Stealth DC-1 Preamp with Non-Emotiva Amps

[tedc]

I am wondering about the experiences of other loungers using non-Emotiva amps with the DC-1.  I have several (mostly solid state) amps at my disposal that could be used to make a near-field listening station at my computer desk.  I am wondering, in part, because one of the amps remains on all the time to keep components properly warmed and charged.  If the DC-1 defaults to turn on at an output setting greater than many -dB, confetti is likely to result.  Thoughts and comments appreciated.  Thank you.

[garbulky]

I don't have the DC-1 but the xda-1 and two (emo's other DACS) have memory settings for when you turn them on and off and remember both the input and volume it was set at.
The XDA-2 also has a separate memory setting for your headphones so when the headphones are pulled out it will not bowl you over with volume but revert to the old volume that was going to your speakers.

[tedc]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

At present, I have another preamp in the middle to ensure reduce volume. Will look into the memory / settings for this.

[thorcorps]

The DC-1 uses the memory feature as well and turns on at whatever the volume was set to when it was turned off. You shouldn't have a problem. If mine ever magically came on at +0, I'm thinking my XPR-1's would be pretty loud (I don't turn them off or put them in standby either unless storms are coming).

[GreenKiwi]

I have them with ncores, the memory works well for volume, even with the DC-1 unplugged. I go direct to the amps. When I plug headphones in, the outputs are muted and the volume is the headphone output. Unplug and they outputs return to the volume they were at originally.

[tedc]

Thanks, GK. I was aware of the headphone priority: plug in headphones, and line out is disabled. Disconnect headphones, and you're back to line out. The memories will likely solve the issue.

The Odyssey Khartago 2-channel amp remains powered on by default. Ensuring that DC-1 output level remains low when left low is important. Prefer not to atomic the drivers.

[garbulky]

FWIW I found my system (XDA-1 DAC) sounds better with the DAC left powered on as long as possible. it consumes very little power that way too.

[jlafrenz]

As others have stated, the DC-1 uses memory to turn on to the last volume used. If you are truly worried about it, you could use a Control Freak as a physical/manual safety net in place. You would place it between the DC-1 and amp so that when you are done listening, you would turn it all the way down. When you wanted to listen, turn it all the way up still using the DC-1 to control the volume that you would like to listen at.

[tedc]

Good advice, all 'round.

I do agree that the components tend to sound best when left in standby mode. Active devices warmed and capacitors properly charged and formed do sound best.

I tend not to leave the units on in standby mode at this time of year because of T-storms. Power here is dubious at best - being near the ends of long, old, rural, power lines. I need to update my power conditioner. I think that would help too. All this said, leaving components on in colder months is a must here in NH, otherwise, nothing will reach best operating temperature during normal listening sessions less than 2 hours long.

Ah, the things we do for audio.

[garbulky]

Sept 3, 2013 14:25:34 GMT -5 tedc said:

Good advice, all 'round.

I do agree that the components tend to sound best when left in standby mode. Active devices warmed and capacitors properly charged and formed do sound best.

I tend not to leave the units on in standby mode at this time of year because of T-storms. Power here is dubious at best - being near the ends of long, old, rural, power lines. I need to update my power conditioner. I think that would help too. All this said, leaving components on in colder months is a must here in NH, otherwise, nothing will reach best operating temperature during normal listening sessions less than 2 hours long.

Ah, the things we do for audio.

Actually, unless you have noticeable usually audible problems with your power, emo amps are reccomended to be used without a power conditioner as they have their own regulation inbuilt - and so do their other products as well. The reason is to prevent limitations of very quick demands for power. The emphasis being on QUICK.

[tedc]

Sometimes we do have audible problems with power. I am more concerned about bounces. They have killed lesser gear.