XSP-1 + UMC-1 Vs XMC-1

[aussie]

I'm quite happy with the UMC-1 but I wonder how much better the XSP-1 or XMC-1 would be for music/2 channel.

I was originally after the XMC-1, but I wonder would it be better to keep the UMC-1 for surround and get the XSP-1 or just get the XMC-1 and have just the one pre/pro.

If I get the XSP-1 I may still at a later date grab the XMC-1, but I'm unsure. So what option would you go for if you wanted a surround pre/pro but also wanted just as good 2 channel ?

I know I could ask this in the Processor part of the forum but I am posting here as I'm more interested in the 2channel side of things. I only ever use annalog inputs and direct mode for music.

[Topend]

Would the XDA-1 + UMC-1 fit your needs?

[aussie]

Not really as I'm also after some of the other features of either the XSP or XMC. Besides the XDA is only a dac of which I'm happy with what I already use.

[roadrunner]

Nov 24, 2010 0:40:22 GMT -5 aussie said:

I'm quite happy with the UMC-1 but I wonder how much better the XSP-1 or XMC-1 would be for music/2 channel.

I was originally after the XMC-1, but I wonder would it be better to keep the UMC-1 for surround and get the XSP-1 or just get the XMC-1 and have just the one pre/pro.

If I get the XSP-1 I may still at a later date grab the XMC-1, but I'm unsure. So what option would you go for if you wanted a surround pre/pro but also wanted just as good 2 channel ?

I know I could ask this in the Processor part of the forum but I am posting here as I'm more interested in the 2channel side of things. I only ever use annalog inputs and direct mode for music.

Aussie

Since your goal is to obtain the best sounding 2-channel analog system, the XSP-1 is the object of your dreams. The XSP-1 has all the tools to ensure you will achieve your goal. Let's take a close look at those tools. The XSP-1 has a differential balanced signal path that provides cancellation of noise from the signal path. We already know that as good as the sound quality from the UMC-1 is the USP-1 provides a far lower noise floor and significantly improved sound quality. The XSP-1 should have an even better noise floor than the USP-1 due to the balanced signal path. The other significant advantage for enhanced sound quality that the XSP-1 has over the USP-1 is the duall discrete output stage.

The combination of the UMC-1 and the XSP-1 offers a very potent performance tool for both multi-channel (digital) and 2-channel analog sound. This marriage of the UMC-1 and the XSP-1 offers sound quality to be envious of and offers better analog performance than is possible from the XMC-1. The XMC-1 and the XSP-1 share two important performance enhancing designs -- the balanced signal path and Lonnie's "hot rodded" discrete output stage used in the XDA-1. These two circuit designs, according to Lonnie, is why the XDA-1 sounds far better than the output from the USP-1.

The bottom line is that because of these two circuit designs the best analog performance will come from the XSP-1; and, the best HT processor performance will come from the XMC-1. Therefore, when building your HT system to emphasize 2-channel sound the XSP-1 is your choice component. If LPs are an important part of your music library, the XMC-1 will have a modest MM only phono stage, but the XSP-1 will have a very robust, adjusable MM/MC phono stage -- which serves to widen the gap between the XSP-1 and the XMC-1, when it comes to analog sound quality.

[aussie]

Roadrunner,
thats what I'm thinking, well at least for my needs. I'm just wondering what other peoples thoughts or plans are for folks in a similar situation is all. I'm pretty sure I'll buy the XSP-1 and a pair of XPA-1's when budget allows. I do using a turntable and want a decent phono stage but also want to not have a huge pile of gear.

So pre or pre/pros with decent features like this built in are very appealing to me. I will most likely get the XMC-1 at some stage seeing as I've got the 40% discount but then I may just keep that for a little further down the road too as who knows what Emo may make next in the multi-channel side of things. I'm more than happy with the surround processing and SQ of the UMC-1 for movies.

And as good as the UMC-1 and the XPA-5 I have sounds I just want a little better stereo performance and I feel the best way I'm going to move in that direction is a 2 channel pre as a starting point.

[jmargaglione]

What about 2-channel with an XDA-1 and CDs? The XDA doesn't do bass management, so either an XSP or XMC is needed. Is it worth getting both if the system is used for both HT and 2-channel?

[Deleted]

I know this is an old thread, but it actually seems more relevant now that the XMC-1 is out. Is there anyone here that owns both the XSP-1 AND XMC-1 that can comment on a comparison on analog 2 channel sound?

[djoel]

WOW, I was just reading the OP's thought process, and then I read your post looked at the date and I was transported to today!
It all seemed so current, yet I was wondering no one mentioned the DC-1 dac, I guess his inquiries are quite relevant, all very interesting indeed.



Djoel

[BassThatHz]

The XSP-1 with a Oppo 105 DAC smoked my UMC-1 and Rotel RSP-1068 hard. It was like hearing the music for the first time. There is nothing more that needs to be said.
emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/32088/review-xsp-preamp-oppo-105

I haven't heard a UMC-2 or XMC-1 yet so I can't offer any comparative advice there, but the XMC-1 is without question the best processor Emotiva has ever made to-date. A big-name giant killer no doubt...