Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2014 12:00:52 GMT -5
Many of us have been vocal lately about suggesting things that we think would improve the XSP-1. I thought I would start a thread where all those suggestions could be concentrated in one place. There is no denying that the XSP-1 is already an impressive preamp, but what things can you suggest that might improve it even further? Here is a place to vocalize your ideas. To kick this off, I have listed some of my own ideas. I realize that some of them might be impractical, and too costly to implement, nonetheless, I would gladly pay extra for these features if they were available.
1) Add ARM. The ARM feature (Ambient Retrieval Mode) is based off the Hafler principle I believe. As far as I know, there are only two preamps that have offered this feature: The CJ MET-1, and the McCormack MAP-1. The caveat is that this would necessitate the implementation of five outs: L/R/C/LS/ RS. Basically what the ARM does is extract the ambient information that is encoded into 2 channel audio, and divides that ambience between the L/R/C/LS/RS speakers. ARM can be turned on/off via the remote, and each speaker can independently be level matched to whatever degree the user wants, again via the remote. I can see this being beneficial especially in live 2 channel recordings. In talking to Steve McCormack at SMC Audio (inventor of the MAP-1) he says that he does not understand why more preamp manufacturers do not incorporate this feature as it is not difficult nor costly to implement. The beauty of ARM is that it does not affect resolution, or transparency as is common in most DSP based matrixes. It does not affect the audio quality of 2 channel audio at all. For those who lean towards being a 2 channel purist, this is like having your cake, and eating it too. It would allow you to take any of your 2 channel sources, including turntables, and have the capability of 5.1 surround (of sorts) if so desired, again, without any sacrifice in audio quality. How cool is that?
2) XO settings on the front
3) Accurately delineated XO markings, or digital read out of XO settings via a controlled analog resistor network preferably on the front of the unit, or even better, controlled by the remote.
4) Test tone generator for aiding in setting the XO points.
5) Ability to toggle on/off the RCA/XLR outputs independently in addition to leaving both sets on as in how they work now.
6) L/R balance control
Maybe some of these features will show up in the XSP-1 Gen III! Any other ideas?
|
|
|
|
Post by rob80b on Oct 9, 2014 9:11:07 GMT -5
True tape monitor out.
As I use a dedicated head-amp behind my listening position when not listening to the speakers, the signal is sent from the processor out but necessitates turning down the volume on theXSP-1, same as the USP-1. A true tape/monitor out allows one to engage the mute on the pre without muting the tape/monitor out.
I also use the monitor out when copying vinyl to a digital recorder, so same problem.
Other than that I'm a pretty happy camper.
(not sure if others have noticed, unless of course they use a similar setup for a head-amp, but if one turns the volume to -110 the processor out is also muted, one click up to -108.5 re-engages the output.)
|
|
kse
Emo VIPs 
Hello me, meet the real me.
Posts: 1,947
|
Post by kse on Oct 9, 2014 9:12:28 GMT -5
-ERC controls on remote.
-Ability to name inputs.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 10:35:01 GMT -5
True tape monitor out. As I use a dedicated head-amp behind my listening position when not listening to the speakers, the signal is sent from the processor out but necessitates turning down the volume on theXSP-1, same as the USP-1. A true tape/monitor out allows one to engage the mute on the pre without muting the tape/monitor out. I also use the monitor out when copying vinyl to a digital recorder, so same problem. Other than that I'm a pretty happy camper. (not sure if others have noticed, unless of course they use a similar setup for a head-amp, but if one turns the volume to -110 the processor out is also muted, one click up to -108.5 re-engages the output.) How does the outs on the "Proc Loop" work differently? I though it worked the same as a "tape Loop"? |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 10:37:13 GMT -5
-ERC controls on remote. -Ability to name inputs. The ability to name the inputs is a great idea? Kse, how do you the the ERC control working? |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 10:44:16 GMT -5
Geez, not enough coffee, lol. Let's try that again....
The ability to name the inputs is a great idea! My processor has this, and it does make life much easier. Kse, would you imagine the ERC control working exactly?
|
|
|
|
Post by linvincible on Oct 9, 2014 10:50:22 GMT -5
- Definitely crossover improvements
Delay and level control per channel (both H and L for L and R), as well as slope choices.
Combined and digitally controlled like the current "Trim" settings, or switches just like the Stealth speakers...
That would be a serious XO!
maybe as an optional card to control cost on base unit?
- more trigger outputs (at least a second one)
configurable by mini switches to link them to inputs/outputs
- turn on/off second output when it's in full bandwith
that way we can make a zone 2 with its own trigger with enhancement above
|
|
kse
Emo VIPs
Hello me, meet the real me.
Posts: 1,947
|
Post by kse on Oct 9, 2014 11:07:43 GMT -5
Geez, not enough coffee, lol. Let's try that again.... The ability to name the inputs is a great idea! My processor has this, and it does make life much easier. Kse, would you imagine the ERC control working exactly? The USP-1 has ERC controls on its remote. Be nice if the XSP did as well. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 11:13:28 GMT -5
- Definitely crossover improvements Delay and level control per channel (both H and L for L and R), as well as slope choices. Combined and digitally controlled like the current "Trim" settings, or switches just like the Stealth speakers... That would be a serious XO! maybe as an optional card to control cost on base unit? - more trigger outputs (at least a second one) configurable by mini switches to link them to inputs/outputs - turn on/off second output when it's in full bandwith that way we can make a zone 2 with its own trigger with enhancement above Invincible, you are definitely a "thinking man"! You definitely think outside of the box. ------------------------------------------------------------ "maybe as an optional card to control cost on base unit?"
Or, maybe adding a, RS-232 or Ethernet, port for future feature updates to help it be future proof like the XMC? ------------------------------------------------------------ Using mini, or dip, switches is something I don't thing has ever been done on a preamp. It would be a first I think. What an idea! Ifi Audio has been using these type switches in many of their designs. Being able to turn on/off the 2nd output is another idea I really like, and also being able to toggle between the two outputs as well. I already have a setup in mind that would work if this would be possible. You have a lot of good ideas. |
|
|
|
Post by rob80b on Oct 9, 2014 12:31:41 GMT -5
True tape monitor out. As I use a dedicated head-amp behind my listening position when not listening to the speakers, the signal is sent from the processor out but necessitates turning down the volume on theXSP-1, same as the USP-1. A true tape/monitor out allows one to engage the mute on the pre without muting the tape/monitor out. I also use the monitor out when copying vinyl to a digital recorder, so same problem. Other than that I'm a pretty happy camper. (not sure if others have noticed, unless of course they use a similar setup for a head-amp, but if one turns the volume to -110 the processor out is also muted, one click up to -108.5 re-engages the output.) How does the outs on the "Proc Loop" work differently? I though it worked the same as a "tape Loop"? As a processor loop it works fine as a classic tape monitor, not so. The classic tape monitor is a straight through connection with what ever is selected as the input, CD, LP, etc and is unaffected by muting, volume, tone controls etc, etc |
|
stiehl11
Emo VIPs
Give me available light!
Posts: 7,269
|
Post by stiehl11 on Oct 9, 2014 12:47:36 GMT -5
Many of us have been vocal lately about suggesting things that we think would improve the XSP-1. I thought I would start a thread where all those suggestions could be concentrated in one place. There is no denying that the XSP-1 is already an impressive preamp, but what things can you suggest that might improve it even further? Here is a place to vocalize your ideas. To kick this off, I have listed some of my own ideas. I realize that some of them might be impractical, and too costly to implement, nonetheless, I would gladly pay extra for these features if they were available. 1) Add ARM. The ARM feature (Ambient Retrieval Mode) is based off the Hafler principle I believe. As far as I know, there are only two preamps that have offered this feature: The CJ MET-1, and the McCormack MAP-1. The caveat is that this would necessitate the implementation of five outs: L/R/C/LS/ RS. Basically what the ARM does is extract the ambient information that is encoded into 2 channel audio, and divides that ambience between the L/R/C/LS/RS speakers. ARM can be turned on/off via the remote, and each speaker can independently be level matched to whatever degree the user wants, again via the remote. I can see this being beneficial especially in live 2 channel recordings. In talking to Steve McCormack at SMC Audio (inventor of the MAP-1) he says that he does not understand why more preamp manufacturers do not incorporate this feature as it is not difficult nor costly to implement. The beauty of ARM is that it does not affect resolution, or transparency as is common in most DSP based matrixes. It does not affect the audio quality of 2 channel audio at all. For those who lean towards being a 2 channel purist, this is like having your cake, and eating it too. It would allow you to take any of your 2 channel sources, including turntables, and have the capability of 5.1 surround (of sorts) if so desired, again, without any sacrifice in audio quality. How cool is that? 2) XO settings on the front 3) Accurately delineated XO markings, or digital read out of XO settings via a controlled analog resistor network preferably on the front of the unit, or even better, controlled by the remote. 4) Test tone generator for aiding in setting the XO points. 5) Ability to toggle on/off the RCA/XLR outputs independently in addition to leaving both sets on as in how they work now. 6) L/R balance control Maybe some of these features will show up in the XSP-1 Gen III! Any other ideas? Sounds like you want a processor rather than a pre-amp. Two different products for two different solutions. |
|
stiehl11
Emo VIPs
Give me available light!
Posts: 7,269
|
Post by stiehl11 on Oct 9, 2014 12:52:07 GMT -5
- Definitely crossover improvements Delay and level control per channel (both H and L for L and R), as well as slope choices. Combined and digitally controlled like the current "Trim" settings, or switches just like the Stealth speakers... That would be a serious XO! maybe as an optional card to control cost on base unit? - more trigger outputs (at least a second one) configurable by mini switches to link them to inputs/outputs - turn on/off second output when it's in full bandwith that way we can make a zone 2 with its own trigger with enhancement above The whole point of an analog pre-amp is not to alter the signal path digitally. What I would recommend is that you look at a processor rather than an analog pre-amp to get this type of functionality. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 13:13:19 GMT -5
Rob said, "As a processor loop it works fine as a classic tape monitor, not so.
The classic tape monitor is a straight through connection with what ever is selected as the input, CD, LP, etc and is unaffected by muting, volume, tone controls etc, etc"
I didn't know that. I see where this would be very important for recording. No colorations of any sort from the preamp. So in a sense then, it seems that a true "tape loop" works similar to HT pass through.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 13:39:37 GMT -5
[/quote]The whole point of an analog pre-amp is not to alter the signal path digitally. What I would recommend is that you look at a processor rather than an analog pre-amp to get this type of functionality. [/quote]
Yes, that is the point.....not to alter the signal path, etc. I have two SOFTA processors, especially the one with Trinnov....so, another processor is not a consideration. This is all about analog.
The point of this thread is not to figure out how to "digitize" the XSP-1 to the point that it becomes a processor, but to suggest things that would take a beloved product to an even more advanced, but also practical level (esp. over its competitors) without sacrificing the purity of its analog path.
Things suggested like true tape loop, true delineated XO controls, ARM (found in two world class analog preamps), on/off toggle of outputs, L/R balance control, an additional trigger out, putting XO controls on the front, etc., etc would not necessitate the implementation of DSP and should therefore not affect audio. We are just exploring here, and trying to think outside the box a little of typical preamp design. But I think that all analog lovers here would agree that if a suggested feature did necessitate the use of DSP then pretty much that feature should be eliminated.
|
|
|
|
Post by rob80b on Oct 9, 2014 14:02:11 GMT -5
Rob said, "As a processor loop it works fine as a classic tape monitor, not so.
The classic tape monitor is a straight through connection with what ever is selected as the input, CD, LP, etc and is unaffected by muting, volume, tone controls etc, etc"I didn't know that. I see where this would be very important for recording. No colorations of any sort from the preamp. So in a sense then, it seems that a true "tape loop" works similar to HT pass through. All most, except with the tape monitor and the processor out you get what is selected as the input, it could be considered a bypass if you only use the tape in or processor in as the source. (you've given me an idea, I'll need to check processor "in" to see if that mutes too, probably though  ) |
|
|
|
Post by whovous on Oct 9, 2014 14:03:29 GMT -5
A balance control.
|
|
|
|
Post by paintedklown on Oct 9, 2014 14:10:18 GMT -5
Since there are very specific requirements that need to be met in order to make you are are truly filly balanced, then perhaps an LED or some other indicator that verifies your settings have not pulled you out of a true fully balanced signal path.
+1 to true tape monitor
|
|
|
|
Post by rob80b on Oct 9, 2014 14:49:46 GMT -5
(you've given me an idea, I'll need to check processor "in" to see if that mutes too, probably though ) Well you can use the 'processor in" as another input...but...except when you select "it" it does not go to the processor out.  Obviously this is to reduce the chance of a feedback loop, but all the same. Oh and it also mutes. |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Oct 9, 2014 14:58:36 GMT -5
I'm just interested purely in sound. So I just want the next version or the reference series to be better at it. Take what works. Fine tune the rest. Improve the performance at lower volumes, adjust the treble - right now it's not EXACTLY there but very very close. Maybe just a tad more air and bite. Maybe it has to do with the phase variation that showed up in the measurements? Maybe it's the digital resistor on the chip setup. Also stick numbers on the subwoofer cross over dial. It would also be nice if they had two pairs of outputs but not necessary. Either way the XSP-1 is fantastic, just keep the it as pure as you can, that's all I ask.  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 15:54:01 GMT -5
Garbulky, I hear ya on all points, and agree. But you have really sparked an idea here. Maybe instead of a bass and treble knob, the XSP-1 could have two sweepable PEQ's with each PEQ knob having it's own volume. That way you could cut/boost any frequency anywhere you wanted. You could use both of them in the HF area, i.e., to taylor the high end how you wanted, or use them anywhere else you saw fit. I could see where this might be really beneficial with turntables. I would think you could definitely dial in "more bite" as you call it.
|
|
)
