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Post by tjhenry on Apr 19, 2011 19:12:39 GMT -5
GMan,
I tried to match the outputs as closely as possible. Unfortunately, the limiting factor in my listening is the increments of my volume control with my integrated amp. It only allows 1 dB steps.
I could use the volume control on the DAC1 to match levels (it was the loudest) but I was concerned that using the volume control would degrade the sound (some information online suggests that is true) as compared to the calibrated output of the DAC1.
I listened to several tracks through headphones during and after level matching and couldn't detect any difference in volume. That being said, I agree that confirmation of the levels I thought were matched would be informative and I agree that level matching is critical. Other than using the DAC1 volume control, I can't get any more accurate. I know most reviewers level match components to something like 0.1 dB.
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Post by rclark on Apr 20, 2011 12:57:03 GMT -5
Accepting the opinion that the DAC1 performs better than the XDA-1, what from an electronic standpoint makes it so? If we were to rip open both units what are the key differences in how they are built that leads to the one sounding better than the other? Is it the 1955 DAC that is the weak link in the XDA-1 or is it the filters? I am contemplating selling my XDA-1 and buying the new ERC-2 but that uses the same DACs has the ERC-1 and XDA-1. I have written here on other threads that I could not hear or tell the difference between the XDA-1 and my DVD player (Pioneer DV-43) which was a bit frustrating. That's funny because I just sold my ERC-1 and am now stuck with my dvd player until my erc2 arrives and I can reconnect with my XDA. The sound quality I am now experiencing with my dvd player is like claws on a chalkboard in comparison to my XDA. |
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wc
Minor Hero
Posts: 15
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Post by wc on Apr 20, 2011 13:03:19 GMT -5
That's funny because I just sold my ERC-1 and am now stuck with my dvd player until my erc2 arrives and I can reconnect with my XDA. The sound quality I am now experiencing with my dvd player is like claws on a chalkboard in comparison to my XDA. Are you running the DVD player into the XDA? It would probably be better than the analogs off the DVD player. |
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Post by rclark on Apr 20, 2011 14:10:07 GMT -5
No DVD player solo. I tried the coax out on my player and it doesn't work. But having had the erc1 xda combo for several months now, it is painful to hear how bad the sq of my DVD is.
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wc
Minor Hero
Posts: 15
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Post by wc on Apr 20, 2011 16:09:30 GMT -5
No DVD player solo. I tried the coax out on my player and it doesn't work. But having had the erc1 xda combo for several months now, it is painful to hear how bad the sq of my DVD is. Did you check that it is sending out stereo PCM, instead of Dolby multichannel or does it just not work? |
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Post by rclark on Apr 20, 2011 19:35:30 GMT -5
just doesn't work. So I'm using the rca outs.
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Post by Felix Alonzo on Apr 20, 2011 21:09:28 GMT -5
I see lots of discussion about that 6,000$ dac. But has anyone heard about the 25,000$ dac by MSB Tech called the Diamond Dac? Isnt there a point of unessessery overkill from ultra high end audio? Where do they draw the line? >:(Doesn't the XDA 1 essentially gets a close enough job done at 300$? What makes MSB charge 25,000$ for a dac? The parts were at least 500$ to buy! >:(
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hemster
Global Moderator 
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,952
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Post by hemster on Apr 20, 2011 21:23:10 GMT -5
I see lots of discussion about that 6,000$ dac. But has anyone heard about the 25,000$ dac by MSB Tech called the Diamond Dac? Isnt there a point of unessessery overkill from ultra high end audio? Where do they draw the line? >:(Doesn't the XDA 1 essentially gets a close enough job done at 300$? What makes MSB charge 25,000$ for a dac? The parts were at least 500$ to buy! >:( I think it's a bit like buying jewelry. One really needs to recognize and understand exactly what one is getting into. Otherwise, the price you pay is what you think it's worth... just like jewelery. Then again, as long as there are those that have way too much money than sense, there'll be people that build the widgets for them. |
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Post by Felix Alonzo on Apr 20, 2011 21:52:50 GMT -5
I agree. These extreme brands know that there are people out there with money on tap so they cater to that market with clever marketing (brainwashing). It's guys who want bragging rights I think, they get to say that their cd player was featured in The Robb Report.
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Post by ryan08 on Apr 27, 2011 14:52:05 GMT -5
I am still trying to like the XDA.
I have a ERC-1 running through UMC-1/XPA-5 -Axiom M-60/10" sub
I have an Arcam CD into XDA into Hafler SE240 - Axiom M3/10" sub
These are set up intermingled and I like the sound of the ERC-1 through all the other stuff over the XDA as preamp shortcut. I know this is not very scientific, but I thought I would hear an improvement over the other setup and not the other way around.
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