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XSP-1
Jan 11, 2015 8:53:39 GMT -5
Post by novisnick on Jan 11, 2015 8:53:39 GMT -5
I'm using a XDA-2 and XSP-1 combination. I listen to internet radio using a digital Radio output into the XDA-2 (Coax 1) plus my CD collection using a digital output from an ASUS Notebook into the optical input of the XDA-2 (Opt 1) . I've never had a problem with either source into the XDA-2 and am very happy with the detail provided by both sources (of course the radio stations used are all above 128 kbps). After reading about all the trouble people have with USB solutions, I'm so pleased I used the digital output from my notebook. It never misses a beat, whatever I do, the music just plays on. " After reading about all the trouble people have with USB solutions, I'm so pleased I used the digital output from my notebook. It never misses a beat, whatever I do, the music just plays on. " I like the the possitve post here but I'll make a statement about this quote I've pulled from your post. 8) ive used a USB connection from both my PC and Mini Mac and that connection has never been anything but easy and superior in sound quality. Im not saying the members have not had there share of problems, just that I have never experienced them in that manor. also, I've found the with a lot of A/V gear, most problems are USER ERROR. 8)  |
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XSP-1
Jan 11, 2015 9:14:17 GMT -5
Post by novisnick on Jan 11, 2015 9:14:17 GMT -5
I'd like to see Emotiva try a tubed version of the XSP-1... I know they've kind of targeted an "entry level" tube preamp first, but I think that their "high-end" tube preamp (if it ever happens) would be the one I'd like to hear. Until then, I'm unlikely to let go of what I've got. The thing that struck me most about the XSP-1 was how much it "opened up" in the treble after a couple of weeks of use. I'd initially thought that the preamp wasn't too extended sounding, but either the preamp "broke in" or my ears adjusted, because it sounds really open now. Is anyone using the XDA-2 with their XSP-1? I happen to have a loaner XDA-2 from member RightinLA sitting here in a box... How does this combo sound compared to an Oppo feeding the XSP-1 directly? OTOH - I may not be able to use the XDA-2 - It doesn't have an ethernet input and will be unable to use the DNLA transfer that my Oppo can. The only other way for me to use the DAC would be to run the optical output from my Airport Express (not currently in the signal chain) into the optical input of the XDA-2. Should I expect better, worse, or no difference in digital transfer using the TOSLINK vs. DNLA over ethernet? Boom, when you talk about an Emo tube pre at the level of the XSP-1,,,,,,,I think your DREAMY!!!!! 8). 8) |
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XSP-1
Jan 11, 2015 12:18:29 GMT -5
Post by Boomzilla on Jan 11, 2015 12:18:29 GMT -5
No harm in wishing...  |
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XSP-1
Jan 11, 2015 20:26:10 GMT -5
Post by ocezam on Jan 11, 2015 20:26:10 GMT -5
No harm in wishing... Wow. That is one bony woman. |
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XSP-1
Jan 11, 2015 20:52:15 GMT -5
Post by Boomzilla on Jan 11, 2015 20:52:15 GMT -5
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Post by leonski on Jan 12, 2015 3:12:06 GMT -5
I think the word is 'gaunt'. Another miracle brought to you courtesy of PhotoShop.
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Post by solarrdadd on Feb 5, 2015 15:41:39 GMT -5
No harm in wishing... No harm in wishing... Wow. That is one bony woman. and if i could, i'd be bony'ing her all over the place too!  |
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XSP-1
Feb 5, 2015 15:45:29 GMT -5
Post by solarrdadd on Feb 5, 2015 15:45:29 GMT -5
considering the thread we're in, check out my sig and see if you can figure out what i got in the mail today............  |
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Post by ocezam on Feb 5, 2015 16:18:46 GMT -5
considering the thread we're in, check out my sig and see if you can figure out what i got in the mail today............ An emaciated model? |
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XSP-1
Feb 5, 2015 16:23:30 GMT -5
Post by garbulky on Feb 5, 2015 16:23:30 GMT -5
solarrdadd An XSP-1?! What do you think of it?!!? Do you notice any diference with the xda-2?
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XSP-1
Feb 6, 2015 11:24:05 GMT -5
Post by solarrdadd on Feb 6, 2015 11:24:05 GMT -5
solarrdadd An XSP-1?! What do you think of it?!!? Do you notice any diference with the xda-2? correct bulky. i haven't even taken it outta the box yet, i'll do that tonight. also, i don't and never have had a XDA-2. it will be connected to my Stereo Rig being fed by my Oppo 105 via (and ordered, awaiting arrival of) a pair of Pure Silver Litz Structure XLR interconnects. i should have them next week. i will be sure to let you know what i think about the XSP-1 after putting it through it's paces. i have no doubt i'll be happy. the one thing i'm happy about is that it will give my Stereo Rig a chance to have "other" analog components introduced to my SDA-2's and i'm just tickled about that. |
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XSP-1
Feb 6, 2015 12:00:47 GMT -5
Post by garbulky on Feb 6, 2015 12:00:47 GMT -5
solarrdadd : My mistake, I meant the 105. I agree about the ability to connect other stuff into the mix. It's a very useful ability! You could even see how your ifi nano idsd dac did too. Is it any good? Looking forward to hear what you think about your new xsp-1!
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XSP-1
Feb 6, 2015 15:20:18 GMT -5
Post by solarrdadd on Feb 6, 2015 15:20:18 GMT -5
solarrdadd : My mistake, I meant the 105. I agree about the ability to connect other stuff into the mix. It's a very useful ability! You could even see how your ifi nano idsd dac did too. Is it any good? Looking forward to hear what you think about your new xsp-1! well, i'm not going to break down my iFi system from work to bring it home, so, sorry. however, yeah, i do like the ability to add other analog components to my stereo analog system at home. i will ultimately go XLR from the 105 to the XSP-1, but, i've ordered the cables and will have to wait til they get here. i will test it out with 105-RCA-XSP1-RCA-UPA200-SDA-2 until they arrive. my end game for cables will be XLR silver litz structure cables between source & pre-amp and same cables except RCA between pre-amp and power amp so, it's pure silver through and through! over the course of the weekend, you can expect to see something posted in here by me about my intial impressions with that setup and again, later once the XLR cables arrive and what if any change i notice with the difference between the cables between the source & pre-amp. |
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XSP-1
Feb 7, 2015 21:19:09 GMT -5
Post by brandanr on Feb 7, 2015 21:19:09 GMT -5
I am new to this forum..and really just a beginner when it comes to sound systems. I have an Onkyo 929 and some energy Veritas speakers. am running a 7.1 system right now but would like to eventually set up a 9.2. I recently bought a new turntable and plan on hooking it up as well. I am also planning on buying a amp to take some weight off my receiver. I have been looking at this XSP and wondered exactly how this could fit into my system. i am pretty ignorant with this stuff and was trying to figure it out..but not sure how it would play into a system like mine with a onkyo receiver and also having external amps pushing multiple channels. Is this jst for a stereo setup? I noticed the HT bypass...I am just not sure how all this would work. Amateur I know...but I noticed there are some very knowledgable people on here and thought maybe someone could give me a clue as to whether this is something I could hookup and what benefit it would be. I would like to be able to listen to my cd player and record player at the highest fidelity possible. I really appreciate any help that you all could give.
Thanks,
Brandan
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XSP-1
Feb 8, 2015 18:22:07 GMT -5
Post by Gary Cook on Feb 8, 2015 18:22:07 GMT -5
Hi Brandan, welcome. The XSP-1 sits between an AVR/processor and the power amp/amps. For stereo 2.1 listening the sources are connected to the XSP-1 via RCA or XLR, the XSP-1 does analogue (not digital) bass management, so its output is for the FL & FR and the sub woofer. For multi channel listening (movies SACD's etc) the source is connected to the AVR/processor, generally via a digital connection, HDMI, toslink etc. The XSP-1 is then set to HT Bypass, so the analogue output signal from the AVR/processor passes through the XSP-1 without being touched and then goes to the power amp/amps.
Cheers
Gary
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XSP-1
Feb 8, 2015 19:05:00 GMT -5
Post by brandanr on Feb 8, 2015 19:05:00 GMT -5
HI Gary,
I really appreciate you taking the time to explain that to me. I sometimes feel ignorant with this stuff..its a big learning curve. You definitely clarified some things for me. So basically I would have to use the RCA cables to connect the Onkyo to the XSP for the FL, FR and subwoofer and then on to the amp. Also connecting my SACD player and Record player to the XSP. So then if I wanted to listen to my records or CD's in stereo I would use the XSP. Otherwise I would use the HT bypass for cable/movies/SACD playing? I was kindof wondering if the XSP would improve the sound of the multichannel listening as well. Sounds like its more of a niche product meant only for CD and vinyl playing. I had also wondered if bluetooth streaming through the onkyo would benefit. But it is analog only. So would you recommend this product for someone like me? I would love to get the best sound out of my CD's and vinyl as possible. But 1k is a lot for me and want to make sure this is a gonna be a noticeable benefit for me. I appreciate you time. Nice to know someone is kind enough to help a novice out like me.
Cheers,
Brandan
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XSP-1
Feb 8, 2015 19:25:07 GMT -5
Post by Gary Cook on Feb 8, 2015 19:25:07 GMT -5
This can get complex so I'll try and keep it short and simple.
I only have one "all the way" analogue source and that's a turntable. No digital processing there, so I need something to handle the bass management and send the appropriate signals to the L&R and the sub. For analogue listening (RCA or XLR connection) a lot of people (me included) prefer a pure analogue pre amp.
All of my other sources are digital, CD, cable box BD, AppleTV etc. For listening to them it's then a question of which DAC I prefer. For example I like the sound of the DAC in the ERC-3, so I take the analogue output of it to the pre amp.
For the cable box however, I prefer the sound of the DAC in the processor (UMC-200), so I take the digital (HDMI) output of it to the processor.
The XSP-1 handles 2.1 (L&R + sub) so any multi channel sources (5.1, 7.2 etc) would be HDMI connection to the processor.
Cheers
Gary
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XSP-1
Feb 8, 2015 22:03:38 GMT -5
Post by brandanr on Feb 8, 2015 22:03:38 GMT -5
Hi Gary,
I see what you are saying..Just personal preference. I guess I would never know what difference of what i was hearing without dropping the 1k and comparing it to my previous setup. I am on a pretty strict budget and so try not to splurge unless I am gonna be blown away by the difference in sound. Do you think i would get a noticeable diiference using the XPS as a pre/pro to the Onkyo? The onkyo is already setup with phone inputs and ground. But I wondered if I could improve the sound with a product like the XPS or XSP? Or maybe you would recommend a different DAC? Thanks again gary for your time.
Cheers,
Brandan
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XSP-1
Feb 8, 2015 22:17:22 GMT -5
Post by leonski on Feb 8, 2015 22:17:22 GMT -5
Onkyo is probably the weak link.
Chaining preamps, even those with 'HT ByPass' may still have an adverse sonic impact.
In an Onkyo VS XSP-1 'listen off' I'd expect the XSP to do enough better to warrant ditching the surround sound altogether.
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XSP-1
Feb 8, 2015 22:52:33 GMT -5
Post by brandanr on Feb 8, 2015 22:52:33 GMT -5
I sure wish i could hear the difference without making the big purchase. How would the XSP work a primary processor without center channel?
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