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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2013 19:06:09 GMT -5
Hmmm maybe ill try the dc1 connected to the onkyo 809 just for shits and giggles to see if it effects the sound Im starting to think my speakers, ears, room etc will not allow me to hear all the differences everyone here is referring to IMO, if you wanted to improve your 2-channel SQ, while maintaining HT Bypass, your best upgrade at this time would have been to upgrade (sell) your USP-1 and then purchase a XSP-1. Use a new XSP-1 with your currently owned XDA-2. Yup i think im gonna agree with you. I may order one tomorrow  and send back the dc1 |
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Post by creimes on Oct 20, 2013 19:06:36 GMT -5
I'm planning on having the DC-1 connected to the XLR input on my XPA-1L's and have my PT-7030 connected to the RCA of the XPA-1L's and using the toggle switch to choose my input needed, and obviously have whichever pre/pro off when using the other. That will work and provide you with the SQ you are seeking but-- I recall from the past that somebody planned on using the toggle switch on the back of the XPA-1 to switch between the single-ended RCA inputs and the balanced XLR inputs. At the time, I remember a post basically saying that the toggle switch on the back of the amp was not made or designed to withstand switching back and forth on a constant basis. I've never seen an XPA-1L amp, but I'm thinking that the front plate toggle switch for Class A bias is of the build quality to withstand switching back and forth over a period of time. I'm not so sure about the toggle switch on the back of the amp is of the build quality or designed to withstand switching back and forth over a period of time.... (The XPA-1L is under a 5 year factory warranty so I can't dispute that point.) I've heard that in the past as well but the toggle switch on the XPA-1L seems to be of higher quality(Same as the A/AB switch on the front), also I'm not sure it would be more than maybe 5 times a week or so. Chad |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2013 19:21:14 GMT -5
In all seriousness. I am not sure ifnit was break in or what. But i just hooked up the xda2 for a few songs. Then switched back to the dc1 for the same few songs. Much better sound overall by the dc1 Separatism. Clarity. Bigger stage. More of distinct instruments instead of a wall of music. I am noticing the differences more and more  |
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Post by jeffnyc on Oct 20, 2013 19:27:26 GMT -5
For me, the USP does have an audible effect on sound quality with the XDA-1. In some ways it's better in some ways, it's slightly worse. It's still a good unit. But Lonnie the designer of the XDA-1 a long time ago said the analog linestage of the XDA-1 is better than the USP-1. I'm not sure if it applies to the DC-1. But the only way to tell for you is for you to try it out. If a $400 pre-amp has zero impact on sound quality then there should be no pre-amps over $400 Yet there is an XSP-1..... It may be different for you. For instance i found the DC-1 pre-amp to be a bit lackluster in low volume listening. It also didn't quite have the powerful quick dynamics of the USP-1. But it sounded better than the XDA-1 to the passive pre-amp. And the XDA-1 to the passive pre-amp sounded better in soundstage than connected to the USP-1 (in some respects) while the USP-1 bettered the passive pre-amp in terms of dynamics. . The DC-1 is lackluster in low volume listening? Why is that? Would the XPS-1 be much better here (from the DC-1), and why? |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Oct 20, 2013 21:05:42 GMT -5
Bmoney...might I suggest you keep the DC-1 AND order an XSP-1? Both are superb...and at these prices...well...
Mark
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Post by garbulky on Oct 20, 2013 21:15:48 GMT -5
The DC-1 is lackluster in low volume listening? Why is that? Would the XPS-1 be much better here (from the DC-1), and why? I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to any of your questions. I think I'm the only person with that low volume opinion though.... |
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Post by rohrej on Oct 20, 2013 22:46:00 GMT -5
First off, apologizes if there is a similar thread to this one! I'm tempted to purchase the DC-1 as the main DAC for my 2 channel system. My question is, is there a significant improvement over the XDA-2 (which I already have, and like)? If I do purchase it, I was thinking of then connecting the XDA to my MAC and then get some powered speakers, akin to the A5's. Anyone run this kind of setup? This emotiva sale does result in dilemmas! To answer your last question, I use an XDA-2 with Airmotive 5s to play music from my Mac in my office. I find it works best with the optical output (almost all Macs have this built into the headphone jack) but also works with USB. |
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Oct 21, 2013 1:39:27 GMT -5
Clarification time... The best preamp is NO preamp. No component is perfect; so, of course, connecting a DAC directly to a power amp is going to be better than going through a preamp. If you need to use a separate preamp, the best preamp will be the one that makes the least change to the signal (and, if its really good, you won't hear it make any difference). It's not a matter of the DC-1 having "a better preamp" - it's a matter of the DC-1 without a preamp sounding better than the DC-1 with a preamp. Our "pro" equipment carries that designation because it has certain features that studio professionals consider important. While pro equipment may sound better than consumer equipment, that isn't necessarily the case. (At the moment, the DC-1 is our best sounding DAC, but that isn't specifically because it is a pro component. Likewise, the Stealth speakers are awesome, and work very well as "home" speakers - but that's just because the features that pros look for usually make for a kick-ass product overall. All I'm saying is not to assume that our pro equipment is automatically "above" our other lines.) Here are the features that make the DC-1 a "pro" product: * very accurrate and uncolored performance * "pro" (higher) output levels * fixed or variable output level * an ASRC that doesn't change the sample rate (so you can hear exactly what your input signal sounds like) * a smaller form factor (so two can fit side by side on a rack) * a more informative display * dual high-quality headphone amplifiers Only issue is no ht bypass Emotiva has several series of audio products. The "U" Series is Good. The "X" Series is Better. The "Ref" Series is Best. And, then there is the "Pro" Series. So, what are you doing here? You are using a "Pro" Series component as an input into a "U" Series component. The end result is "U" series sound quality-- Good sound quality IMO. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2013 5:57:34 GMT -5
Im sorry for th noob question. What exactly is variable output? Also the dc1 is differentially balanced correct?
Also unfortunately i cant purchase the xsp1 at this time. Even with the great price :/
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Post by Poodleluvr on Oct 21, 2013 8:50:55 GMT -5
I have purchased a DC-1 from Emotiva. I received the component this past Friday.
Prior to the above, my sources/DACs purchased from Emotiva were the ERC-1 and XDA-1. I did not upgrade to the ERC-2 and XDA-2. Why? I wanted something better and I'm glad I saved up and waited until now.
Prior to my very first order with Emotiva (XPA-1s, ERC-1, and USP-1), my former preamp died, so I purchased the USP-1. The system sounded good, but after purchasing the XDA-1, my 2-channel system sound quality improved w/o using the USP-1 in my system.-- The XDA-1 bested the USP-1 in a 2-channel set-up.
But, there was a problem. The XDA-1 did not have the gain structure like the USP-1 had to drive my amps. The solution arrived with the XSP-1. I hooked up the XDA-1 to my XSP-1 and behold I had the sound quality I sought with gain.
Prior to ordering the DC-1, I PM'd Mark to see if he had the opportunity to experience the DC-1 directly w/o using his XSP-1. He then informed me he didn't have the time yet, but would get to it in the near future.
I also contacted Emotiva Pro to inquire about the gain structure of the DC-1 since I did not see a published spec for the DC-1. The answer I received via e-mail was the DC-1 had 12 DB of gain of which is the same published spec (gain) of the XSP-1.
When I received the DC-1 last week, I unhooked my XDA-1 and connected the new DC-1 to my XSP-1. I ran it for an hour that way. After that, I ran the DC-1 directly to my amps and it sounded really good. That is the way I'm running it now, no preamp, and the DC-1 set to variable out.
Currently, I have no need for HT bypass, trim controls, subwoofer controls, Phono, or other XLR balanced inputs.-- The thought did cross my mind that I don't need my XSP-1 anymore. That gave me some anxiety since the XSP-1 preamp is the best preamp I've ever owned.
I see the DC-1 DAC as a reference level product designed for the studio environment. There are some minor caveats, but I can live with them for now: The remote buttons are hard for me to see in a low light environment; I really love the display but it is hard for me to discern the display from a distance with my eyes; No 12V turn on. The one that bothers me the most is the 12V turn on.--I'll probably work-around that by purchasing a Niles CS12V.
At a sales price of $499, the DC-1 is a steal. If you want one, I would not hesitate to get it at the current sales price, that is, while you still can.
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Post by Emosean on Oct 21, 2013 10:20:11 GMT -5
I have purchased a DC-1 from Emotiva. I received the component this past Friday. Prior to the above, my sources/DACs purchased from Emotiva were the ERC-1 and XDA-1. I did not upgrade to the ERC-2 and XDA-2. Why? I wanted something better and I'm glad I saved up and waited until now. Prior to my very first order with Emotiva (XPA-1s, ERC-1, and USP-1), my former preamp died, so I purchased the USP-1. The system sounded good, but after purchasing the XDA-1, my 2-channel system sound quality improved w/o using the USP-1 in my system.-- The XDA-1 bested the USP-1 in a 2-channel set-up. But, there was a problem. The XDA-1 did not have the gain structure like the USP-1 had to drive my amps. The solution arrived with the XSP-1. I hooked up the XDA-1 to my XSP-1 and behold I had the sound quality I sought with gain. Prior to ordering the DC-1, I PM'd Mark to see if he had the opportunity to experience the DC-1 directly w/o using his XSP-1. He then informed me he didn't have the time yet, but would get to it in the near future. I also contacted Emotiva Pro to inquire about the gain structure of the DC-1 since I did not see a published spec for the DC-1. The answer I received via e-mail was the DC-1 had 12 DB of gain of which is the same published spec (gain) of the XSP-1. When I received the DC-1 last week, I unhooked my XDA-1 and connected the new DC-1 to my XSP-1. I ran it for an hour that way. After that, I ran the DC-1 directly to my amps and it sounded really good. That is the way I'm running it now, no preamp, and the DC-1 set to variable out. Currently, I have no need for HT bypass, trim controls, subwoofer controls, Phono, or other XLR balanced inputs.-- The thought did cross my mind that I don't need my XSP-1 anymore. That gave me some anxiety since the XSP-1 preamp is the best preamp I've ever owned. I see the DC-1 DAC as a reference level product designed for the studio environment. There are some minor caveats, but I can live with them for now: The remote buttons are hard for me to see in a low light environment; I really love the display but it is hard for me to discern the display from a distance with my eyes; No 12V turn on. The one that bothers me the most is the 12V turn on.--I'll probably work-around that by purchasing a Niles CS12V. At a sales price of $499, the DC-1 is a steal. If you want one, I would not hesitate to get it at the current sales price, that is, while you still can. Nice info.. I did the same as you, and should have my DC-1 tomorrow.. |
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Oct 21, 2013 10:49:17 GMT -5
I have purchased a DC-1 from Emotiva. I received the component this past Friday. Prior to the above, my sources/DACs purchased from Emotiva were the ERC-1 and XDA-1. I did not upgrade to the ERC-2 and XDA-2. Why? I wanted something better and I'm glad I saved up and waited until now. Prior to my very first order with Emotiva (XPA-1s, ERC-1, and USP-1), my former preamp died, so I purchased the USP-1. The system sounded good, but after purchasing the XDA-1, my 2-channel system sound quality improved w/o using the USP-1 in my system.-- The XDA-1 bested the USP-1 in a 2-channel set-up. But, there was a problem. The XDA-1 did not have the gain structure like the USP-1 had to drive my amps. The solution arrived with the XSP-1. I hooked up the XDA-1 to my XSP-1 and behold I had the sound quality I sought with gain. Prior to ordering the DC-1, I PM'd Mark to see if he had the opportunity to experience the DC-1 directly w/o using his XSP-1. He then informed me he didn't have the time yet, but would get to it in the near future. I also contacted Emotiva Pro to inquire about the gain structure of the DC-1 since I did not see a published spec for the DC-1. The answer I received via e-mail was the DC-1 had 12 DB of gain of which is the same published spec (gain) of the XSP-1. When I received the DC-1 last week, I unhooked my XDA-1 and connected the new DC-1 to my XSP-1. I ran it for an hour that way. After that, I ran the DC-1 directly to my amps and it sounded really good. That is the way I'm running it now, no preamp, and the DC-1 set to variable out. Currently, I have no need for HT bypass, trim controls, subwoofer controls, Phono, or other XLR balanced inputs.-- The thought did cross my mind that I don't need my XSP-1 anymore. That gave me some anxiety since the XSP-1 preamp is the best preamp I've ever owned. I see the DC-1 DAC as a reference level product designed for the studio environment. There are some minor caveats, but I can live with them for now: The remote buttons are hard for me to see in a low light environment; I really love the display but it is hard for me to discern the display from a distance with my eyes; No 12V turn on. The one that bothers me the most is the 12V turn on.--I'll probably work-around that by purchasing a Niles CS12V. At a sales price of $499, the DC-1 is a steal. If you want one, I would not hesitate to get it at the current sales price, that is, while you still can. I too wish it had a trigger input but I just leave mine on all the time. |
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Post by GreenKiwi on Oct 21, 2013 10:57:24 GMT -5
Im sorry for th noob question. What exactly is variable output? Also the dc1 is differentially balanced correct? Also unfortunately i cant purchase the xsp1 at this time. Even with the great price :/ Variable output is a setting that allows the volume control to work. You might set it to fixed output if you were using another preamp. I haven't tried it, but I'm assuming that when set to fixed, the volume still adjusts the headphone output. And yes it is fully differential. At least that is my understanding. Inverted signals for both channels. |
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Post by Poodleluvr on Oct 21, 2013 11:13:09 GMT -5
Nice info.. I did the same as you, and should have my DC-1 tomorrow.. [/quote] My pleasure.-- I did some homework on this before I made this DC-1 purchase. I made the purchase with the full intent to buy, not try and maybe buy. I would return the DC-1 if it did not meet my expectation. Well, it did. I'm a retired Air Force man. I worked in avionics (aircraft electronics) and have used test measurement equipment in the past. I don't do that line of work anymore but my hobby lets me dabble back into electronics.-- I do have a clue. Since I'm former military, the Emotiva Pro gear has a "mil-spec" look and feel to it. I kinda dig that... I'm looking forward to the debut of the new Stealth 88 powered speaker. Another question I asked Emotiva Pro was if the current Stealth 8 speaker amplifiers were fully balanced. I was informed that they are not fully balanced. (although the DC-1 DAC is fully balanced.) I look forward to see if the new Stealth 88 powered speaker will feature fully balanced amps.... |
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Post by danny01 on Oct 21, 2013 11:48:29 GMT -5
I'm looking for a way to power on my amps from my remote since the DC1 does not have a trigger out. An ET3 and an IR switched outlet would work, but I'm having a hard time finding a quality IR controlled outlet... Most of them are RF. I would prefer not to plug the DC1 into a "smart outlet" since I have a Belkin surge suppressor. Any ideas?
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using proboards
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Post by Poodleluvr on Oct 21, 2013 11:56:16 GMT -5
I'm looking for a way to power on my amps from my remote since the DC1 does not have a trigger out. An ET3 and an IR switched outlet would work, but I'm having a hard time finding a quality IR controlled outlet... Most of them are RF. I would prefer not to plug the DC1 into a "smart outlet" since I have a Belkin surge suppressor. Any ideas? Sent from my HTC6500LVW using proboards I'm in the same predicament. I turn on the DC-1 using it's own remote control. I then use my XSP-1 to turn on my amps and that is all I'm using my XSP-1 for, just to turn on my amps via a trigger. Here is a solution, although not cheap. (I've seen the Niles CS-12V sell on e-bay used for 50 bucks.) www.newaudiounited.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=835 |
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Oct 21, 2013 11:59:36 GMT -5
I'm looking for a way to power on my amps from my remote since the DC1 does not have a trigger out. An ET3 and an IR switched outlet would work, but I'm having a hard time finding a quality IR controlled outlet... Most of them are RF. I would prefer not to plug the DC1 into a "smart outlet" since I have a Belkin surge suppressor. Any ideas? Sent from my HTC6500LVW using proboards How about something like the unit below? At $7, it's cheap enough to try out... click pic for link.. |
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Post by GreenKiwi on Oct 21, 2013 13:56:05 GMT -5
I'm looking for a way to power on my amps from my remote since the DC1 does not have a trigger out. An ET3 and an IR switched outlet would work, but I'm having a hard time finding a quality IR controlled outlet... Most of them are RF. I would prefer not to plug the DC1 into a "smart outlet" since I have a Belkin surge suppressor. Any ideas? Sent from my HTC6500LVW using proboards THe only issue I'd see with this is that in addition to turning it on, you'd need to have an IR command to bring it out of standby. (unless they have a feature that has it turn on w/ power on. This is a feature I'd love. I don't want my wife to have to think about ever turning it on. |
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Post by danny01 on Oct 21, 2013 16:20:29 GMT -5
I think this one paired with the Emo trigger module should do the trick. It says it'll turn on AND off. I'll just dig up an old remote and program a button from that one so that I won't ever accidentally trigger it... Am I missing something? |
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Post by danny01 on Oct 21, 2013 16:25:13 GMT -5
wait, it looks like those two units are the same thing. The pictures of the burnt units on Amazon was why I had ruled that one out... Hmmm
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and send back the dc1
