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Post by jefffree69 on Apr 19, 2011 13:14:58 GMT -5
I've heard many good things about the XDA-1 and was thinking of trying it for a couple of applications. The first is just with standard CD transport input.
The other is for USB, so I could play hi quality FLAC files from my PC or laptop. HDTracks has many available in 24 bit / 88.2khz format , along with 96khz.
Would both of these work? The XDA-1 manual states "All standard resolutions are supported up to 192kHz" Is 88.2 considered "standard"? - just wanna make 100% sure.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2011 13:17:57 GMT -5
The xda-1 will do any sample rate up to 192. I recently downloaded some albums off of HD Tracks and wow!! Great SQ  Oh to answer your question. 88.2 will work just fine. |
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Post by alhull on Apr 19, 2011 15:16:28 GMT -5
The xda-1 will do any sample rate up to 192. I recently downloaded some albums off of HD Tracks and wow!! Great SQ Oh to answer your question. 88.2 will work just fine. and could you tell us how you played back those high-def tracks? what software/hardware combo did you use to get he tracks to the XDA-1? And did they stay in that format when getting to the XDA-1? I'm looking to do a 2-channel setup using FLAC files, maybe a Vortexbox, and a SqueezeBox Touch, etc, feeding coax or optical to my XDA-1... |
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Post by preproman on Apr 19, 2011 18:44:34 GMT -5
The other is for USB, so I could play hi quality FLAC files from my PC or laptop. HDTracks has many available in 24 bit / 88.2khz format , along with 96khz. Would both of these work? I think jeffree69 would like to know if you can get 96/192 playback out the USB input. I'm not sure about 96 but for 192 the answer is NO. The USB on the XDA-1 is adaptive and not asynchronous. So for 192 playback you would have to get something like the HiFace EVO or for up to 96 the V-Link. I use the V-Link/J. River with my XDA-1, no drivers are needed it's just plug and play. I'm thinking about getting the EVO as well to give it a try. J. River works great with FLAC files. Right now not so great with AIF files. There working on it, Jim and Matt are hard working guys and the support over there is great. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2011 18:59:50 GMT -5
Sorry i mis read the OP's original post. I use optical mini out on my Macbook pro. Itunes for playback and use Max to get the Flac files in Itunes.
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Post by jefffree69 on Apr 20, 2011 9:38:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the info -
Yes, I am looking for a way to get 24bit 88.2 and 96khz FLAC files to the XDA-1. (At this point I have no interest in the premium-priced 192khz). I thought USB , with something like Media Monkey on the PC, would be the easiest way to go.
So would I need an external converter to do that? I am not completely understanding the need to convert USB to coax, if that is what V-link does. What is the XDA's USB input useful for? ( I see no mention of any limitations in the manual). I have seen other USB 2.0 audio interfaces for recording that support up to 24 bit/96khz.
Thanks for any clarifications you can add.
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Post by malibujeff on Apr 22, 2011 8:54:00 GMT -5
Yes, It will play the hi rez files, but they will be down sampled. The USB only supports 16/48.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Apr 22, 2011 11:17:34 GMT -5
Yes, It will play the hi rez files, but they will be down sampled. The USB only supports 16/48. I remember reading that it will do 192 but not sure now where I read that. |
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Post by linicks on Apr 25, 2011 21:54:55 GMT -5
Yes, It will play the hi rez files, but they will be down sampled. The USB only supports 16/48. Actually it depends if you are using USB 1, or USB 2 Audio. USB 2 Audio can handle 24/192 no problem. Here is some more info: www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/USB_DAC.htmI'm not sure what version of USB Audio the XDA-1 supports, but I would hope that a new high performance audio product would support USB 2 Audio. Hopefully someone from Emotiva can clarify this. |
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Post by jefffree69 on Apr 26, 2011 12:36:28 GMT -5
Yes, It will play the hi rez files, but they will be down sampled. The USB only supports 16/48. Actually it depends if you are using USB 1, or USB 2 Audio. USB 2 Audio can handle 24/192 no problem. Here is some more info: www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/USB_DAC.htmThanks - thats a really good link! Some relevant excerpts: "All operating systems (Win, OSX, and Linux) support USB Audio Class 1 natively. Class 1 allows for up to 24 bit/ 96 kHz. This is the maximum resolution."So for my purposes (88.2 & 96 khz / 24 bit) - there should be no problem (even on my laptop which may not have usb 2) 24 bit Asynchronous USB Class One Audio DACs
are USB Audio class 1 compliant.
They can play 24 bits audio with a 96 kHz sample rate. 24 bit adaptive mode USB Class One Audio DACs These DACs use the adaptive mode and are USB Audio class 1 compliant
The audiophile community thinks asynchronous is the way to go. .
16 bit USB you can buy a 24 bit USB DAC at an affordable price. So no reason to limit yourself to 16 bit anymore.Yes, hopefully. I can't imagine why its such a big secret. The manual is totally vague. But as long as its not just 16 bit it sounds like it should work. |
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Post by preproman on Apr 26, 2011 15:37:24 GMT -5
The USB on the XDA-1 is an adaptive mode USB Audio class 1 compliant unit. It only supports 16/48.
As malibujeff said - "Yes, It will play the hi rez files, but they will be down sampled. The USB only supports 16/48."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2011 15:44:05 GMT -5
This is correct. I use the "Pure Music Player" and it tells you the max supported format at the sound card end. 48/16  The Benchmark DAC1 and Music Hall 25.3 will support 24 bit |
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 26, 2011 16:40:21 GMT -5
It would make it a lot easier for all if the XDA-1 displayed what the resolution was for the file being played. But it doesn't, and it is what it is.
What I would like to see is a definitive statement from Lonnie or other qualified person at Emo that tells us exactly what the capabilities are for the USB port. I am confused from reading all kinds of stuff - that some sound cards are only capable of sending up to a certain resolution signal, or what you see on the computer screen isn't necessarily what is being sent because it is downsampled first, or that USB 2.0 doesn't support this or that, or that the XDA-1's own USB input is limited. In other words, it is very unclear exactly what the FACTS are. So can we get something that clears that all up?
That would be helpful.
That's a FACT. ;D
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Post by linicks on Apr 26, 2011 17:18:00 GMT -5
It would make it a lot easier for all if the XDA-1 displayed what the resolution was for the file being played. But it doesn't, and it is what it is. What I would like to see is a definitive statement from Lonnie or other qualified person at Emo that tells us exactly what the capabilities are for the USB port. I am confused from reading all kinds of stuff - that some sound cards are only capable of sending up to a certain resolution signal, or what you see on the computer screen isn't necessarily what is being sent because it is downsampled first, or that USB 2.0 doesn't support this or that, or that the XDA-1's own USB input is limited. In other words, it is very unclear exactly what the FACTS are. So can we get something that clears that all up? That would be helpful. That's a FACT. ;D monkumonku, It's important to make a distinction between your built in sound card, which is essentially an internal DAC, and external DACs like the XDA-1. The XDA-1 is basically an external "Sound Card" for your computer when it's connected via USB. Internal sound cards require software drivers so that you can use them under any operating system. Just like internal sound cards, external sound cards need drivers to make them work. A key difference here is that one set of drivers is for a specific internal sound card, and the other is for USB audio(A standardized specification). Currently, all major operating systems like Windows, Mac, OSX, and Linux have USB audio 1 compliant drivers which support up to 24/96 audio. Newer versions of OSX, and Linux offer native/built in drivers for USB audio 2 which support 24/192 sample rates. There are USB 2 audio drivers available for Windows, but you currently have to download and install them yourself. In theory, the XDA-1 should play back back at a minimum 24/96 on most computers built from 1998 on. Of course, I haven't tested this on the XDA-1, and would also love to here from the Emotiva technical staff with accurate specifications regarding the USB port. I also like the idea of an indicator that shows the sample rate of the data/music being played back. I hope this helps clarify the issue a little! -- Nick Pavlica |
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 26, 2011 17:41:33 GMT -5
It would make it a lot easier for all if the XDA-1 displayed what the resolution was for the file being played. But it doesn't, and it is what it is. What I would like to see is a definitive statement from Lonnie or other qualified person at Emo that tells us exactly what the capabilities are for the USB port. I am confused from reading all kinds of stuff - that some sound cards are only capable of sending up to a certain resolution signal, or what you see on the computer screen isn't necessarily what is being sent because it is downsampled first, or that USB 2.0 doesn't support this or that, or that the XDA-1's own USB input is limited. In other words, it is very unclear exactly what the FACTS are. So can we get something that clears that all up? That would be helpful. That's a FACT. ;D monkumonku, It's important to make a distinction between your built in sound card, which is essentially an internal DAC, and external DACs like the XDA-1. The XDA-1 is basically an external "Sound Card" for your computer when it's connected via USB. Internal sound cards require software drivers so that you can use them under any operating system. Just like internal sound cards, external sound cards need drivers to make them work. A key difference here is that one set of drivers is for a specific internal sound card, and the other is for USB audio(A standardized specification). Currently, all major operating systems like Windows, Mac, OSX, and Linux have USB audio 1 compliant drivers which support up to 24/96 audio. Newer versions of OSX, and Linux offer native/built in drivers for USB audio 2 which support 24/192 sample rates. There are USB 2 audio drivers available for Windows, but you currently have to download and install them yourself. In theory, the XDA-1 should play back back at a minimum 24/96 on most computers built from 1998 on. Of course, I haven't tested this on the XDA-1, and would also love to here from the Emotiva technical staff with accurate specifications regarding the USB port. I also like the idea of an indicator that shows the sample rate of the data/music being played back. I hope this helps clarify the issue a little! -- Nick Pavlica Thanks, Nick. So from what you wrote I gather that my USB port is sending up to a 24/96 rate to the XDA-1. I doubt I could hear a difference between that and a higher sampling rate. What I am still not clear about is that even if it is being fed a 24/96 rate through the USB port, is that what is really playing through the XDA-1? All the stuff in the threads leaves me confused. Also, how do I know that my USB port from the computer is actually sending out a 24/96 signal? Of course the easiest thing would be to have that show on the display but..  |
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Post by linicks on Apr 27, 2011 14:05:42 GMT -5
monkumonku, “Thanks, Nick. So from what you wrote I gather that my USB port is sending up to a 24/96 rate to the XDA-1. “ - That's based on allot of assumptions, but in theory you should be able to 24/96 or better depending on your computer, the XDA-1, and other associated hardware and software components in the system. “I doubt I could hear a difference between that and a higher sampling rate.” - In my testing, I have been able to hear a difference, of course like most things in the audio world your mileage will vary with the almost unlimited number of variables. “What I am still not clear about is that even if it is being fed a 24/96 rate through the USB port, is that what is really playing through the XDA-1? All the stuff in the threads leaves me confused. Also, how do I know that my USB port from the computer is actually sending out a 24/96 signal? ” - Digital audio can get confusing, but the answers are out there if you invest the time and energy learning about it, and trying new things. I primarily listen from my Ubuntu Linux workstation, but I also use a MacBook Pro, and Windows 7 Laptop to playback and manage my music library. This mixed environment has really helped me sort through some of the details. From your previous posts it sounds like you are using a Windows based computer. If that's the case, you may want to experiment with ASIO, and Foobar2000. This will allow you to control exactly what's going to your XDA-1. For example, If you send it 24/192 and it doesn't work, or Foobar2000 gives you an error, then you will know the upper limit of your system. Of course you need to verify that it's not an operator error Here is a link that will help you sort out the details: www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/221237/asio4all-explanationAs the author mentions, it's a bit outdated, but there's still allot of good information in the article/thread. With ASIO4ALL, and Foobar2000 you will be able test the playback capabilities of your system. If you don't have any good test tracks, I can recommend these from 2L: www.2l.no/hires/index.htmlHD tracks also give you access to some HD sample tracks when you sign up. www.hdtracks.com/index.php“Of course the easiest thing would be to have that show on the display but.” Yes, but you wouldn't get to enjoy all the fun of tuning and testing your system I hope, this helps! – Nick Pavlica |
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 27, 2011 14:41:06 GMT -5
monkumonku, “Thanks, Nick. So from what you wrote I gather that my USB port is sending up to a 24/96 rate to the XDA-1. “ - That's based on allot of assumptions, but in theory you should be able to 24/96 or better depending on your computer, the XDA-1, and other associated hardware and software components in the system. “I doubt I could hear a difference between that and a higher sampling rate.” - In my testing, I have been able to hear a difference, of course like most things in the audio world your mileage will vary with the almost unlimited number of variables. “What I am still not clear about is that even if it is being fed a 24/96 rate through the USB port, is that what is really playing through the XDA-1? All the stuff in the threads leaves me confused. Also, how do I know that my USB port from the computer is actually sending out a 24/96 signal? ” - Digital audio can get confusing, but the answers are out there if you invest the time and energy learning about it, and trying new things. I primarily listen from my Ubuntu Linux workstation, but I also use a MacBook Pro, and Windows 7 Laptop to playback and manage my music library. This mixed environment has really helped me sort through some of the details. From your previous posts it sounds like you are using a Windows based computer. If that's the case, you may want to experiment with ASIO, and Foobar2000. This will allow you to control exactly what's going to your XDA-1. For example, If you send it 24/192 and it doesn't work, or Foobar2000 gives you an error, then you will know the upper limit of your system. Of course you need to verify that it's not an operator error Here is a link that will help you sort out the details: www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/221237/asio4all-explanationAs the author mentions, it's a bit outdated, but there's still allot of good information in the article/thread. With ASIO4ALL, and Foobar2000 you will be able test the playback capabilities of your system. If you don't have any good test tracks, I can recommend these from 2L: www.2l.no/hires/index.htmlHD tracks also give you access to some HD sample tracks when you sign up. www.hdtracks.com/index.php“Of course the easiest thing would be to have that show on the display but.” Yes, but you wouldn't get to enjoy all the fun of tuning and testing your system I hope, this helps! – Nick Pavlica Hi Nick, thanks for the info! I will look into that but I just wanted to say that I am running a computer with a Windows 7 OS (home premium version). I used Media Monkey and it tells me the rate on the playback screen. However, I don't think my sound card is capable of the higher rates (it is an M-Audio Revolution 7.1) and so that also adds to my confusion - is what is going to the sound card that actual rate or is it downsampled or whatever you call it in order to adjust to the capabilities of the card. Then I don't know if the rate shown in Media Monkey is going to the USB port. Anyway I will read those links you referenced. It isn't that big a deal to me since I mainly use a Sonos box and I know what its limitations are. But it would be good to know what is actually being transmitted via the USB cable. |
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Post by linicks on Apr 27, 2011 15:39:43 GMT -5
Hi Nick, thanks for the info! I will look into that but I just wanted to say that I am running a computer with a Windows 7 OS (home premium version). I used Media Monkey and it tells me the rate on the playback screen. However, I don't think my sound card is capable of the higher rates (it is an M-Audio Revolution 7.1) and so that also adds to my confusion - is what is going to the sound card that actual rate or is it downsampled or whatever you call it in order to adjust to the capabilities of the card. Then I don't know if the rate shown in Media Monkey is going to the USB port. Anyway I will read those links you referenced. It isn't that big a deal to me since I mainly use a Sonos box and I know what its limitations are. But it would be good to know what is actually being transmitted via the USB cable. monkumonku, It's important to keep in mind that your internal sound card, the M-Audio R 7.1, and the external USB sound card/DAC, the XDA-1, are completely separate. Don't confuse the two, and their drivers/play back capabilities. Additionally, your M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is capable of 24/192 playback, and works with ASIO. Make sure that your M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is configured for 24/192, and you should be good to go there. I believe Media Monkey also has an ASIO plugin. -- Nick Pavlica |
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 27, 2011 16:35:27 GMT -5
Hi Nick, thanks for the info! I will look into that but I just wanted to say that I am running a computer with a Windows 7 OS (home premium version). I used Media Monkey and it tells me the rate on the playback screen. However, I don't think my sound card is capable of the higher rates (it is an M-Audio Revolution 7.1) and so that also adds to my confusion - is what is going to the sound card that actual rate or is it downsampled or whatever you call it in order to adjust to the capabilities of the card. Then I don't know if the rate shown in Media Monkey is going to the USB port. Anyway I will read those links you referenced. It isn't that big a deal to me since I mainly use a Sonos box and I know what its limitations are. But it would be good to know what is actually being transmitted via the USB cable. monkumonku, It's important to keep in mind that your internal sound card, the M-Audio R 7.1, and the external USB sound card/DAC, the XDA-1, are completely separate. Don't confuse the two, and their drivers/play back capabilities. Additionally, your M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is capable of 24/192 playback, and works with ASIO. Make sure that your M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is configured for 24/192, and you should be good to go there. I believe Media Monkey also has an ASIO plugin. -- Nick Pavlica Oh I realize the M-Audio card is separate from the USB port which is actually just enabling a cable to the XDA-1 as the sound card. I thought I checked the M-audio site and it had a lower rate capability. Anyway my question was if the sound card was not able to play at 24/192 but Media Monkey said the signal was 24/192, then if I had speakers connected to the M-Audio card, what sort of signal was really going through there to the speakers. If the M-AUdio was not capable of handling a 24/192 signal would there be no sound or would it automatically convert to a signal it could handle? |
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Post by linicks on Apr 27, 2011 22:39:04 GMT -5
monkumonku, It's important to keep in mind that your internal sound card, the M-Audio R 7.1, and the external USB sound card/DAC, the XDA-1, are completely separate. Don't confuse the two, and their drivers/play back capabilities. Additionally, your M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is capable of 24/192 playback, and works with ASIO. Make sure that your M-Audio Revolution 7.1 is configured for 24/192, and you should be good to go there. I believe Media Monkey also has an ASIO plugin. -- Nick Pavlica Oh I realize the M-Audio card is separate from the USB port which is actually just enabling a cable to the XDA-1 as the sound card. I thought I checked the M-audio site and it had a lower rate capability. Anyway my question was if the sound card was not able to play at 24/192 but Media Monkey said the signal was 24/192, then if I had speakers connected to the M-Audio card, what sort of signal was really going through there to the speakers. If the M-AUdio was not capable of handling a 24/192 signal would there be no sound or would it automatically convert to a signal it could handle? monkumonku, As outlined in this (http://www.m-audio.com/images/en/reviewers_guides/revolution-reviewguide.pdf) PDF, your M-Audio 7.1, will playback 24/192 if setup correctly. You need to make sure that the drivers are up to date, and configured to play back at 24/192. Depending on your drivers, and their configuration they may be down sampling to 44.1. You just need to manually verify this in your sound settings. If you have the drivers installed and configured properly, and are playing back 24/192 lossless audio files, then you are good to go. I would highly suggest trying FooBar2000 with the ASIO4all driver, your ears will thank you ! Additionally, with FooBar2000, if your sound card isn't setup correctly for a given sample rate it will give you an error. This doesn't mean that your hardware can't handle it, because we know the manufactures specifications for the M-Audio 7.1 indicate that it can playback 24/192. At this point, it's a software issue. The same is true for the XDA-1. We know that it has a DAC that can handle 24/192, but we currently don't know what USB audio specification that it supports. So, it could handle either 24/96 with USB audio 1, or 24/192 if it has USB audio 2, and you install and configure the drivers properly. Here is a basic video overview of device drivers in windows 7 that may help clarify how they work with your computer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Ejq0E4Bgk-- Nick Pavlica |
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