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DC-1
Apr 21, 2014 16:46:56 GMT -5
Post by garbulky on Apr 21, 2014 16:46:56 GMT -5
I think that you should label it... Our DC-1 goes to 11 + 1!  Keith, I think you should have capped it at 11 just to put that in the tagline! |
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klinemj
Emo VIPs 
Official Emofest Scribe
Posts: 15,048
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Post by klinemj on Apr 21, 2014 17:43:13 GMT -5
11...12...how trivial...mine goes to 19...of course, I got the upgrade package solely to play "Hey Nineteen" from Steely Dan in its full splendor.
PS - a big welcome to ADS...I ran into him at work today and he mentioned his posts here. I didn't realize he'd joined the Lounge, but he mentioned he'd seen me around here. For those reading his notes in this thread (dating back 3-4 pages) and others able to offer advice, please do so. He's a fine gent working through some issues with his system.
I can't offer any advice other than that others have already provided. But, please - welcome him to the lounge and help where you can!
Mark
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DC-1
Apr 22, 2014 8:41:27 GMT -5
Post by anwklo on Apr 22, 2014 8:41:27 GMT -5
Please advise:
1. do DC-1 preamps employ their full gain on an input, and then attenuate their gain with volume control?
2. what are the preamp's input impedance and the output impedance in ohm?
3. what is the preamp design of DC-1? simple preamps pass the input signal through a selector switch, then a potentiometer volume control, than a fixed-gain "gain block" ?
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KeithL
Administrator 
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DC-1
Apr 22, 2014 11:24:13 GMT -5
Post by KeithL on Apr 22, 2014 11:24:13 GMT -5
The volume control on the DC-1 is actually rather more sophisticated than a simple potentiometer. First off, the volume control is fully differential, and it is a digitally controlled analog resistor network (like a stepped attenuator with electronic switches switching the resistors). However, even beyond that, rather than just switches controlling a simple voltage divider, our volume control switches multiple resistors to actually alter the gain of the output buffer stage. This lets us achieve better noise performance. So, to sort of answer your question, in the DC-1, we actually have a gain stage whose gain is controlled by the switched resistor network (it's not a simple attenuator followed by a simple fixed gain stage). The differential analog output of the DACs is sent straight to this volume control. The (unbalanced) analog inputs go through an unbalanced-to-balanced converter, and then to the volume control. The input impedance (analog) is right around 15k (I believe it's actually 13.3k), and the output impedance (analog; signal) is 47 ohms. Please advise: 1. do DC-1 preamps employ their full gain on an input, and then attenuate their gain with volume control? 2. what are the preamp's input impedance and the output impedance in ohm? 3. what is the preamp design of DC-1? simple preamps pass the input signal through a selector switch, then a potentiometer volume control, than a fixed-gain "gain block" ? |
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DC-1
Apr 22, 2014 15:59:09 GMT -5
Post by elwappo99 on Apr 22, 2014 15:59:09 GMT -5
Well seems I also bit the bullet yesterday. I was definitely passed the shipping cutoff time, and was told I was, but somehow Emo got it out yesterday! This is pretty good news for me because that means I'll be receiving it on Friday instead of Monday.
Can't wait to compare it to my other DACs!
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DC-1
Apr 23, 2014 5:52:20 GMT -5
Post by anwklo on Apr 23, 2014 5:52:20 GMT -5
The volume control on the DC-1 is actually rather more sophisticated than a simple potentiometer. First off, the volume control is fully differential, and it is a digitally controlled analog resistor network (like a stepped attenuator with electronic switches switching the resistors). However, even beyond that, rather than just switches controlling a simple voltage divider, our volume control switches multiple resistors to actually alter the gain of the output buffer stage. This lets us achieve better noise performance. So, to sort of answer your question, in the DC-1, we actually have a gain stage whose gain is controlled by the switched resistor network (it's not a simple attenuator followed by a simple fixed gain stage). The differential analog output of the DACs is sent straight to this volume control. The (unbalanced) analog inputs go through an unbalanced-to-balanced converter, and then to the volume control. The input impedance (analog) is right around 15k (I believe it's actually 13.3k), and the output impedance (analog; signal) is 47 ohms. Please advise: 1. do DC-1 preamps employ their full gain on an input, and then attenuate their gain with volume control? 2. what are the preamp's input impedance and the output impedance in ohm? 3. what is the preamp design of DC-1? simple preamps pass the input signal through a selector switch, then a potentiometer volume control, than a fixed-gain "gain block" ? Thank you for the explanation  |
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Post by deimos on Apr 28, 2014 20:31:07 GMT -5
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rckt
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 6 
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DC-1
May 7, 2014 14:40:06 GMT -5
Post by rckt on May 7, 2014 14:40:06 GMT -5
Hi!
I just got my DC-1 and I'm taking my time discovering its features and sound.
All I can say is that it sounds pretty good on my Neumann KH120 active monitors. It sounds clearly more forward (and detailed) than my actual T+A Music Player that seems now to sound a bit dark.
Even if operating the DC-1 is quite straightforward I had 2 questions for you guys (I hope it has not been asked before!!):
- is it normal that the right side of the DC-1 feels hot?
- since it's running hot as well in stand-by, is safe to leave the DC-1's power button "on" and use a power console to turn it on and off (exactly like the Belkin PF 60 that uses relays to switch on/off power banks)?
cheers from France!
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DC-1
May 7, 2014 15:14:12 GMT -5
Post by novisnick on May 7, 2014 15:14:12 GMT -5
Hi there in France , rckt, glad to have you on the forum. This is a great place to meet good friends and learn about a lot of stuff,,,,not just A/V.
DC-1 is a great DAC and you'll love it I'm sure.. Yes , it's hot all the time,, yes , that's normal.
Now, a switched outlet, I'm not sure, I don't think it would hurt but better minds here on the forum will let you know.
Enjoy your new toy,
Nick
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DC-1
May 7, 2014 15:20:50 GMT -5
Post by garbulky on May 7, 2014 15:20:50 GMT -5
Hi! I just got my DC-1 and I'm taking my time discovering its features and sound. All I can say is that it sounds pretty good on my Neumann KH120 active monitors. It sounds clearly more forward (and detailed) than my actual T+A Music Player that seems now to sound a bit dark. Even if operating the DC-1 is quite straightforward I had 2 questions for you guys (I hope it has not been asked before!!): - is it normal that the right side of the DC-1 feels hot? - since it's running hot as well in stand-by, is safe to leave the DC-1's power button "on" and use a power console to turn it on and off (exactly like the Belkin PF 60 that uses relays to switch on/off power banks)? cheers from France! It is normal for the right side to feel hot. I found the DC-1 sounded better the longer it was left on. But your experience may differ. I don't know the answer to the power console question. The DC-1 is not a power hog. |
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DC-1
May 8, 2014 10:11:34 GMT -5
Post by anwklo on May 8, 2014 10:11:34 GMT -5
Hi! I just got my DC-1 and I'm taking my time discovering its features and sound. All I can say is that it sounds pretty good on my Neumann KH120 active monitors. It sounds clearly more forward (and detailed) than my actual T+A Music Player that seems now to sound a bit dark. Even if operating the DC-1 is quite straightforward I had 2 questions for you guys (I hope it has not been asked before!!): - is it normal that the right side of the DC-1 feels hot? - since it's running hot as well in stand-by, is safe to leave the DC-1's power button "on" and use a power console to turn it on and off (exactly like the Belkin PF 60 that uses relays to switch on/off power banks)? cheers from France! |
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DC-1
May 8, 2014 10:13:02 GMT -5
Post by anwklo on May 8, 2014 10:13:02 GMT -5
It is a little bit hot for the power heatsink is located at the right side of the DC-1
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DC-1
May 11, 2014 19:59:32 GMT -5
Post by audiosyndrome on May 11, 2014 19:59:32 GMT -5
Yves: Yes, you suggested "Exact Audio Copy," and I'll check it out. "Free" is always tempting, so I shall put the Foobar2000 on my wishlist too. Do you know whether the two work with Macs? I can work with windows too, but Mac is often my preferred to go to all purpose computer. Best way to rip CDs on the Mac is to use either RIP or XLD. Don't know a good player for the Mac that is free, but Audirvana seems to have been getting alot of praise among audiophiles who are using the Mac. yves- how did you arrive at your ripping conclusion? Have you personally ripped in both formats and found one better than the other (reliably) without knowing which one is playing? Why not iTunes itself for ripping? It's bit perfect and error correction can be enabled. Russ |
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DC-1
May 12, 2014 12:48:15 GMT -5
Post by yves on May 12, 2014 12:48:15 GMT -5
Best way to rip CDs on the Mac is to use either RIP or XLD. Don't know a good player for the Mac that is free, but Audirvana seems to have been getting alot of praise among audiophiles who are using the Mac. yves- how did you arrive at your ripping conclusion? Have you personally ripped in both formats and found one better than the other (reliably) without knowing which one is playing? Why not iTunes itself for ripping? It's bit perfect and error correction can be enabled. Russ Making rips that most likely are error-free is silver. Being able to actually verify that they are error-free is gold. www.accuraterip.com |
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DC-1
May 12, 2014 20:59:17 GMT -5
Post by gcannon on May 12, 2014 20:59:17 GMT -5
Hi all. Getting my first Emotiva piece tomorrow as the DC-1 is arriving. Also getting Senn HD650 HPs tomorrow. Do you all recommend a break-in period for the DC-1? I've read the HD650 require a break-in, but not sure about the DC-1. I will also be connecting the DC-1 stright into a Bryston 4B-ST via balanced connects from Monoprice. Thanks for all your advice!
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klinemj
Emo VIPs
Official Emofest Scribe
Posts: 15,048
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DC-1
May 12, 2014 21:02:30 GMT -5
Post by klinemj on May 12, 2014 21:02:30 GMT -5
I don't. Others will. Try it. Enjoy it. If for you, you like it more after break in, great. For me, it was great "out of the box".
Mark
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klinemj
Emo VIPs
Official Emofest Scribe
Posts: 15,048
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DC-1
May 12, 2014 21:02:55 GMT -5
Post by klinemj on May 12, 2014 21:02:55 GMT -5
And congrats on the DC-1!
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DC-1
May 12, 2014 22:08:08 GMT -5
Post by garbulky on May 12, 2014 22:08:08 GMT -5
Hi all. Getting my first Emotiva piece tomorrow as the DC-1 is arriving. Also getting Senn HD650 HPs tomorrow. Do you all recommend a break-in period for the DC-1? I've read the HD650 require a break-in, but not sure about the DC-1. I will also be connecting the DC-1 stright into a Bryston 4B-ST via balanced connects from Monoprice. Thanks for all your advice! I noticed a change in the character of the DC-1. But I can't attribute it 100% to warm up or break in. It's hard to describe. What I can say is that when it was giving it's optimal sound, you'll know it (if you subscribe to that sort of thinking). When it's going all cylinders the sound is really nice imo. A lot of depth, clarity, warmth etc. I would leave it turned on as long as possible. As for break in well there may be some, I don't know much about that stuff. I feel that most of the (better resolution) electronics I've auditioned take some time to stabilize after being turned on (warm up as opposed to break in). But it is a subjective impression and others have found different from me. So I should add the qualifier "your mileage may vary". But the nice thing is right out of the box, the DC-1 already sounds pretty fantastic. I described it in my review: emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/33501/garbulkys-review-love-female-voiceSome other tips....do you use a computer? This sounded fantastic. So did anything with a female voice. Also if you do you can use a music player with WASAPI bit perfect mode enabled to pass bit perfect sound to your computer. BTW, I have the HD600 headphones. The DC-1 actually does a pretty nice job of powering this headphone. I wasn't left wanting - and the sennheiser hd6series are a little finicky on headphone amps. So kudos to the DC-1. It's the best DAC and sound I've personally heard in my system. Congratulations! |
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DC-1
May 13, 2014 19:10:59 GMT -5
Post by gcannon on May 13, 2014 19:10:59 GMT -5
Well I received the DC-1 and the HD650s and all I can say is oh my goodness!! IF there is a warm-up I can't wait to hear them then. Right out of the box the DC-1 and the HD650 are awesome. I have a Dragonfly 1.2 and PBS Speakers and B&W P7 HPs I was trying out and they are not in the same league. Amazing sound quality.
I am having a couple of issues running from my laptop. First the highest sample rate I am getting on the DC-1 is 96k even though I am playing several 24/192 songs from HDTracks. I was getting up to 192k from the Dragonfly. There must be a setting somewhere that is limiting the sample rate?? The second issue is I'm getting pops and crackles, which I read means my computer is lagging. I've got a pretty powerful laptop - i7, 4GM memory, Win 7 64-bit SP-1. It's a work laptop, so just temporary. I read that many use a Mac Mini as their dedicated music device. Is that recommended?
Any ideas or suggestions on how to fix/improve? I want to get everything right with HPs before I use as a preamp direclty into my amps.
Thanks for all your help!!
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Post by GreenKiwi on May 13, 2014 19:15:36 GMT -5
What app are you using to play the music?
Before getting a Mac mini, I would wait for reviews of the OliveOne to trickle in. People are starting to get them and the look really cool.
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