Some dumb questions on UMC-1, USP-1, XSP-1 combos

[basicsystem]

I probably should put these in the dumb question section, but here are some questions I have. I currently have a UMC-1.

1. If I get a USP-1, how would I connect that to my UMC-1? Would I connect my front speakers and subwoofer to the USP-1 (and trigger my front amp from the USP-1) and then connect my front speaker outs from the UMC-1 to the USP-1? Then would I trigger the USP-1 from the UMC-1 (can triggers be daisy linked?). All of this assumes that I want to watch a movie after only turning on my UMC-1.

2. Assuming the new XSP-1 is better than the USP-1, how much better can it be? The reason I ask this is because the XSP-1 will be more than 2X the price of the USP-1. I realize if someone has a lot of components they may need the XSP-1 for connectivity, but a USP-1/UMC-1 combo provides more connectivity than I will ever need. I realize the answer to this question is probably very subjective, but my UMC-1 already sounds pretty darn close to perfect and the USP-1 should be even a little bit better. How much better can it get and can that difference justify spending 2X?

The reason I'm asking these questions is because the latest webcast notes coming sales for the the USP-1 and XSP-1. ;D

[doc1963]

I guess that I would first ask you, without knowing your set-up, if you have a turntable or any 2 channel source devices that contain a better DAC (and output stage) than what is found within the UMC-1 (?).

If you do, than I would suggest a USP or XSP (and those comparisons may soon follow), but if you do not, then I would see no need to add either. The UMC-1 on its own sounds fantastic (as you have stated).

Hope this helps.....

[basicsystem]

I will have an XDA-1. So I guess the XPA-2, XDA-1, XSP-1 will give me the ultimate setup for my music server (not surprisingly, the Emofest pictures show that combo). That is my only current logic for the XSP-1: might as well go for the ultimate since I will be so close.

I have a turntable, but I just about never use it. Currently, it goes through my old NAD 7600 receiver. If the XSP-1 has a much better phono input than the NAD, that might be another small plus for the XSP-1.

One other thing. Use of my system is weighted toward music (vs. video) about 100 to 1 (even though I love my HT setup).

I guess what this comes down to is I have "XSP-1 fever." I'm just trying to justify it ...

[doc1963]

Oct 30, 2010 18:06:50 GMT -5 @basicsystem said:

I will have an XDA-1. So I guess the XPA-2, XDA-1, XSP-1 will give me the ultimate setup for my music server (not surprisingly, the Emofest pictures show that combo). That is my only current logic for the XSP-1: might as well go for the ultimate since I will be so close.

I have a turntable, but I just about never use it. Currently, it goes through my old NAD 7600 receiver. If the XSP-1 has a much better phono input than the NAD, that might be another small plus for the XSP-1.

One other thing. Use of my system is weighted toward music (vs. video) about 100 to 1 (even though I love my HT setup).

I guess what this comes down to is I have "XSP-1 fever." I'm just trying to justify it ...

If an XDA-1 is on the horizon for you, and (I assume) you already own an XPA amp, then ABSOLUTELY get an XSP-1.... ;D

The use of full dual differential output stages from start-to-finish is worth the investment to me.

I'm a music lover too (and own and XPA-2 - used for the FL/FR) and am on the reserve list for the XDA (and WILL be getting the XSP), so I know exactly where you're coming from.

Do it..... ;D

[basicsystem]

I finally input my sig. It's kind of embarassing when you can't put all your stuff in your sig. I guess that means I have way too much stuff.

Doc: As you can see - our systems have a lot of similarities (of course this is an Emo message board ...).

You may have talked me into the XSP-1. Why not: an after X-mas present to myself.

Also - Is my logic in (1) correct?

[doc1963]

Oct 30, 2010 20:00:46 GMT -5 @basicsystem said:

I finally input my sig. It's kind of embarassing when you can't put all your stuff in your sig. I guess that means I have way too much stuff.

Doc: As you can see - our systems have a lot of similarities (of course this is an Emo message board ...).

You may have talked me into the XSP-1. Why not: an after X-mas present to myself.

Also - Is my logic in (1) correct?

Wow, yes many similarities indeed!

Yes, your logic in (1) is absolutely correct. However, there are some caveats if you were to use a USP-1.

- Your Polk SRS mains are more than capable of being driven full range. In order for you to be able to use the HT Bypass function of the USP-1, you must also use the HP/LP outputs. That, in and of itself, is not an issue if you are driving full range from your UMC-1 because in the Bypass mode (USP-1), what comes in, goes out.

However, when the USP-1 is NOT in HT Bypass mode, you are not "full range". You are then tied into the HP/LP 2.1 filter stage. That may, or may not, present a problem to you as the filters bottom out at 50hz using a 12 db/octave slope (you can get low enough for "music"). The "full range" outputs of the USP-1 are NOT available to the HT Bypass mode of the USP-1.

That will be "corrected" in the XSP. You will be able to use the full range outputs (with a sub) in HT Bypass.

- Yes, triggers can be "daisy chained". However, you have a trigger output on the USP-1 of which you can trigger your XPA-2, but NO trigger input. So unless you have a Harmony remote (or the like), you will have no way to trigger the USP on from your UMC-1.

That will also be "corrected" in the XSP as it will contain a trigger input.

- One other caveat regarding the USP-1 is that it must be powered up to engage the HT Bypass mode. Word has it that the XSP-1 will have HT Bypass engaged while in standby (as it should be). That is the ONLY thing that I have never liked about the USP-1.

If "I" where in your shoes, I would bypass the USP-1 (at this point) and head straight for the XSP-1. Considering that you are already getting an XDA and already own an incredible XPA-2, it is the PERFECT fit. Full differential inputs and outputs and NONE of the caveats of the USP...... audiophile Utopia..... ;D

[basicsystem]

Thanks Doc. Great info.

Now I see that the USP-1 has too many limitations.

Its a done deal: I need an XSP-1.