ERC-1 with MMC-1?

[pczach]

I have a cheapo cd changer connected to my MMC-1 for music in my family room. I want to integrate a quality cd player into the system. I'd like to hear from anyone that has an MMC-1, and has added an ERC-1. Was there a noticeable improvement in sound quality over your previous player? How did you hook it up to the MMC-1....analog or digital inputs. Which sounded better? I only hear about the ERC-1 with pre-amps and the UMC-1. I just want some opinions on the best way to use the ERC-1 with the MMC-1. Would using the USP-1 or the XDA-1 connected to the MMC-1 be an improvement over just connecting the CD player directly to the MMC-1? Or does the DAC in the MMC-1 limit the sound quality that can be achieved? Thanks!

[roadrunner]

Jul 6, 2010 17:04:05 GMT -5 pczach said:

I have a cheapo cd changer connected to my MMC-1 for music in my family room. I want to integate a quality cd player into the system. I'd like to hear from anyone that has an MMC-1, and has added an ERC-1. Was there a noticeable improvement in sound quality over your previous player? How did you hook it up to the MMC-1....analog or digital inputs. Which sounded better? I only hear about the ERC-1 with pre-amps and the UMC-1. I just want some opinions on the best way to use the ERC-1 with the MMC-1. Would using the USP-1 or the XDA-1 connected to the MMC-1 be an improvement over just connecting the CD player directly to the MMC-1? Or does the DAC in the MMC-1 limit, the sound quality that can be achieved? Thanks!

pczach

The key feature you should be focusing on is the DAC in the ERC-1. Where the ERC-1's DAC is better than the MMC-1's you will want to feed an analog signal from the ERC-1 to the MMC-1. The MMC-1 has a very good analog circuit... among the best found in HT processors. The ERC/MMC combo will provide you with a major improvement in sound quality over your previous CD player. Will the ERC/MMC sound as good as using the ERC-1 piped thru the USP-1? No, it won't but it will still be exceptional.

Should you buy the USP-1? That Q gets much more difficult to answer. What other analog source components do you own or plan to own? Are they high quality source pieces? How often do you listen to music vs HT viewing? What budgetary constraints are you working with? Do your current RF/LF Speakers do a good job being used as "full range" speakers? Do you want to listen to your music as 2.0 or 2.1? Do you own a good musical sub woofer? All of these factors, and more, will need to be considered before deciding whether to purchase the USP-1.

Music is my major reason for owning my HT system so the decision to add the USP-1 was an easy one. Even so, I spent close to an hour talking to Lonnie about the relative analog performance of the MMC-1, UMC-1, XMC-1, OR the USP-1 for use with the ERC-1 CD Player. Lonnie felt that the ERC/USP combo would sound far better than any of the other pre/pro... past or present. As you have doubtlessly seen in various threads, the ERC/USP will take you to a new plateau of listening enjoyment. I literally re-discovered my CD collection by taking this step.

Similar posts have been answered countless times over the past year and may not be of much interest to other Lounge members. However, if you have more specific questions, feel free to PM me to continue this discussion. I never tire talking about my love of music and the ERC/USP. ;D

[db029936]

I'm using a MMC with an ERC and the results have me listening to my cd collection all over again. My previos player was a Denon 3910 which is no slouch. The ERC really kicked the Denons butt in the imaging department. I also had a Theta Dac that now has residence in a closet. The Denon still has a place playing my DVD AUDIO and SACD discs, along with my regular DVD collection.

[pczach]

Thanks for the replies.

Roadrunner, I still do want to use my sub with the ERC-1. As you can see in my signature, I have a Rythmik F15, so the quality of the sub is not an issue. I know the easiest thing to do is to just pick up an ERC-1 and hook it up to the CD input on my MMC-1, but I just want to know the absolute best possible connection for sound quality, while still using the sub I love so much. I have Jamo C809's as my FR and FL, and they are a solid full-range speaker. I just prefer the sound with a sub. I guess we're always looking for perfection....at a reasonable price of course! ;D The problem then becomes that I know the USP-1 would sound better with the ERC-1, but I still prefer 2.1 and the occasional 3.1, 4.1, etc...I guess you can't have everything. Bass management rules!

Any other input is appreciated.

[pczach]

Jul 7, 2010 1:48:35 GMT -5 db029936 said:

I'm using a MMC with an ERC and the results have me listening to my cd collection all over again. My previos player was a Denon 3910 which is no slouch. The ERC really kicked the Denons butt in the imaging department. I also had a Theta Dac that now has residence in a closet. The Denon still has a place playing my DVD AUDIO and SACD discs, along with my regular DVD collection.

db029936, I'm glad you're enjoying the MMC/ERC combo. It sounds like you found a sound you really like. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings on your setup. It helps alot.

[jlafrenz]

Jul 7, 2010 14:27:30 GMT -5 pczach said:

Thanks for the replies.

Roadrunner, I still do want to use my sub with the ERC-1. As you can see in my signature, I have a Rythmik F15, so the quality of the sub is not an issue. I know the easiest thing to do is to just pick up an ERC-1 and hook it up to the CD input on my MMC-1, but I just want to know the absolute best possible connection for sound quality, while still using the sub I love so much. I have Jamo C809's as my FR and FL, and they are a solid full-range speaker. I just prefer the sound with a sub. I guess we're always looking for perfection....at a reasonable price of course! ;D The problem then becomes that I know the USP-1 would sound better with the ERC-1, but I still prefer 2.1 and the occasional 3.1, 4.1, etc...I guess you can't have everything. Bass management rules!

Any other input is appreciated.

Is a separate preamp in your budget?

[pczach]

Jul 7, 2010 15:19:40 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

Jul 7, 2010 14:27:30 GMT -5 pczach said:

Thanks for the replies.

Roadrunner, I still do want to use my sub with the ERC-1. As you can see in my signature, I have a Rythmik F15, so the quality of the sub is not an issue. I know the easiest thing to do is to just pick up an ERC-1 and hook it up to the CD input on my MMC-1, but I just want to know the absolute best possible connection for sound quality, while still using the sub I love so much. I have Jamo C809's as my FR and FL, and they are a solid full-range speaker. I just prefer the sound with a sub. I guess we're always looking for perfection....at a reasonable price of course! ;D The problem then becomes that I know the USP-1 would sound better with the ERC-1, but I still prefer 2.1 and the occasional 3.1, 4.1, etc...I guess you can't have everything. Bass management rules!

Any other input is appreciated.

Is a separate preamp in your budget?

I could consider it. I just ordered an ERC-1 earlier today. What did you have in mind?

[jlafrenz]

Naturally the USP-1 would work great for your situation. If you want to go with something other than Emotiva, there are plenty of options too.

[pczach]

Jul 7, 2010 21:29:30 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

Naturally the USP-1 would work great for your situation. If you want to go with something other than Emotiva, there are plenty of options too.

Do you mean that I can connect the USP-1 directly to my MMC-1, or are you talking about a dedicated 2 channel system? I don't want to get a 2 channel-only system right now. I have all my best equipment in the family room. I do movies and music there. I intend to get the XMC-1 down the road when it comes available. If it has the audio section Emo has promised, it will give me the all-in-one device I've been looking for.

[roadrunner]

Jul 9, 2010 13:54:24 GMT -5 pczach said:

Jul 7, 2010 21:29:30 GMT -5 jlafrenz said:

Naturally the USP-1 would work great for your situation. If you want to go with something other than Emotiva, there are plenty of options too.

Do you mean that I can connect the USP-1 directly to my MMC-1, or are you talking about a dedicated 2 channel system? I don't want to get a 2 channel-only system right now. I have all my best equipment in the family room. I do movies and music there. I intend to get the XMC-1 down the road when it comes available. If it has the audio section Emo has promised, it will give me the all-in-one device I've been looking for.

pczach,

Yes, the USP-1 can be connected with the MMC-1 so that they function as an unified whole. The ByPass feature of the USP-1 allows you to "borrow" the speakers and and amps from the main HT system. Once you wire it to the MMC-1 this is all transparent -- all the advantages of having a separate 2-channel system without having to buy new speakers and amps.

Of course, if you want to, you can also use the USP-1 in a separate, stand-alone 2-channel system. It is all up to you... it can function either way. Using the USP-1 allows you to expand the functionality of your MMC-1 while using the same RF, LF, and Subwoofer; and while using the same ampliers. If at some point in the future you decide you want a separate 2-channel system, the USP-1 can be easily removed from the MMC-1 and put to use in your stand-alone system.

Sticksnstones did an excellent job of showing how to wire the USP-1 into your main HT system. It is very straight forward and easy to install. Using sticksnstones post as a guide, anyone can successfully install the USP-1. When you get ready to purchase the USP-1 send me a PM and I will send you the link and explain any questions you have on how to use the various functions. The User's Guide does a pretty good job, but assumes you have experience with using pre amps. Good luck and happy listening.

[pczach]

Jul 9, 2010 16:24:54 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

Jul 9, 2010 13:54:24 GMT -5 pczach said:

Do you mean that I can connect the USP-1 directly to my MMC-1, or are you talking about a dedicated 2 channel system? I don't want to get a 2 channel-only system right now. I have all my best equipment in the family room. I do movies and music there. I intend to get the XMC-1 down the road when it comes available. If it has the audio section Emo has promised, it will give me the all-in-one device I've been looking for.

pczach,

Yes, the USP-1 can be connected with the MMC-1 so that they function as an unified whole. The ByPass feature of the USP-1 allows you to "borrow" the speakers and and amps from the main HT system. Once you wire it to the MMC-1 this is all transparent -- all the advantages of having a separate 2-channel system without having to buy new speakers and amps.

Of course, if you want to, you can also use the USP-1 in a separate, stand-alone 2-channel system. It is all up to you... it can function either way. Using the USP-1 allows you to expand the functionality of your MMC-1 while using the same RF, LF, and Subwoofer; and while using the same ampliers. If at some point in the future you decide you want a separate 2-channel system, the USP-1 can be easily removed from the MMC-1 and put to use in your stand-alone system.

Sticksnstones did an excellent job of showing how to wire the USP-1 into your main HT system. It is very straight forward and easy to install. Using sticksnstones post as a guide, anyone can successfully install the USP-1. When you get ready to purchase the USP-1 send me a PM and I will send you the link and explain any questions you have on how to use the various functions. The User's Guide does a pretty good job, but assumes you have experience with using pre amps. Good luck and happy listening.

Thanks again for the info roadrunner. That is definitely something I would consider.

FedX unexpectedly delivered the ERC-1 yesterday while I was at work. Luckily, my wife and son were home to sign for it. They esimated delivery for Monday, but early is good! I've been vey busy, but I had time to unbox it and hook it up. It looks great in the system. Did some casual listening, with nothing at high volume. My immediate impression was that there is definitely an improvement in clarity, detail, and seperation. The music sounded slightly thinner, but I attribute that to anything that is supremely accurate. I have a lot more listening to do before I make any final conclusions, but I'm happy with what I heard. I left my cd changer in the system. I connected it to my video 1 input for now(optical).

After listening and making sure everything worked, I removed the silver trim and reinserted the screws to match the naked look of my other gear. I have to admit though, if I remove the cd changer and add a USP-1, my system will have more symmetry. ;D