Please educate me - USP-1

[kse]

My media set-up at home pulls double duty for both my home theater and my music listening room. For 2ch CD listening my current set-up is pretty straight forward; ERC-1 via-analog outs -> Yamaha AVR -> a pair of UPA-1s. The DAC in the ERC-1 does all the work and I think it sounds lovely.

My question is, would I benefit by integrating a USP-1 into the mix? And if so, what would be the best way to do so?

Additionally, for those who do feel that there would be some sonic benefit, please elaborate from a technical standpoint as to why?

Thanks to all in advance.

[gman1234]

If you're not in analog direct mode in the Yammy, then you're taking a previously processed signal and reprocessing it with the d/a converter in the Yammy. If you are in analog direct mode in the Yammy then your getting a pretty pure signal throught to the amps. But, how are you getting a sub output in analog direct mode in the Yammy? The USP-1 would circumvent all this when properly set up, and you could leave your Receiver out of the circuit most of the time. I own the USP-1 and just replaced it with a $2500.00 preamp and I may go back to it because the USP sounds better. I should have known better. There are few hometheater bypass preamps that have a dedicated low pass output like the USP-1. Parasound 2100 being the alternative near it's price point. You can't go wrong, but if you can get your analog through the Yammy without processing and still get a sub output than thats probably real close in sound. I'm assuming you are using a sub.
I just hope you are not d/a converting in your erc and then again in your Yammy.
The disadvantage of using the USP is you can't adjust sub levels on the fly like you can in some receivers or pre-pros.
I think at some point you should upgrade to the USP-1 if you can afford it because you will never have to wonder what world class sounds like, you'll have it!

[kse]

I do use Pure Direct mode on the Yamaha, I should have mentioned that in my original post. I can also get sub output through my speakers without processing from the AVR. They have built in subs/amps/LFE inputs. When used in HT applications the LFE inputs handle the lower frequencies, however when the LFE is removed from the equation (Pure Direct), the speakers own crossover sends the signal to the woofer.

[wizardofoz]

You would probably be better off with the XDA-1 then connect that direct to the upa-1's via balanced cables, IMHO but I guess then you can use both options as you can still have the ERC-1 connected RCA to the yamaha and digital coax to the XDA-1 ... Just switch to balanced in on the upa-1's when you want seriously good 2 channel cd.

[aussie]

The most important question is if you think it all sounds "lovely" now why change anything? If you were unhappy or just wanted more/better I can understand but I don;t understand why if someone is really happy and enjoys a sound why they would want to change it. The term "why fix what isn't broken" comes to mind.

Not meaning to have a go at the OP or anyone but we all so often get caught up in "what if's" that we forget to just learn to enjoy what we like.

But my personal opinion is the USP-1 will most likely offer a shorter analog signal patch and will have better SQ and most likely better sound stage being a true stereo pre and less complicated circuts that could influence or degrade signal paths.

[roadrunner]

Assuming you have quality components and speakers, adding the USP-1 to your system for listening to CDs via the ERC-1 will take you to a whole new plateau of listening enjoyment. The noise floor of the USP-1 is about 20 dB better than your HT receiver. Not only will you experience significantly better sound quality, but you will also be able to leverage the use of your current amps, front L/R speakers, and sub woofer in your 2-channel music system.

The USP-1 offers analog bass management for your 2-channel listening, a HT ByPass switch, MM/MC phono stage, and high quality headphone amp. This gives you the ability to have all the benefits of a separate 2-channel music system without having to buy new amps, speakers and sub woofer. The ByPass switch allows you to share those resources from the HT multi-channel system.

[stuofsci02]

I have done the analog direct (actually EXT 5.1 inputs on my NAD AVR which is about as pure as it gets) and the USP-1 is significantly better...But my system is gonna be different then yours, so your mileage may vary..

And to aussie, I agree that if it sounds lovely you should enjoy it, but that doesn't mean you should continue to look to improve it. My first system sounded lovely to me at the time because it was a big step up from what I had and what my friends had.. I am certainly much happier with what I have today (albiet at a much higher cost). And I am still looking towards the next upgrade!

[kse]

Feb 10, 2011 0:43:07 GMT -5 aussie said:

The most important question is if you think it all sounds "lovely" now why change anything?

Just wondering if it would improve to the point where it would justify the addition. Much along the lines of the same sickness we all fall victim to from time to time. ;D

Thanks for the thoughtout replys, guys.

[monkumonku]

Feb 10, 2011 0:43:07 GMT -5 aussie said:

The most important question is if you think it all sounds "lovely" now why change anything? If you were unhappy or just wanted more/better I can understand but I don;t understand why if someone is really happy and enjoys a sound why they would want to change it. The term "why fix what isn't broken" comes to mind.

Not meaning to have a go at the OP or anyone but we all so often get caught up in "what if's" that we forget to just learn to enjoy what we like.

I hear what you are saying and it makes perfect sense. On the other hand, if we all followed your advice, most audio equipment manufacturers would go broke. ;D Grass is Greener syndrome is hard to cure.

[Mr. Ben]

I think the difference between the USP-1 and the Yamaha in pure-direct mode is going to be very small, and likely inaudible. There are probably better ways to spend your $450, like on some new albums.

You can always try it out yourself - that's what the 30-day return policy is for.

[aussie]

Oh I'm a big fan of better is, well better lol and so upgrading and buying something better is great if it gives you something more. The point is where does it end as there is always something better and audio is such a personal journey to take.

If the OP was still using a PYE 3 in 1 system and wants "more" then by all means look to upgrade and improve. And with the super low price Emo asks for it's wonderful gear I think it's a no brainer to at least try what they have to offer (and at no risk with a money back period).

But just in general I think if someone says they think their system sounds lovely, that implies to me they are enjoying what they have a great deal. But thats not to say once they listen to something else they wont enjoy it more but as you more up the food chain in audio the returns get less and less as you spend more and more.

But in all fairness for some music is just about enjoying the music for others it's the journey and clarity/improvements that different things bring. So for the most part are you a guy that enjoys a holiday destination or the journey getting to there lol.

But I'm with you guys as I was happy with how my first stereo sounded and I was happy with how my system sounded last year. I've still bought lots of things and made changes to it since then which I enjoy more. But I will say that I think I have reached a point now where I know enough to know what to expect from equipment and I know what I want from it.

My journey in audio has been reached, I'm pretty happy with things now and I'm not prepared to spend what it would cost to get any more gain. So for now I'm just going to enjoy the music, as after all thats what this hobby is meant to be about. The plus side is if I stop buying equipment I can use that money to buy more music and just enjoy it.

So I do agree with you all, my statements are flawed to a point and it also depends on where your currently at in the audio journey. But the end result is to enjoy the music and if your already doing that well thats my thinking hehehe.

I do feel the OP would certainly gain a 2 channel improvement but the thing is taste in audio are personal and subjective. If you love the taste of your ice cream why not just enjoy it instead of wanting someone else's. If you follow the path of equipment purity and want whats better thats going to be one very long and expensive journey. Nothing wrong with that though and for some people thats what this hobby is about.