New ERC-1 owner

[obiwan99]

Hi all,

I received my new ERC-1 two days ago and couldn't wait to hook it up but unfortunately I was not able to until yesterday afternoon.

Out of the box, a really nice unit and that remote, holy mother of god, I'ved not seen a remote that solid. No plastic here. I now fully understand what the rave is all about on just the remote. So you can imagine, how excited I was to get this player hooked up. I'ved read about those whom if I recall correctly, weren't too thrilled about having to remove 6 screws to get to the battery compartment. Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. For a remote this solid, you need something solid to hold this all together. This is the best looking and solid remote I'ved ever owned.

Back to unit itself, I popped in James Taylor Hourglass album. Slowly in until I felt resistance and then the unit grabbed the disc in. Hey no sweat. Not in a rush either.

Played the entire CD and I couldn't believe the improvement I am hearing. Better soundstage, imaging, and clarity. ;D

I was using my Sony DVP-S7000 and there is no comparison. I am so happy that I decided to get this unit.

Today, I decided to keep the system running (full repeat playback) so as to break it in. I left it playing with in a low volume. Now, after about 10 hours of continuous playback, I checked the unit and it was on the warm side (left top side of the unit). Interestingly, my both my UPA-1 are cooler (checked front and back of the top) compared to the ERC-1 Has anyone else noticed this?

Thank You Emotive for making such a good unit at a very affortable price.

BTW. After hearing the ERC-1 that same day I hooked it up and reading that it pairs very well with the USP-1, guess what? I ordered it but unfortunately no new stock until mid-May. However, Sarah offered me a B-stock unit and I went ahead with it. I will probably get it mid-week next week. I asked her to make sure that there are no visible scratches in the front and that the headphones jacks functions as they should.

So what was I doing while I left the system on repeat playback for 10 hours? I was outside building a new system rack. This will have 10 shelves in all, about 80" high, 24" wide by 20" deep, 3/4" laminated oak for the sides and shelving. Solid oak for the front face frame and some solid oak decorative mouldings. Will post pics when I'm all done.

Here's what I need 10 shelves for, starting from top shelf to bottom.

1. Video/Audio Mixer for my Karaoke.
2. Satellite receiver
3. Sony PS3
4. Oppo BDP-83 DVD Player
5. Pioneer Elite VSX-39tx
6. Monster HTS Power Center
7. ERC-1 CD player
8. USP-1 (ordered)
9. Stacked UPA-1 (two units for front left and right speakers)
10 XPA-5

[sharkman]

Thanks for the review, Obie!

I've been reading up on the cd player and I think I'll pull the trigger on Monday when I can talk to somebody on the phone. I've got an Anthem TLP-1 pre amp, which I have found to be laid back in presentation compared with some of my other gear. I also read some reviews that said this, I hope it combines well with the ERC.

If I keep adding to my hobby I'll need to build something too!

[obiwan99]

Sharkman,

I too was a little hesitant at first since I read that the ERC-1 has the tendency to be on the bright side. After listening for a couple of days now, I did not find that at all. For the price and performance, you can't go wrong with the ERC-1. I have my 2 channel system with a Marantz CD-67SE, Carver pre-amps, 2 carver stereo amps (biamp) and monitor audio tower (sorry can't recall the model). These were purchased right about the same time the TLP-1 came out. I have demo'd the TLP-1 pre-amp during that time but ended up going with an all Carver preamp and amp because of a deal and how I liked the way they sounded. Unfortunately I can't recall how the Anthem sounded.

Give Emotiva a call and perhaps talk to one of their techs and ask them what they think. I didn't and just thought what the heck, I need a dedicated CD Player anyways and it turned out to be one of the best purchase I ever made.

I just spent this entire weekend building this rack. Almost all done. This rack is very solid. I was building it in front of my garage and all my neighbors were all awed on how it's turning out. I was looking at a flexy rack design but decided to go with all wood design. Most importantly, the wife likes it!!!

[Deleted]

post some pics of that rack when its finished. Thanks for your observations on the ERC

[obiwan99]

Will do. All done just staining and varnishing. I'm using Minxwax Polyshades, bombay mohogony glossy. I had my 9 year old help me and guess what I didn't read the instructions but no problem as I want it real dark anyways. This is a one step stain and poly. Instructions are to put in on very lightly to build it up as it is very difficult to even out the stain portion during application as it is suspended with PolyUrethane. My son put on real thick coats and I have to even it out. It's going to take while, specially the shelves but it's looking real nice. Will post pictures for sure.

[BillBauman]

Apr 25, 2010 0:51:05 GMT -5 sharkman said:

Thanks for the review, Obie!

I've been reading up on the cd player and I think I'll pull the trigger on Monday when I can talk to somebody on the phone. I've got an Anthem TLP-1 pre amp, which I have found to be laid back in presentation compared with some of my other gear. I also read some reviews that said this, I hope it combines well with the ERC.

If I keep adding to my hobby I'll need to build something too!

I believe the ERC-1 will pair quite well with your TLP-1.

I'm usually not one to reserve my opinion, so I'll just tell you that I had the TLP-1 in my home, and I returned it. I thought it was an underperforming Pre. Laid back is a good way to describe it. I would also call it veiled. If anything, you'll want a bright(ish) player, amp, everything to pair with it. I got a used NAD Silverline S100 that was clearly its superior in every way. For the price, the TLP-1 isn't terrible, but I still think it's not great. You could do much worse (Classe comes to mind).

Actually, you might consider a USP-1 as a nice upgrade.

[sharkman]

You know, before I purchased the TLP I auditioned the Adcom 602 pre as I had a small Adcom amp. The difference between the Adcom and Anthem was quite notable, the Adcom being much more open and forward and the better of the two. But it had a defect which was repeatable(volume blasts) and the replacement they sent was worse.

So I went with a b&m and though the Anthem wasn't as nice sounding, I thought my ears just needed to adjust and at least it worked properly. We will see what improvements the ERC makes. I am open to upgrading the pre and a new Emotiva offering is coming, at least that's what the emonatics site says!

BTW, I ordered the ERC this morning, it will replace a Panny S97 which was well reviewed for audio performance and retailed for about $299.

[NorthStar]

^ The Panny S97 used four Burr-Brown PCM-1791 Dacs; but I bet the ERC-1 is walking all over it, easily!
I also have my order in for the ERC-1 , through a good friend of mine (to save money cause I'm in Canada).

[obiwan99]

LOTR, how do you save money through your friend? I supposed he is in USA and travels back and forth to Canada. I guess he drives, not fly, lives close to the border? I'm from Montreal, Laval actually and I have Emotiva direct ship to my residence and yeah, it gets expensive with shipping, duties and taxes.

BTW, I posted some pics in the DIY section of my rack build.

[NorthStar]

Apr 27, 2010 19:16:35 GMT -5 obiwan99 said:

LOTR, how do you save money through your friend? I supposed he is in USA and travels back and forth to Canada. I guess he drives, not fly, lives close to the border? I'm from Montreal, Laval actually and I have Emotiva direct ship to my residence and yeah, it gets expensive with shipping, duties and taxes.

BTW, I posted some pics in the DIY section of my rack build.

I'm from British Columbia, but born in Montreal. My buddy (his Mom actually) lives close to the border, and travels often to the USA for business. I pay the same price than our friends South of the border, plus little extra for the exchange rate which is zip.
Connections is what makes this world go round around the sun.

* I'll give a a quick look to your pictures, but what you hear is more what I'm interested in.

[sharkman]

That's funny, I'm from BC too(Abbotsford), I think I've bumped into you LOTR at AVS. I love this hobby, eh? My ERC is due friday and I am now deciding on a projector, don't want to miss any Canuck play off games!