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Post by bigred572005 on May 21, 2015 9:09:27 GMT -5
I just picked up a Cambridge Audio Azur 640A, paired with B&W 602 V2, and I’m looking to add a CD player and/or DAC for stereo listening. I currently have a Sony 5 disc changer that I have had sitting in a closet for A LONG but still works flawlessly. Here are the options I was considering.
1. Use my Sony CDP as a transport and buy an Emotiva XDA 1 or 2
2. Buy a Emotiva ERC 1
3. Try find the matching Cambridge Azur 640c for a relatively low price
Whats your opinion?
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Post by jackpine on May 21, 2015 11:03:28 GMT -5
An ERC-3 from the secret sale would be my recommendation but, I think they're all gone
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Post by vneal on May 21, 2015 11:09:37 GMT -5
I would see how it sounds without the DAC first
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Post by bigred572005 on May 21, 2015 11:12:53 GMT -5
I would see how it sounds without the DAC first That Said, what do you have any experience between the XDA 1 vs XDA 2? |
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Post by vneal on May 21, 2015 11:16:04 GMT -5
I do not
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Post by vcautokid on May 21, 2015 12:13:25 GMT -5
Yes, definitely see how your system sounds first. If everything is great with your CD player, go with an XDA-2. This will also give you the ability to stream music too on top of your CD music listening. If your CD player has any issues, the ERC-3 is a great way to go, and is Emotiva audio's latest, and greatest.
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Post by Dark Ranger on May 21, 2015 12:29:13 GMT -5
Hi Red,
If you have other digital sources, then the XDA units would be handy. Otherwise, something like an ERC would be great for spinning discs. However, I second vneal's suggestion of trying it without the DAC. Just connect your current CDP to the integrated and see how you like it.
Regarding the XDAs if you choose this route: since the Cambridge 640A is an integrated amplifier with a volume control, I'm thinking you'll be adjusting the volume from the integrated amp rather than using the volume controls on the XDA-1 or XDA-2. Yes?
The XDA-2 has a lossless volume control that does not degrade resolution/quality at lower levels. This is great if you're connecting the XDA-2 directly to an amplifier and controlling the volume from the XDA. However, since this probably doesn't apply with your setup, either the XDA-1 or XDA-2 would be quite alright. Just be sure to set the XDA-1 at 80.0 (max) or the XDA-2 at 00.00 and you're good. FYI, the XDA-2 supports formats beyond 24/48 via USB (unlike the XDA-1), so this may be good to know if you plan to connect a computer.
All in all, the XDA-2 is more flexible, has more features, and is a bit more refined, but if you can score the XDA-1 at a decent price, it's great as a stand-alone DAC as long as you keep the volume at max (80.0). I had one for a while and enjoyed it thoroughly.
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