Volume Control On XSP-1

[jamscape]

I've been really looking over the early pics of the XSP-1 that Emonatics posted and trying to discern and speculate as much as I can about it because, well, it's fun! Anyway, it appears to be some kind of digital volume because I don't see the usual motor and electronics behind the knob. I say "appears" because who knows. It could be some kind of new board mounted micro motor or some other such thing. If it is in fact non motorized, then there is something I can't figure out. There is reference dimple on the front face of the knob just like all of Emo's other motorized volume control knobs. In fact it appears to be the same knob from the USP-1. Here's the rub. If it is a digital volume control and is a non motorized knob with a reference dimple, does this mean that the volume cannot be adjusted via the remote. I don't think this would be the case, so there must be something I am missing. I know all will probably revealed after Emofest but I can't be there so I am just having fun trying to figure this thing out from the info available so far. What do you all think? Oh yeah and as far as the merits or lack thereof of digital volume controls... I fall into the camp of it being neither good or bad. I think it's all about the quality of the design, parts and implementation. I believe there are some very fine digital volume controls out there as well as some real garbage. I can't wait for Lonnie to weigh in with all the juicy details about the XSP-1.

[joel]

One can only guess! But I'm sure whatever it is, it's there because of a very good reason I think Emotiva should send me one and I'll report back here with my verdict

[Lonnie]

Aug 27, 2010 16:18:01 GMT -5 jamscape said:

I've been really looking over the early pics of the XSP-1 that Emonatics posted and trying to discern and speculate as much as I can about it because, well, it's fun! Anyway, it appears to be some kind of digital volume because I don't see the usual motor and electronics behind the knob. I say "appears" because who knows. It could be some kind of new board mounted micro motor or some other such thing. If it is in fact non motorized, then there is something I can't figure out. There is reference dimple on the front face of the knob just like all of Emo's other motorized volume control knobs. In fact it appears to be the same knob from the USP-1. Here's the rub. If it is a digital volume control and is a non motorized knob with a reference dimple, does this mean that the volume cannot be adjusted via the remote. I don't think this would be the case, so there must be something I am missing. I know all will probably revealed after Emofest but I can't be there so I am just having fun trying to figure this thing out from the info available so far. What do you all think? Oh yeah and as far as the merits or lack thereof of digital volume controls... I fall into the camp of it being neither good or bad. I think it's all about the quality of the design, parts and implementation. I believe there are some very fine digital volume controls out there as well as some real garbage. I can't wait for Lonnie to weigh in with all the juicy details about the XSP-1.

The volume control we are using in the XSP is a MUSES72320. This is a pure analog resister ladder which is individually addressable. Flat out to 100Khz, and will easily support 4vrms through it and it has a S/N right at 130db. This is one hot rod chip. ;D

[jamscape]

Hey sounds great Lonnie! Is it non motorized and can it be adjusted via remote though?

[jamscape]

Holy Cr*p! I just Googled that chip. Very nice specs and they costs $35.00 apiece!
Me thinks the XSP-1 is gonna be SWEET!

[Lonnie]

Aug 27, 2010 17:22:58 GMT -5 jamscape said:

Hey sounds great Lonnie! Is it non motorized and can it be adjusted via remote though?

Non-motorized and yes it is controlled via the remote.

[stuofsci02]

Is it possible to confirm the minimum step (resolution) for the volume? It looks like the chip is capable of 0.25db increments.

Thanks,

Stuart