DC-1

[jeffnyc]

Jan 19, 2014 19:22:56 GMT -5 jeffnyc said:

Anyone know the size of the remote screws? Lost one...

Anyone occasionally get static (similar to crackles with vinyl records but more continuous) using USB (but not optical output)? Only happened to me a few times, seems to have cleared up. Perhaps electrical interference?

Figured out the static.  If selecting Airplay in MIDI (out at the same time as USB), causes static.  Must be electrical interference.

[audiobill]

Good to know, thanks!

[jeffnyc]

Feb 1, 2014 16:57:22 GMT -5 audiobill said:

Good to know, thanks!

(I have virtually the same set up as you, sans vinyl...)

[audiobill]

Great minds and ears!!

[severalethos]

I am Anti-Mac for life here, as well.. but, to get to the point, Davecski65, I think you're on the right track with trying out the other USB ports before troubleshooting anything else. The 3.0 ports work just the same as 2.0 ports with the DC-1. Just make sure you uninstall the DC-1 drivers, connect to a different USB port and then reinstall the drivers. I used the Emotiva drivers, not the Shiit ones (as some have mentioned "may work").

I had some issues with the DC-1 being dropped and reconnected with Win7Pro; it sometimes reconnected with different settings after sleep or boot-up, etc. I tried 3 different USB ports (all straight into the MoBo) and still, I had the same erratic issues, so I contacted Keith over at Emotiva Support and figured out that I should probably try the rest of the USB3.0 ports on my motherboard. I have 6 USB 3.0 ports on my board (no 2.0 ports) and it seems that only 2 of them are reliable enough to host the DC-1. The 6 USB3.0 ports are spread across 3 root hubs, 2 ports on each. One of these root hubs (the Lucid Virtu™ one, in specific, on my Z77X-UD3H MoBo) offers a rock-solid connection to my Stealth DC-1. I have had, absolutely, not 1 issue since I plugged it into a USB port that was good enough for it.
I hope your fix is as easy as mine was.

[davidvanderbilt]

I've been doing a large amount of research on this DAC and read through this entire thread. I have my next purchase narrowed down to the DC-1, the Resonessence Labs Concero, and the Arcam irDAC. I have researched all of these pretty extensively and am mostly in between the DC-1 and the Concero. I will be using this as a DAC only via USB feeding my Bottlehead crack amp to my HD 600s. Has anyone heard both?

Thanks in advance!

[dtaylo1066]

Well. I purchased from Emotiva their Optical and Coax cables. Hooked up my old Sony ES CD via the optical (has not Coax) and a newer Sonty Blu-Ray with the Coax. Major difference. Both sound really good through the DC-1. I would say my old problem was a crappy or bad Coax cable. Cheapo from Best Buy. So much for it being just 1's and 0's. I am sold that cable makes a difference. Went from ear piercing highs to smooth and deep bass. I am sold on Emotiva cables and DACs. Well done. My ears are happy again.

[severalethos]

Feb 7, 2014 14:42:34 GMT -5 davidvanderbilt said:

I've been doing a large amount of research on this DAC and read through this entire thread. I have my next purchase narrowed down to the DC-1, the Resonessence Labs Concero, and the Arcam irDAC. I have researched all of these pretty extensively and am mostly in between the DC-1 and the Concero. I will be using this as a DAC only via USB feeding my Bottlehead crack amp to my HD 600s. Has anyone heard both?

Thanks in advance!

Well, I think I can help you narrow down your DAC choices. It's an easy decision if you ask me. For approx. 43.92 USD less than the Concero or about 200 USD less than the Arcam irDAC, with the Emotiva Stealth DC-1 you get:
*Balanced (XLR) Outputs!!
*Better Frequency Response at 96k and 192k sample rates:
20 Hz to 40 kHz + / - 0.1 dB @ 96k sample rate
20 Hz to 70 kHz + / - 0.1 dB @ 192k sample rate
*Better Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise rating:
0.00033% or less @ all sample rates on the DC-1. The others
*The ability to play true 176.4kHz sample rate audio
*Better 24 bit Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
115 dB @ all sample rates
*A much beefier, toroidal power supply! The DC-1 uses approximately 15 watts while the irDAC uses 7W max and the Concero can, somehow, run off of just USB power (max = 5W). This beef, along with the near-zero output impedance of the DC-1 and its BUF634 high-current precision buffer chips (two, one for each hp jack), will assuredly drive your set of Sennheiser HD 600 headphones with great ease, as many people have already mentioned in the forums.
*Two headphone jacks on the front, with a different volume setting than the main outputs on the back, so you can hook-up speakers and headphones and you won't ever have to worry about hurting yourself or your equipment. When you plug-in the headphones, the DC-1 knows; it stops the main audio output and instantly changes the volume to the setting you last had it on when there were headphones plugged-in.

There's always more to say in favor of the DC-1, but it doesn't matter. If you're looking for some iPod/Pad bells and whistles with your DAC or are just generally looking to spend more and get less, then look elsewhere. Otherwise, the Emotiva Pro Stealth DC-1 is the obvious choice. $899 would have been a competitive price. $699 was fiercely competitive (comparing with products 3 and 4 times the price). For $499, it is a steal.

The DC-1 is my "lifer" for my HQ music listening pleasures. I know that I won't ever need to buy another DAC (to use as an external sound card for my PC) ever again in my life. The DC-1 does it all and, coming from an extremely critical listener, reference quality digital audio processing just doesn't get any better than this.

Oh yea, so back to your question. I assume the "both" you were talking about would be the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones and the Stealth DC-1? or did you want to know how the two headphone amps sound together? IMO, sell the pre-built Bottlehead at a premium (b/c they are on a 4-week backorder right now) and just use the DC-1 by itself, for everything. You will be happy with how it drives the HD 600s, or HD 650s or HD 800s.

[jeffnyc]

Beginner question: How do I know if the DC-1 can power certain headphones (what ohms etc.). Looking to upgrade my Sony MDR-V6s... Thanks.

[davidvanderbilt]

Feb 9, 2014 16:54:31 GMT -5 severalethos said:

Feb 7, 2014 14:42:34 GMT -5 davidvanderbilt said:

I've been doing a large amount of research on this DAC and read through this entire thread. I have my next purchase narrowed down to the DC-1, the Resonessence Labs Concero, and the Arcam irDAC. I have researched all of these pretty extensively and am mostly in between the DC-1 and the Concero. I will be using this as a DAC only via USB feeding my Bottlehead crack amp to my HD 600s. Has anyone heard both?

Thanks in advance!

Well, I think I can help you narrow down your DAC choices. It's an easy decision if you ask me. For approx. 43.92 USD less than the Concero or about 200 USD less than the Arcam irDAC, with the Emotiva Stealth DC-1 you get:
*Balanced (XLR) Outputs!!
*Better Frequency Response at 96k and 192k sample rates:
20 Hz to 40 kHz + / - 0.1 dB @ 96k sample rate
20 Hz to 70 kHz + / - 0.1 dB @ 192k sample rate
*Better Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise rating:
0.00033% or less @ all sample rates on the DC-1. The others
*The ability to play true 176.4kHz sample rate audio
*Better 24 bit Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
115 dB @ all sample rates
*A much beefier, toroidal power supply! The DC-1 uses approximately 15 watts while the irDAC uses 7W max and the Concero can, somehow, run off of just USB power (max = 5W). This beef, along with the near-zero output impedance of the DC-1 and its BUF634 high-current precision buffer chips (two, one for each hp jack), will assuredly drive your set of Sennheiser HD 600 headphones with great ease, as many people have already mentioned in the forums.
*Two headphone jacks on the front, with a different volume setting than the main outputs on the back, so you can hook-up speakers and headphones and you won't ever have to worry about hurting yourself or your equipment. When you plug-in the headphones, the DC-1 knows; it stops the main audio output and instantly changes the volume to the setting you last had it on when there were headphones plugged-in.

There's always more to say in favor of the DC-1, but it doesn't matter. If you're looking for some iPod/Pad bells and whistles with your DAC or are just generally looking to spend more and get less, then look elsewhere. Otherwise, the Emotiva Pro Stealth DC-1 is the obvious choice. $899 would have been a competitive price. $699 was fiercely competitive (comparing with products 3 and 4 times the price). For $499, it is a steal.

The DC-1 is my "lifer" for my HQ music listening pleasures. I know that I won't ever need to buy another DAC (to use as an external sound card for my PC) ever again in my life. The DC-1 does it all and, coming from an extremely critical listener, reference quality digital audio processing just doesn't get any better than this.

Oh yea, so back to your question. I assume the "both" you were talking about would be the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones and the Stealth DC-1? or did you want to know how the two headphone amps sound together? IMO, sell the pre-built Bottlehead at a premium (b/c they are on a 4-week backorder right now) and just use the DC-1 by itself, for everything. You will be happy with how it drives the HD 600s, or HD 650s or HD 800s.

Thanks so much for the reply and the information! I think you are absolutely right. This unit appears to be a steal compared to the others, especially considering it's functionality. By "both" I meant had anyone heard any of the other DACs I mentioned and the DC-1. I think I'm just going to take the plunge and order one  Thanks severalethos! 

 

[severalethos]

No problem, davidvanderbilt; my pleasure, actually. I love telling people about stuff that 'works' in this world. It's very rare to find a company that stands behind their product like Emotiva, especially one with the ability to make a device like the DC-1 and, by some miracle, the capacity to accomplish all of this and still blow away the competition, price-wise. If you're looking for a mouse, btw, check out my post on Logitech forums. I'll let you find it (if you're interested) b/c that is straying from the subject (Emotiva Pro Stealth DC-1) and I think it would be rude to link it here.

And, hey, if you think I steered you wrong, you do have 30 days to change your mind

[garbulky]

Feb 9, 2014 21:58:32 GMT -5 jeffnyc said:

Beginner question: How do I know if the DC-1 can power certain headphones (what ohms etc.). Looking to upgrade my Sony MDR-V6s... Thanks.

Depends on which headphones
I use sennheisser HD600 which are 300 ohms and a tough load. It drove them about as well as my Xenos 3 HA standalone headphone amplifier. The Xenos cost $130 - ish. You won't get miracles. But it is a decent amp and competes well with entry level budget headphone amps. For somebody that's not a headphone aficionado the DC-1 will leave you with nothing more to be desired.

[KeithL]

Here's how it works:

Every headphone has a rated impedance and a rated efficiency.
Every headphone amplifier has performance limits - which are usually limits on the maximum current and voltage it can deliver.

The headphone amplifiers in the DC-1 operate on about +/- 12 volts, and can deliver quite a bit of current (several hundred milliamps).


This means that the DC-1 will work very well with all moderately or highly efficient low impedance headphones - which includes the majority of all headphones.
It will also work very well with high impedance HIGH EFFICIENCY headphones.
(Since the headphone amps on the DC-1 also have a very low output impedance, they will sound very good on anything they can drive, and their frequency response will remain flat and accurate with pretty well any headphone you plug into it.... some lesser headphone amps are very fussy, and sound quite different depending on the impedance of the headphones you use with them.)

The only limitations will be

1) high impedance headphones which are also relatively low in efficiency (for those you will need a headphone amplifier that delivers a lot of VOLTAGE); certain Beyerdynamic models fall into that category - although most are also high efficiency

2) Low impedance headphones that require massive amounts of power (certain models of planars, like HiFiMan 6's, can only be run by very high powered headphone amplifiers or even small "speaker amplifiers")

If you check the forums, you will see specific models that fall into these categories discussed as being very difficult to drive - and discussions about which few dedicated headphone amplifiers are able to drive them well. Another way of looking at it is that the headphone amps in the DC-1 are comparable to separate headphone amps in the $150 to $500 range.

Feb 9, 2014 21:58:32 GMT -5 jeffnyc said:

Beginner question: How do I know if the DC-1 can power certain headphones (what ohms etc.). Looking to upgrade my Sony MDR-V6s... Thanks.

[latebloomer]

Hello everyone.



Took me awhile to go through the entire thread, but it was, mostly, a very informative read and definitely answered most of questions I had about DC-1.



What I'm still wondering about is whether this unit is a good match for my needs. I see that majority of people on here use DC-1 mostly for their home movie theater set ups and for daily music playback.. I, on the other hand, looking to use it as a DAC solution for my DAW. I currently use RME Hdspe AIO as my sound card, but it isn't recommended by manufacturer for this card to be used for playback, so that is the main reason i'm considering DAC. I'm planning on connection RME card to DC-1 via AES and DC-1 will be connected to active studio monitors via XLR cables. Does this sound like a legit configuration? Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm rather new to this. I've never owned/used a DAC before, so any outlook or suggestions are welcome.



Also, considering that DC-1 is pretty transparent(according to numerous reviews provided in this thread), would it really matter what kind of music one listens to? I mean would it matter SQ wise granted I mostly listen to electronic music?



Thanks in advance.

[garbulky]

Feb 13, 2014 13:31:38 GMT -5 latebloomer said:

Hello everyone.



Took me awhile to go through the entire thread, but it was, mostly, a very informative read and definitely answered most of questions I had about DC-1.



What I'm still wondering about is whether this unit is a good match for my needs. I see that majority of people on here use DC-1 mostly for their home movie theater set ups and for daily music playback.. I, on the other hand, looking to use it as a DAC solution for my DAW. I currently use RME Hdspe AIO as my sound card, but it isn't recommended by manufacturer for this card to be used for playback, so that is the main reason i'm considering DAC. I'm planning on connection RME card to DC-1 via AES and DC-1 will be connected to active studio monitors via XLR cables. Does this sound like a legit configuration? Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm rather new to this. I've never owned/used a DAC before, so any outlook or suggestions are welcome.



Also, considering that DC-1 is pretty transparent(according to numerous reviews provided in this thread), would it really matter what kind of music one listens to? I mean would it matter SQ wise granted I mostly listen to electronic music?



Thanks in advance.

It all depends on what you use your DAW for?
The DC-1 was the best DAC and sound I've heard. But...I've heard other components that do certain things better than the DC-1. For instance the USP-1 had significantly better dynamics when driving power amplifiers, the XDA-1 had a better top to bottom balance and a nicer "snap" to the treble (though it did pretty much worse on every thing else) In my listening through speakers the DC-1 DAC wasn't the most perfect thing but it was the best I've ever heard. If that makes any sense.

If I were SERIOUS about music production like trying to record really quality stuff for other people, I would look at more expensive DACs (a few thousand dollars) and also invest in a really good pre-amp. I felt the DC-1 did have a sonic coloration that I did not hear on some other DAC's. But if you are using it for listening pleasure. Oh my - it is definitely on a different level from its competition at its price.
For instance, it possessed more "clarity" going DAC direct to amp than using a passive pre-amp which had no active electronics in it. All it had was a single potentiometer! And the DC-1 simply sounded better than that. And that is a first because I loved that passive pre-amp. But it's not neutral, uncolored and 100% transparent to the music signal - at least to my ears.
Will it do better than your current sound card? I haven't heard it but I'd like to think it will. It certainly sounds different from any DAC i've heard.

This is my review of it
emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/33501/garbulkys-review-love-female-voice

Emotiva announced that it's going to bring a new portable DAC to the market that does 384 Khz and operate via USB only. If this is the case, it makes its flagship the DC-1 suddenly not as "latest" in stuff as the portable DAC which likely will be cheaper IMO.
So it's possible they have some really cool stuff up there sleeve.

[monkumonku]

Feb 13, 2014 13:31:38 GMT -5 latebloomer said:

Hello everyone.



Took me awhile to go through the entire thread, but it was, mostly, a very informative read and definitely answered most of questions I had about DC-1.



What I'm still wondering about is whether this unit is a good match for my needs. I see that majority of people on here use DC-1 mostly for their home movie theater set ups and for daily music playback.. I, on the other hand, looking to use it as a DAC solution for my DAW. I currently use RME Hdspe AIO as my sound card, but it isn't recommended by manufacturer for this card to be used for playback, so that is the main reason i'm considering DAC. I'm planning on connection RME card to DC-1 via AES and DC-1 will be connected to active studio monitors via XLR cables. Does this sound like a legit configuration? Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm rather new to this. I've never owned/used a DAC before, so any outlook or suggestions are welcome.



Also, considering that DC-1 is pretty transparent(according to numerous reviews provided in this thread), would it really matter what kind of music one listens to? I mean would it matter SQ wise granted I mostly listen to electronic music?



Thanks in advance.

I feel the DC-1 is a transparent DAC. My advice is buy it and try it, since Emo has a 30 day trial period, and see what you think of it. I like it but then if you are real picky about your sound or if you are able to hear miniscule differences in things (whether or not they really exist), etc., then I feel it is best if you listen and judge for yourself rather than going by what any of us have to say. The DC-1 has gotten very good reviews but everyone has their opinions.

[latebloomer]

Feb 13, 2014 13:58:28 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Feb 13, 2014 13:31:38 GMT -5 latebloomer said:

Hello everyone.



Took me awhile to go through the entire thread, but it was, mostly, a very informative read and definitely answered most of questions I had about DC-1.



What I'm still wondering about is whether this unit is a good match for my needs. I see that majority of people on here use DC-1 mostly for their home movie theater set ups and for daily music playback.. I, on the other hand, looking to use it as a DAC solution for my DAW. I currently use RME Hdspe AIO as my sound card, but it isn't recommended by manufacturer for this card to be used for playback, so that is the main reason i'm considering DAC. I'm planning on connection RME card to DC-1 via AES and DC-1 will be connected to active studio monitors via XLR cables. Does this sound like a legit configuration? Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm rather new to this. I've never owned/used a DAC before, so any outlook or suggestions are welcome.



Also, considering that DC-1 is pretty transparent(according to numerous reviews provided in this thread), would it really matter what kind of music one listens to? I mean would it matter SQ wise granted I mostly listen to electronic music?



Thanks in advance.

It all depends on what you use your DAW for?
The DC-1 was the best DAC and sound I've heard. But...I've heard other components that do certain things better than the DC-1. For instance the USP-1 had significantly better dynamics when driving power amplifiers, the XDA-1 had a better top to bottom balance and a nicer "snap" to the treble (though it did pretty much worse on every thing else) In my listening through speakers the DC-1 DAC wasn't the most perfect thing but it was the best I've ever heard. If that makes any sense.

If I were SERIOUS about music production like trying to record really quality stuff for other people, I would look at more expensive DACs (a few thousand dollars) and also invest in a really good pre-amp. I felt the DC-1 did have a sonic coloration that I did not hear on some other DAC's. But if you are using it for listening pleasure. Oh my - it is definitely on a different level from its competition at its price.
For instance, it possessed more "clarity" going DAC direct to amp than using a passive pre-amp which had no active electronics in it. All it had was a single potentiometer! And the DC-1 simply sounded better than that. And that is a first because I loved that passive pre-amp. But it's not neutral, uncolored and 100% transparent to the music signal - at least to my ears.
Will it do better than your current sound card? I haven't heard it but I'd like to think it will. It certainly sounds different from any DAC i've heard.

This is my review of it
emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/33501/garbulkys-review-love-female-voice

Emotiva announced that it's going to bring a new portable DAC to the market that does 384 Khz and operate via USB only. If this is the case, it makes its flagship the DC-1 suddenly not as "latest" in stuff as the portable DAC which likely will be cheaper IMO.
So it's possible they have some really cool stuff up there sleeve.


I don't record any live instruments. And it is not for professional use, but I would still like to get the best SQ I can afford. For now I'm tracking using my HP, which aren't fancy at all, but serve they purpose nonetheless. Originally I just wanted to get active monitors and connect RME card directly to monitors as it does offer various output options via breakout cables. However, once I found out that it is not recommended to go that route, I started looking at DACs. As much as I would like to be able to get a professional grade DAC, shelling out couple grand for it isn't really an option...at least at this point in time.  DC-1 really looks appealing as it seem to offer great value for the price. Was also considering Benchmark DAC1, but it cost twice as much. After someone in this thread said that to him DC-1 sounded even better than Benchmark DAC that made me even more tempted to check out just how good DC-1 really is. 

So with that said, I want to use DC-1 as a DAC. It will be used for tracking and mixing. Do I really need a pre-amp if I'm going to connect DC-1 to active monitors?

[latebloomer]

Feb 13, 2014 14:10:20 GMT -5 monkumonku said:

Feb 13, 2014 13:31:38 GMT -5 latebloomer said:

Hello everyone.



Took me awhile to go through the entire thread, but it was, mostly, a very informative read and definitely answered most of questions I had about DC-1.



What I'm still wondering about is whether this unit is a good match for my needs. I see that majority of people on here use DC-1 mostly for their home movie theater set ups and for daily music playback.. I, on the other hand, looking to use it as a DAC solution for my DAW. I currently use RME Hdspe AIO as my sound card, but it isn't recommended by manufacturer for this card to be used for playback, so that is the main reason i'm considering DAC. I'm planning on connection RME card to DC-1 via AES and DC-1 will be connected to active studio monitors via XLR cables. Does this sound like a legit configuration? Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm rather new to this. I've never owned/used a DAC before, so any outlook or suggestions are welcome.



Also, considering that DC-1 is pretty transparent(according to numerous reviews provided in this thread), would it really matter what kind of music one listens to? I mean would it matter SQ wise granted I mostly listen to electronic music?



Thanks in advance.

I feel the DC-1 is a transparent DAC. My advice is buy it and try it, since Emo has a 30 day trial period, and see what you think of it. I like it but then if you are real picky about your sound or if you are able to hear miniscule differences in things (whether or not they really exist), etc., then I feel it is best if you listen and judge for yourself rather than going by what any of us have to say. The DC-1 has gotten very good reviews but everyone has their opinions.

I might be picky, but something tells me that it won't be very difficult to impress me as I don't have experience with a set up I'm trying to configure, but time will tell. Of course I won't use a product based solely on other users reviews, even though I always find them very helpful in general. Thank you for your input as well.

[monkumonku]

Feb 13, 2014 14:41:28 GMT -5 latebloomer said:

Feb 13, 2014 14:10:20 GMT -5 monkumonku said:

I feel the DC-1 is a transparent DAC. My advice is buy it and try it, since Emo has a 30 day trial period, and see what you think of it. I like it but then if you are real picky about your sound or if you are able to hear miniscule differences in things (whether or not they really exist), etc., then I feel it is best if you listen and judge for yourself rather than going by what any of us have to say. The DC-1 has gotten very good reviews but everyone has their opinions.

I might be picky, but something tells me that it won't be very difficult to impress me as I don't have experience with a set up I'm trying to configure, but time will tell. Of course I won't use a product based solely on other users reviews, even though I always find them very helpful in general. Thank you for your input as well.

I think the DC-1 is an excellent product. It is well made, can also be a headphone amp, a two channel preamp, and it has both RCA and balanced XLR outputs as well as a variety of inputs along with that analog passthrough if you do use it as a preamp. It's versatile. When you see how much some companies charge for just a plain DAC that comes in a tiny box that in my opinion doesn't sound any better than the DC-1 (like hundreds or thousands more, just because they think they can get away with it), it is a very good unit for a reasonable price. One other benefit is if you do try it out and decide you don't like it, the return shipping won't cost much because it's not a big heavy item.

[latebloomer]

Feb 13, 2014 14:46:10 GMT -5 monkumonku said:

Feb 13, 2014 14:41:28 GMT -5 latebloomer said:

I might be picky, but something tells me that it won't be very difficult to impress me as I don't have experience with a set up I'm trying to configure, but time will tell. Of course I won't use a product based solely on other users reviews, even though I always find them very helpful in general. Thank you for your input as well.

I think the DC-1 is an excellent product. It is well made, can also be a headphone amp, a two channel preamp, and it has both RCA and balanced XLR outputs as well as a variety of inputs along with that analog passthrough if you do use it as a preamp. It's versatile. When you see how much some companies charge for just a plain DAC that comes in a tiny box that in my opinion doesn't sound any better than the DC-1 (like hundreds or thousands more, just because they think they can get away with it), it is a very good unit for a reasonable price. One other benefit is if you do try it out and decide you don't like it, the return shipping won't cost much because it's not a big heavy item.

That makes sense. I was and still am impressed with what DC-1 offers feature wise for the price it goes for. I really can't think of a single reason to not go ahead and give this unit a chance. I just wanted to clarify few things before doing so.