Emotiva XDA-2

[mrchisox]

So I've recently ordered the Emotiva XPA-2
Power Amplifier and it is to arrive today.  I'm currently looking into buying a Preamp as well.  The thing is, technology has changed a bit since I bought my last amplifier and I'm a bit behind the times with regard to the various inputs and outputs.  

I don't need a phono hookup as I sold my vinyl off years ago, and my system is pretty basic.  It consists of 3 pieces plus two pair of floor standing loudspeakers.  The CD player is a Marantz CD 5003 and while it is currently connected via RCA cables it does have an optical out that I could use as well.  So far as I can determine, the XDA-2 would suit my basic needs.  Any thoughts?  Cash doesn't grow on any trees around here so it is a factor and I'm not sure that such an inexpensive DAC would be a jump in performance over my old Adcom GPT-450, however, it is on sale and the reduced price is screaming at me.

Assuming that this DAC would be a decent upgrade, what kind of optical cable would I need to buy and what type of cable to connect the DAC and Power Amp other than RCA?

I will be selling my Adcom GFA-555 II Power Amplifier and possibly the GPT-450.  They are both in excellent condition.

[dasanto2]

I'm using my xda-2 as a preamp in addition its functionality as a DAC; its working great so far. However, I do have a two channel listening set-up.

[creimes]

My advice to you would be grab one of these and connect your CD player directly to your XPA-2, that is as long as you are not using any other sources.

you would also need a set of RCA interconnects to go between the female side of the Control Freak and the amp

emotiva.com/products/electronics/control-freak

[mrchisox]

Whoa... I had missed that! That's a possibility! My system is a 2 channel set-up and I don't envision adding any additional sources. My CD collection is well into the thousands and I got out of the various tape formats years ago. I did enjoy my Revox B77 for a time but that darn tape is pricey and not terribly convenient. Thanks so much for the tip, Chadwick. It gives me something to consider.

[creimes]

Sept 12, 2014 13:33:37 GMT -5 mrchisox said:

Whoa... I had missed that! That's a possibility! My system is a 2 channel set-up and I don't envision adding any additional sources. My CD collection is well into the thousands and I got out of the various tape formats years ago. I did enjoy my Revox B77 for a time but that darn tape is pricey and not terribly convenient. Thanks so much for the tip, Chadwick. It gives me something to consider.

Hey no problem, it is a cheaper way to go than an XDA-2 and I enjoy mine and you would be using the DAC within the CD player which should be just fine IMO