XDA-1 Review

[oaudio1]

I’ve been an audiophile for over 30 years and define the term as an unrelenting pursuit in creating a live performance in real space, or should I say the illusion of it.

I have also owned some fairly expensive equipment through the years which had put me into serious debt. However, these days, I'm a bit more sane and able to control myself. I also realize there are many directions you can go without spending large sums of money. It truly depends on research and your willingness to work with the details.

A few months have passed since I purchased the Emotiva XDA-1 DAC/preamp, so now I feel I can finally share my own impressions. I want to add my final decision for making the purchase was a review from "The Darko DAC Index" by John Darko.

Presently, I don't think you can improve on what it has to offer especially at its clearance price. What it delivers is high resolution audio that does not sugar coat. The unit can be a chameleon, it all depends on the quality of the recording, however, give it something special and you will rewarded and amazed by the performance.

I'm fortunate I already own an excellent amplifier and loudspeakers. I also own excellent digital, loudspeaker, and power cables. What I am trying to say is you MUST compliment the XDA-1, or you will not realize it's full potential.

Currently I am using the XDA-1 for home audio and video and of course in a 2 channel setup. It's amazing to put on a Blu-ray and have the picture come to life. I'm getting outstanding bass with great dynamics and clarity and I'm only using bookshelf loudspeakers!

By the way, my better compact discs recordings and computer wav. files sound dimensional, palpable, and transparent.

Here are my tips if anyone is interested:

Go balanced (XLR) to realize the DAC/preamp potential

Consider a tube amplifier

Use excellent digital cables, etc.

Use quality power conditioning

Make sure you have a decent room and properly setup your loudspeakers

Research and work with the details, YOU WILL be rewarded!

Cheers!
oaudio1

Associated equipment:

Emotiva XDA-1 DAC/Preamp

Wyred 4 Sound ST-250 Stereo ICE Amp

DALI Zensor 1 Loudspeakers

Yamaha CD-S300-RK CD player

Logitech Squeezebox Touch

LG BD570 Blu-ray player

Seagate portable HD via Blu-ray USB

Cables:

Lifatec Toslink Silflex Glass digital cables

Black Cat Veloce coax digital cable

Evidence Audio XLR balanced cables

MAC CuQ Speaker Cables

Discovery power cables

Power conditioning:

Blue Circle Audio PLC Thingee and BC86 Mk5

MAC 5' MAC HC Power cable

[Deleted]

Excellent review oaudio1!

I own 2 XDA-1's and love em

[Deleted]

Thanks oaudio1 and welcome to the Lounge. We very much appreciate your review on the XDA-1.

;D

[hemster]

oaudio1, welcome to the lounge. Thanks for sharing your experience with the XDA-1.

[cgolf]

Good review. I didn't get any change in SQ with my XDA but it's good to hear that you did. My brother got some good results with his also using satellite radio and a Sonus. ;D

[oaudio1]

THANKS guys for all your comments, a few last thoughts regarding the XDA-1 DAC/preamp. If the unit does not "float your boat" in home audio, it still works wonders for home video and I would imagine in a computer setup as well. Don't forget, at it's clearance price I don't think you will find anything close to it's performance, versatility, and build quality.

oaudio1

[Deleted]

I echo oaudio1's sentiments. I received my XDA-1 yesterday and am very pleased with the results. Even when compared to the Rega DAC, the XDA-1 holds its own. I also agree wholeheartedly that the quality of the recording being played will make a tremendous difference in the perceived quality of output. This DAC is unforgiving in that regard.

PS. The Darko DAC Index finally pushed me over to purchase as well.

[garbulky]

Glad to see the review! I too enjoy the amazing transparency this thing is capable of! I looked at your setup and I can see your a man of very specific tastes. I always wondered what it would be like to have a good bookshelf system compared to towers. A question, what do you think of the low volume response. Does it still feel as detailed/full as it at higher volumes?

[oaudio1]

Thanks garbulky! I believe I read here or elsewhere that to maintain audio integrity you must keep the volume setting above 50. I do hear a loss at lower settings but I imagine it also depends on the output of the recording you are listening to.

[audiofile]

Welcome to the forum, oaudio1, from a fellow Oregonian! I'm out on the West side.

[garbulky]

Thanks OAaudio. I cant put myfinger on what's missing, if anything. I just know that I want to turn it louder than the softest volume. Unfortunately hitting 50 on my preamp would get me into too much trouble Somebody told me to turn down the volume knob on the upa-2 back panel and then turn the DAC upto 80. I did briefly and didnt find a very noticeable difference doing it that way. As for an XDA-1 via a computer setup: It is fantastic!