Upgrade to DC-1

[rmazzi]

A year ago I bought an XDA -2 to go with my pre amp and Amp from Emotiva.  At the time, the sales person did not describe the differences between teh DC-1 and XDA-2.  While i have not been unhappy with the sound of the XDA-2, i wonder if i should have bought the DC-1.  Can anyone help me understand the difference adn whether an upgrade would be worth it?

[AudioHTIT]

Some will tell you it's a no brainier and that the DC-1 trounces the XDA-2. I have both and think they're both excellent. If you're happy with the XDA-2 then keep it, but if you're doubting your choice (as it seems you are), and the purchase doesn't strain your budget then get the DC-1. You won't know for sure until you hear it with your ears, in your room, with your components and your music. If it doesn't make an obvious difference you can send it back.

[rmazzi]

thanks you are right. i need to compare the sound with my own ears. I didn't think about the 30 day return policy.

[rmazzi]

thanks you are right. i need to compare the sound with my own ears. I didn't think about the 30 day return policy.

[sparky14]

I'm in the same boat, however I need a headphone dac/amp for work, and may use the XDA-2 for that.

The XDA-2 and XPA-200 just look so nice together. I'd have to rearrange to put the DC-1 on a different shelf. Anybody compare XDA-2 and DC-1 on HiRez files? I play those a bunch at home.

[garbulky]

Oh yes. The DC-1 sounds better. I reccomend it with the caveat that it may not be amazing in very large rooms (I've had one person tell me it sounds great in large rooms though).
Any your experience may not mirror mine.
The DC-1 does have an audibly better headphone amp too.
I would recomend it easily. I use it every chance I get! Now I have heard better - but it cost $$
You have to ask yourself if sound quality is more important than aesthetics. Both answers are valid!

[sagasa]

I have both, personally not much difference SQ. Buy and use the 30 days return policy.

[wizardofoz]

My wife loves the dc-1, if it could do HDMI passthru it would be centre stage in the lounge setup, but I can put that little gem in any room I like witha pair of erm-1’s and a mini-x amp and she will happily use it all the time...but it's in my 2ch setup right now

[soundmaster]

The quality of your setup will determine if you hear the difference, my experience with the XDA-1 vs DC-1 was big enough difference to justify buying the DC-1, I was never satisfied with the XDA-1, I thought it was a bit too bright and not enough seperation for my liking, the DC-1 has the ability too separate instruments into there own space and give you all the detail without sounding harsh, it is very accurate at times it can sound a bit analytical, but that's the price you pay for accuracy, if your after a DAC that has some extra flavor and are willing to give up on accuracy, there's a lot of other DAC's out there that sound great including the XDA-2, although the difference to an audiophile might be great, but to average JOE it's very small and to some almost indistinguishable!

[vcautokid]

I like the XDA-2 allot, but the DC-1 is in another league all together. It is open, transparent, and an amazing component. I think one of Big Dan's, and Lonnie's best. Great with the Stealths by the way.

[Boomzilla]

Hi rmazzi - Should you opt to try the DC-1, please post your impressions. I'd be most interested in hearing them.

Thanks - Boomzilla

[cdifpsycho]

i originally purchased the xda-2 and a pair of airmotiv 5s's for a small two channel stereo in a decent sized room (17x34). i originally was not pleased with my xda-2, it had some quirks and i honestly did not care for it. garbulky enlightened me on some differences between the xda-2 and the dc-1. the most obvious one is the being that the preamp isnt SUPER slow.. its almost too fast. what i noticed as the dc-1 warmed up was there was it sounded more open and balanced... its clarity has only made me enjoy my music more and more. tonight is the first night using while watching a movie on the new TV. i am writing this on the forum because i am still so impressed by this set up.
all this to say, if it doesnt stress your budget, you owe it to yourself to at least check out the dc-1. i hear one thing, you'll hear another. is it worth it? to me it was...