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Post by CrazyBlue on Dec 19, 2010 3:53:26 GMT -5
Have you compared the SQ when using the preamp to that of the DAC straight to your amps? What amps are you running? Volume issue aside, is there a big difference or is it minor?
I know a couple of people have commented on this, but there are now so many XDA-1 threads that it will take way too long to find them and I'd like to hear from others as well.
I'm wondering whether the difference might not be so pronounced as Lonnie heard during testing when using amps that aren't fully balanced like the XPA-1.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
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Post by bigmm79 on Dec 20, 2010 11:57:50 GMT -5
Volume issue aside (it was an issue) I noticed very little difference if any. This is with an unbalanced connection. Haven't tried balanced.
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Post by CrazyBlue on Dec 20, 2010 15:01:57 GMT -5
What amps are you driving?
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Post by carlp336 on Dec 20, 2010 15:03:44 GMT -5
im using the XDA via USP and think its sounds awesome. however im not nor have not used it amp direct.
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Post by CrazyBlue on Dec 20, 2010 15:18:46 GMT -5
Do you feel that it improved the sound of your USP-1?
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Post by DC on Dec 20, 2010 19:46:35 GMT -5
Sorry to hijack but is using USP-1 with XDA-1 thru XPA-1 possible at all if u are to run balanced? I've been looking at the specs, USP-1 doesn't allowed balanced.
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Post by wizardofoz on Dec 20, 2010 20:11:49 GMT -5
Search on singapore gig here...we couldn't tell much difference with either using ERC-1 as source. Ymmv, I run the XDA via the usp now just so I don't have to mess with to many switches and things. Either option is sweet to me but if you need balanced in/out from XDA to amp then no usp-1 is the only option
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Post by DC on Dec 21, 2010 20:31:52 GMT -5
Search on singapore gig here...we couldn't tell much difference with either using ERC-1 as source. Ymmv, I run the XDA via the usp now just so I don't have to mess with to many switches and things. Either option is sweet to me but if you need balanced in/out from XDA to amp then no usp-1 is the only option Or wait for the Xsp-1    ;D |
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Post by bridgehead on Dec 25, 2010 18:20:48 GMT -5
I am using a USP-1 and XPA-2 with the XDA-1 with an ERT-8.3 and Hsu subwoofer.
Before getting the XDA-1 I was running analog outputs from a Sonos streaming device (Apple lossless). I now connect the Sonos to the XDA-1 with an optical connection.
I have to say I wasn't expecting much improvement adding the XDA-1, but I was shocked!
The XDA-1 has completely opened up my system.
Particularly the vocal mid-range where I felt it was a bit muddy previously.
The overall dynamic range seems significantly broader.
Very impressed.
Fantastic value from a relatively inexpensive addition.
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Erwin.BE
Emo VIPs 
It's the room, stupid!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by Erwin.BE on Dec 26, 2010 11:20:48 GMT -5
I am using a USP-1 and XPA-2 with the XDA-1 with an ERT-8.3 and Hsu subwoofer. Before getting the XDA-1 I was running analog outputs from a Sonos streaming device (Apple lossless). I now connect the Sonos to the XDA-1 with an optical connection. I have to say I wasn't expecting much improvement adding the XDA-1, but I was shocked! The XDA-1 has completely opened up my system. Particularly the vocal mid-range where I felt it was a bit muddy previously. The overall dynamic range seems significantly broader. Very impressed. Fantastic value from a relatively inexpensive addition. You will improve the SQ out of the ERC-1 also if you connect the digital coax to the XDA. Though less than with the Sonos. Indeed, I would preserve the DAC use in the Sonos for "lesser" rooms, such as patio's or bedrooms with in-ceiling speakers. $299 + shipping for all you get is simply a steal. Remote alone is worth $100! I hope our dear Emotiva staff is getting the good taste of it and gives us even more versatile digital devices. Internet en LAN streaming, extra analogue inputs, phono including, headphone output, HT bypass, maybe even room correction! Come on, Lonnie get to work on it! ;D |
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Post by bridgehead on Dec 26, 2010 23:54:19 GMT -5
Sheesh, I'd forgotten that the ERC-1 had digital outputs!
Thanks for that.
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Post by bridgehead on Dec 29, 2010 12:10:31 GMT -5
Having hooked up the ERC-1 to the XDA-1 with an optical cable, I find that the gain from the CD player is way high compared to that from the Sonos.
The analog output from the XDA-1 is going to the RCA CD IN ports on the USP-1.
Have I connected things incorrectly?
Is there a way to modulate the gain from the ERC-1?
As it is I have to remember to lower the volume substantially before switching the input over to the CD player or risk blasting my eardrums out.
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