DC1 vs XDA-2

[danny01]

considering the clapper

nevermind this won't work with loud music... Ahh I NEED to find a solution before I order my DC-1 because I refuse to get up and walk 8 feet to manually power on/off my amps. First world problem, but a PITA...

OK I think I found a solution x10pro-usa.com/x10-home.html. It's not as easy a fix as the others mentioned so far, but the Harmony database already has the codes...

[dazza]

Thanks for all the posts, enjoyed and more importantly learnt a little along the way,

I have decide to purchase the DC-1. Now this then begs a somewhat 'noobie' question;

How to best integrate the DC-1 into my 2 channel system (XSP & XPA-1s), bypass the pre all together?

[GreenKiwi]

dazza your DC-1 would go into the balanced (or unbalanced) input on the XSP... assuming you are using any of the other features of the XSP (phono, bass management, extra analog inputs, HT-bypass).

If you aren't using any of those... and don't intent to, try the DC-1 direct as well as through the XSP and see if you like one more than the other (or can tell a difference.) You might be able to just sell the XSP.

[dazza]

GreenKiwi, The latter was my intent mode of operation. But might connect direct to see if I can hear any discernible difference. Cheers.

[Lsc]

Do you hear a difference in the bass between the DC-1 and the XDA-2? I feel that the XDA-2 lacks a little solidity in the bass department.

I feel like when going thru my UMC-200 directly the bass feels more solid but the mids and highs are not as good.

I wonder if the DC-1 is any better in this regard. Otherwise, the XDA-2 is plenty good enough for me.

[SteveB]

I noticed a difference. The bass with the DC-1 is powerful but does not sound exaggerated. In my opinion the midrange is much fuller (natural sounding, NOT bloated) as well. With the crazy sale price, I couldn't resist and ordered a second one to replace the XDA-2 in my second system. The DC-1 was a noticeable improvement over my XDA-2, Musical Fidelity M-1 and Wyred4Sound DAC-1.

[d1sturb3d]

Oct 24, 2013 15:37:03 GMT -5 SteveB said:

I noticed a difference. The bass with the DC-1 is powerful but does not sound exaggerated. In my opinion the midrange is much fuller (natural sounding, NOT bloated) as well. With the crazy sale price, I couldn't resist and ordered a second one to replace the XDA-2 in my second system. The DC-1 was a noticeable improvement over my XDA-2, Musical Fidelity M-1 and Wyred4Sound DAC-1.

wow

[Dark Ranger]

Threads like this really do not help my yearning for a DC-1.


I've had an XDA-2 since November and I really like it. But like any card-carrying audio enthusiast, I sometimes wonder what "better" could sound like in a DAC. However, there are a few things keeping me from purchasing a DC-1:

- If the XMC-1 is "good enough," I'd like to use it for both HT and 2-channel and move the XDA-2 to the bedroom. It would be a simplified system. Getting a DC-1 would mean I'd have to sell either the XDA-2 or DC-1 once the XMC-1 arrives.
- I need money for said XMC-1.
- The form-factor doesn't match my other 17" wide gear (XDA-2 sits underneath my UMC-1 for now).
- I need money for the FL/FR speaker upgrade planned in November or December.


But man oh man, the price of the DC-1 is just killer!

[Lsc]

Oct 25, 2013 1:15:04 GMT -5 Dark Ranger said:

Threads like this really do not help my yearning for a DC-1.


I've had an XDA-2 since November and I really like it. But like any card-carrying audio enthusiast, I sometimes wonder what "better" could sound like in a DAC. However, there are a few things keeping me from purchasing a DC-1:

- If the XMC-1 is "good enough," I'd like to use it for both HT and 2-channel and move the XDA-2 to the bedroom. It would be a simplified system. Getting a DC-1 would mean I'd have to sell either the XDA-2 or DC-1 once the XMC-1 arrives.
- I need money for said XMC-1.
- The form-factor doesn't match my other 17" wide gear (XDA-2 sits underneath my UMC-1 for now).
- I need money for the FL/FR speaker upgrade planned in November or December.


But man oh man, the price of the DC-1 is just killer!

If you are going to get the XMC-1, then you can prolly just sell the XDA-2 at that point. I think you will survive until 2/14 or so. I will get the XMC-1 at some point too but since the XDA-2 was so good for 2 channel, I realized the UMC-200 was a great deal for movies at 499...and I was right. Not feature packed but movies sound 1000X better than my old Onkyo 708. So, I'm not in any hurry now - time to enjoy music and movies... and even TV sounds way better.

[quattroll]

Hey guys,

All this chatter about the DC-1 is really moving me closer to an order. I have a nice bedroom system with a 46" Panasonic Plasma which selects the source and passes the optical 2 channel to my XDA-2, then XPA-200, and then B&W CDM7SEs (They are 13 yrs old, but still a high quality 3 way. They put out very nice natural bass that is boosted a little because they have to be a bit closer to the wall, so I am not looking for a sub. This setup sounds really good, it must be the acoustics of the room, but each step I have taken to improve the sound has been worth it. Previously I had an XDA-1 connected to a Pioneer Elite A6 MkII stereo receiver (dual mono design). That was good, but at 40-60 watts depending on how you interpret the power, I just knew that the B&Ws could use more power. So, I got the XDA-2 for lossless volume and the XPA-200 amp.

Now I'm wondering if the DC-1 could make this setup even better. I figure that I can use one of my old dacs to remote switch on the TV, AMP, BD, and APPLE TV, (I have a triggered power strip) and either leave the DC-1 on all the time (would that be bad long-term?) or just bother to use the remote capability (not a problem for me, but wife and kids don't like multiple turn on sequences). I'm sure the DC-1 will make an improvement, the question is how much? I do have a concern that I may not notice the improvement unless I am playing material pretty loud. If that is true, maybe it is better to pass and save $ for XMC-1 which will be going in my main system.

Thanks to all in here for the opinions and helpful suggestions.

[Deleted]

you can always try it out using the 30 day return policy....the package only weighs 9 lbs so it shouldnt cost too much to ship back should you nt hear an improvemnet

[Lsc]

I personally wouldn't but if you think it'll make a difference...it could be worth it. I think the XMC-1 will be the one stop solution for most of us...when it shows up.

The DC-1 is cool but we need an Emotiva regular line version of it.

[klinemj]

Just curious - what would a regular line Emotiva have/not have for you that would make is more desirable for you than the DC-1? FYI, at Emofest, they did say they were working on more products for the DAC line but didn't reveal what price points or features would be available.

Mark

[Lsc]

Oct 25, 2013 14:53:08 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Just curious - what would a regular line Emotiva have/not have for you that would make is more desirable for you than the DC-1? FYI, at Emofest, they did say they were working on more products for the DAC line but didn't reveal what price points or features would be available.

Mark

I just don't like the fact that the DC-1 looks nothing like the stuff I have. I'm talking about and Emotiva regular line equivalent. Just thinking out loud.

I'm probably going to stick w/ the XDA-2 anyway - it works great w/ my stuff save the bass.

[garbulky]

Oct 25, 2013 15:15:05 GMT -5 Lsc said:

Oct 25, 2013 14:53:08 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Just curious - what would a regular line Emotiva have/not have for you that would make is more desirable for you than the DC-1? FYI, at Emofest, they did say they were working on more products for the DAC line but didn't reveal what price points or features would be available.

Mark

I just don't like the fact that the DC-1 looks nothing like the stuff I have. I'm talking about and Emotiva regular line equivalent. Just thinking out loud.

I'm probably going to stick w/ the XDA-2 anyway - it works great w/ my stuff save the bass.

I kind of know how you feel. The DC-1 looks and sounds really nice. But oh I would love it in that impressive XDA-1/2 form factor. I usually sit my laptop on top of the XDA-1 but I can't with the DC-1 as it would block the vents. Also with that form factor they can bring the same amount of inputs as the XDA-1. Right now there is just a tad fewer than I use.
But don't be fooled. The DC-1 is pretty darn nice - especially with the human voice. A nice "analog" sound to it.

[klinemj]

Makes sense - folks wanting the bigger form might just get their wish. In fact, it would not surprise me at all given they have put the DC-1's DAC into the ERC-3. They mentioned that the form factor of the DC-1 was driven by pro desires which often end up w/2 DAC's side-by-side. For me, I like the smaller form factor for home. The DC-1 fits nicely on the top shelf of my stereo stand next to my center speaker and Wii. But, I could see where others might want something different.

Mark

[hemster]

Oct 25, 2013 15:51:13 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Makes sense - folks wanting the bigger form might just get their wish. In fact, it would not surprise me at all given they have put the DC-1's DAC into the ERC-3. They mentioned that the form factor of the DC-1 was driven by pro desires which often end up w/2 DAC's side-by-side. For me, I like the smaller form factor for home. The DC-1 fits nicely on the top shelf of my stereo stand next to my center speaker and Wii. But, I could see where others might want something different.

Mark

I agree completely. The DC-1 looks great in my office, sitting next to the diminutive Airmotivs. Shelf space is at a premium and it's just the right size for the bookshelf.

On the other hand, were I to use it with other Emo gear, I'd want the form factors to match. Let's hope that Emo comes up with a pro-DAC in the regular size to match other components. The ER-3 is an intriguing option and may not include all the prosumer connections but most consumers wouldn't miss them anyway. 

Another intriguing option would be the DC-1's DAC built into the Exec system! Along with the ability to stream over the network or from a locally attached USB drive...

[Emosean]

Oct 21, 2013 22:32:53 GMT -5 GreenKiwi said:

dazza your DC-1 would go into the balanced (or unbalanced) input on the XSP... assuming you are using any of the other features of the XSP (phono, bass management, extra analog inputs, HT-bypass).

If you aren't using any of those... and don't intent to, try the DC-1 direct as well as through the XSP and see if you like one more than the other (or can tell a difference.) You might be able to just sell the XSP.

I am now using the DC-1 to my XPA 1s via XLR , source is ERC-2

Much better clarity, timbre , and soundstage .
All subject to your room and ears of course.

[garbulky]

Oct 25, 2013 20:01:37 GMT -5 Emosean said:

Oct 21, 2013 22:32:53 GMT -5 GreenKiwi said:

dazza your DC-1 would go into the balanced (or unbalanced) input on the XSP... assuming you are using any of the other features of the XSP (phono, bass management, extra analog inputs, HT-bypass).

If you aren't using any of those... and don't intent to, try the DC-1 direct as well as through the XSP and see if you like one more than the other (or can tell a difference.) You might be able to just sell the XSP.

I am now using the DC-1 to my XPA 1s via XLR , source is ERC-2

Much better clarity, timbre , and soundstage .
All subject to your room and ears of course.

NICE SETUP!

[d1sturb3d]

Hi guys!

I am not sure what thread to post my question..I want to buy a PS3 to have a gaming console and bluray player because I have none right now..

Can you connect PS3 to XDA-2 or DC-1 via optical out when watching movies? I do not plan to setup multichannel at the apt..I will stick with my stereo setup for now..so can the PS3 output stereo PCM that the XDA-2 or DC-1 can accept?