but another option. Also the ERC CD player I would keep if it is doing the job why not?
The UMC200 and the XSP-1 will he dubious in value unless a bunch of analog sources are in play and theater is important.
Keeping it all Emotiva I too would recommend the PA-1 monoblocks. What's not to like? Price size and performance are all there.
There are of course allot of DACs out there. Depending on the number of digital sources. And also your preference, there is one right for you.
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Post by papamidnight on Nov 13, 2018 18:48:48 GMT -5
Guys, thanks again for all of your responses.
It seems my biggest weak link might be using the Apple TV as my main source. Any recommendations on replacing it with something a bit more flexible in terms of output format.
I’m subscribed to Apple Music, is there a higher bit rate music streaming service that I should be considering.
Finally, anyone here have experience using the Strealth 8 for a 2ch set up? How do you think they would compare to the Rocket 850’s?
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Post by creimes on Nov 13, 2018 19:24:45 GMT -5
I use Tidal HIFI which is $20 a month but gives you CD quality and up with a some MQA stuff(88.1 or 96khz), you can run a free trial of it for a month, the multiple ways I use Tidal are on either my Mac Mini which resides at my main system or my PC for headphone use, they both have a downloadable desktop application, I also have the app on my phone and can cast it to my Google Chromecast Audio or my Sonos Play 1 in the kitchen and last but not least I have the app on my NVIDIA Shield Android TV. The latest generation Apple TV's have the Tidal app on them as well. So really there are many choices it's just what OS or type of hardware one has in their home that is able to run the Tidal applications, forgot to mention you can run the Tidal App on your iPhone(if that's what you have) and Airplay it to the Apple TV, you are limited to CD quality which is still better than what Apple Music outputs. As far as the Stealth 8 speakers I have not owned them but have owned the Stealth 6 and currently have a set of Airmotiv 6s for 2 ch use and they are really amazing speakers for the size and price tag, there is a forum member on here selling some used Stealth 6 speakers in the Emporium. Chad Guys, thanks again for all of your responses. It seems my biggest weak link might be using the Apple TV as my main source. Any recommendations on replacing it with something a bit more flexible in terms of output format. I’m subscribed to Apple Music, is there a higher bit rate music streaming service that I should be considering. Finally, anyone here have experience using the Strealth 8 for a 2ch set up? How do you think they would compare to the Rocket 850’s? |
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Post by highfihoney2 on Nov 26, 2018 17:30:15 GMT -5
Don't replace or upgrade the ERC-1 as it sounds identical to the ERC-2 and looks better than the ERC-3 with it's off centered drawer ,I briefly owned the ERC-3 and couldn't hear any quantifiable difference between my older Emotiva CD players but the asthetics of the off center drawer drove me nutts where I gave the player to my brother .
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Post by garbulky on Nov 26, 2018 18:26:38 GMT -5
Guys, thanks again for all of your responses. It seems my biggest weak link might be using the Apple TV as my main source. Any recommendations on replacing it with something a bit more flexible in terms of output format. I’m subscribed to Apple Music, is there a higher bit rate music streaming service that I should be considering. Finally, anyone here have experience using the Strealth 8 for a 2ch set up? How do you think they would compare to the Rocket 850’s? I don't think it's a weak link if you have the generation apple tv you mentioned. Did you read my post about it? |
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