|
|
Post by mirekti on Jan 21, 2015 21:39:24 GMT -5
Hi all,
I was wondering would it make sense to add tubes to the XDA-2. The current model reveals there is lots of unused space in the unit.
For example adding tubes and a switch so one can choose between SST and Tube preamp. Combine this with the XPA-1L and you're in haven.
Does this make sense?
|
|
|
|
Post by yeeeha17 on Jan 21, 2015 21:41:32 GMT -5
Someone did add tubes to an XDA-1
|
|
|
|
Post by cwmcobra on Jan 21, 2015 21:42:12 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by mirekti on Jan 21, 2015 21:46:22 GMT -5
Thanks, let me read about it.
Emotiva could make it look nice as well. ;-)
|
|
|
|
Post by ocezam on Jan 21, 2015 23:32:32 GMT -5
Why don't you just take the outputs of your XDA-2 and run them into a couple good tube amps? Works great for me for several years now.
|
|
|
|
Post by mirekti on Jan 21, 2015 23:54:42 GMT -5
Well, I don't own any Emotiva equipment at the moment, but plan on getting two XPA-1Ls and an XDA-2 and as said it the first post I noticed there are some space left in the XDA-2 box.
I cannot justify having one more amp so having a preamp that would be SST and tube switchable (maybe even with three operational modes SST, tube and a hybrid) sounded good in my head. Not sure how all that together would work hence, the thread. :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Jan 22, 2015 2:04:08 GMT -5
Hi mirekti. Since you are getting some XPA-1 L's I really reccomend looking at that DC-1 instead. I know it's twice the price but the performance gains are noticeable and worth it imo. But if you must get an XDA-2, I reccomend HEARTILY the YAQIN SC-CD3 tube buffer....of which my friend Boomzilla has for sale right now. Just PM him. I have used the very same unit he has and can vouch for it being a perfect match for the XDA-2 and in good condition. It goes a long way to fix the main deficiency saw in the XDA-2 unit (which was a weak-ish sounding pre-amp when driven direct into emotiva power amps). It also adds a slight hint of tube magic and allows you to still use the XPA-1 L's. Just one note the SC-CD3 is unbalanced - but it's also dirt cheap for what it can do. |
|
|
|
Post by Chuck Elliot on Jan 22, 2015 2:34:32 GMT -5
Hi mirekti. Since you are getting some XPA-1 L's I really reccomend looking at that DC-1 instead. I know it's twice the price but the performance gains are noticeable and worth it imo. But if you must get an XDA-2, I reccomend HEARTILY the YAQIN SC-CD3 tube buffer....of which my friend Boomzilla has for sale right now. Just PM him. I have used the very same unit he has and can vouch for it being a perfect match for the XDA-2 and in good condition. It goes a long way to fix the main deficiency saw in the XDA-2 unit (which was a weak-ish sounding pre-amp when driven direct into emotiva power amps). It also adds a slight hint of tube magic and allows you to still use the XPA-1 L's. Just one note the SC-CD3 is unbalanced - but it's also dirt cheap for what it can do. Didn't Glenn have a hum issue with the YAQIN SC-CD3?  |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Jan 22, 2015 2:52:07 GMT -5
Hi mirekti. Since you are getting some XPA-1 L's I really reccomend looking at that DC-1 instead. I know it's twice the price but the performance gains are noticeable and worth it imo. But if you must get an XDA-2, I reccomend HEARTILY the YAQIN SC-CD3 tube buffer....of which my friend Boomzilla has for sale right now. Just PM him. I have used the very same unit he has and can vouch for it being a perfect match for the XDA-2 and in good condition. It goes a long way to fix the main deficiency saw in the XDA-2 unit (which was a weak-ish sounding pre-amp when driven direct into emotiva power amps). It also adds a slight hint of tube magic and allows you to still use the XPA-1 L's. Just one note the SC-CD3 is unbalanced - but it's also dirt cheap for what it can do. Didn't Glenn have a hum issue with the YAQIN SC-CD3? I don't think so. I think you may be thinking about his Dared tube pre-amp (which is different) which he did encounter a hum. When I had his YAQIN SC-CD3 in my system, I had no hum. |
|
|
|
Post by ocezam on Jan 22, 2015 8:32:59 GMT -5
Didn't Glenn have a hum issue with the YAQIN SC-CD3? I don't think so. I think you may be thinking about his Dared tube pre-amp (which is different) which he did encounter a hum. When I had his YAQIN SC-CD3 in my system, I had no hum. Yeah, I believe your right, it was the preamp. I ran across that thread a few days ago. |
|
|
|
Post by mirekti on Jan 22, 2015 17:09:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the comments. The idea with YAQIN is worth considering.
However, given you facts about the preamp power issues the xda has this would be a great time to rebuild it and provide option with switchable sst/tubes preamp. :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Jan 22, 2015 17:29:53 GMT -5
Now keep in mind that is my personal subjective opinion not necessarily fact. But I feel that the DC-1 is significantly superior. I heard they are coming out with a new XDA but they hinted that it won't look like an XDA. It would be interesting to see what they have in store.
|
|
|
|
Post by mirekti on Jan 22, 2015 17:35:34 GMT -5
Understood.
Let's see what will happen. I do like the XDA's dimensions as they are a perfect match to the XPA-1L.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Jan 22, 2015 18:51:42 GMT -5
Now keep in mind that is my personal subjective opinion not necessarily fact. But I feel that the DC-1 is significantly superior. I heard they are coming out with a new XDA but they hinted that it won't look like an XDA. It would be interesting to see what they have in store. It may be soon, as the XDA-2 is STILL on sale. Trying to clear 'em out? |
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Jan 22, 2015 19:03:23 GMT -5
Now keep in mind that is my personal subjective opinion not necessarily fact. But I feel that the DC-1 is significantly superior. I heard they are coming out with a new XDA but they hinted that it won't look like an XDA. It would be interesting to see what they have in store. In your opinion, why do you think the DC-1 "significantly superior"? They both use the same DAC (I understand that the DC-1 uses dual DACs in mono mode), I would "assume" that they would sound at least similar. The one thing I like about the XDA-2 is that the power supply is shielded from the digital circuitry whereas the DC-1 has that toroidal transformer stuck right in the middle of the of the unit without any shielding I can see. Also... The power supply rectifier and voltage regulators are also mingling with the rest of the circuitry. This is typically a "no-no" in design as I understand it. |
|
|
|
Post by mirekti on Jan 22, 2015 20:23:42 GMT -5
Now keep in mind that is my personal subjective opinion not necessarily fact. But I feel that the DC-1 is significantly superior. I heard they are coming out with a new XDA but they hinted that it won't look like an XDA. It would be interesting to see what they have in store. It may be soon, as the XDA-2 is STILL on sale. Trying to clear 'em out? If so, this thread won't speed it up.  |
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Jan 22, 2015 20:40:56 GMT -5
It may be soon, as the XDA-2 is STILL on sale. Trying to clear 'em out? If so, this thread won't speed it up. Well, as far as my ears can tell, the XDA-2 is as good as anything I've heard, the professional reviews have been very favorable and the price/performance/feature ratio can't be touched by anyone. I suspect Emotiva has sold a boatload of 'em and will continue to do so. |
|
|
|
Post by mirekti on Jan 22, 2015 20:46:44 GMT -5
If so, this thread won't speed it up. Well, as far as my ears can tell, the XDA-2 is as good as anything I've heard, the professional reviews have been very favorable and the price/performance/feature ratio can't be touched by anyone. I suspect Emotiva has sold a boatload of 'em and will continue to do so. Yes, this makes sense. I have also read only good things about it in the reviews on the net. |
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Jan 22, 2015 22:56:23 GMT -5
Now keep in mind that is my personal subjective opinion not necessarily fact. But I feel that the DC-1 is significantly superior. I heard they are coming out with a new XDA but they hinted that it won't look like an XDA. It would be interesting to see what they have in store. In your opinion, why do you think the DC-1 "significantly superior"? They both use the same DAC (I understand that the DC-1 uses dual DACs in mono mode), I would "assume" that they would sound at least similar. The one thing I like about the XDA-2 is that the power supply is shielded from the digital circuitry whereas the DC-1 has that toroidal transformer stuck right in the middle of the of the unit without any shielding I can see. Also... The power supply rectifier and voltage regulators are also mingling with the rest of the circuitry. This is typically a "no-no" in design as I understand it. I'll PM you. |
|
|
|
Post by leonski on Jan 24, 2015 14:42:07 GMT -5
If you WANT to add tubes to a SS device you may be content with what is called a 'tube buffer'. This goes between the output of the digital source, for example, and INPUT of the preamp. It is SAID to offer that 'tube goodness' some audiophiles crave. You probably want to listen first. A buffer stage has NO GAIN. So if 1v goes IN…….1v comes OUT. ihi-fi.com/blog/2013/6/4/stop-shattering-my-music |
|
