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Post by wildgoose on Apr 21, 2016 14:51:56 GMT -5
I am considering purchasing the DC-1, but have some questions about whether I can integrate it to my HT system.
I have a 5.1 home theater setup with a Denon 3310CI receiver, and an XPA-2 powering the front 2 speakers. The rest of the speakers are powered by the Denon. I am interested to see what kind of improvements the DC-1 can bring to my system when listening to 2 channel music, using it as both the DAC and preamp.
Is there a way I can setup the system so that
1) When listening to 2 channel music, I use the DC-1 feeding to my XPA-2 and power the front 2 speakers.
2) when watching movies, I use the Denon/xpa-2 as I am currently doing.
My music source will be mainly from my squeezebox (optical/coaxical digital out).
Is this possible? I read about a HT-bypass feature, but not sure how exactly it's suppose to work and whether the DC-1 have this or not.
Thanks!
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Post by geebo on Apr 21, 2016 14:58:38 GMT -5
I am considering purchasing the DC-1, but have some questions about whether I can integrate it to my HT system. I have a 5.1 home theater setup with a Denon 3310CI receiver, and an XPA-2 powering the front 2 speakers. The rest of the speakers are powered by the Denon. I am interested to see what kind of improvements the DC-1 can bring to my system when listening to 2 channel music, using it as both the DAC and preamp. Is there a way I can setup the system so that 1) When listening to 2 channel music, I use the DC-1 feeding to my XPA-2 and power the front 2 speakers. 2) when watching movies, I use the Denon/xpa-2 as I am currently doing. My music source will be mainly from my squeezebox (optical/coaxical digital out). Is this possible? I read about a HT-bypass feature, but not sure how exactly it's suppose to work and whether the DC-1 have this or not. Thanks! The DC-1 has no HT bypass function so to do as you would like would require some kind of switch box or physically changing connections yourself. You could also use the Denon to switch inputs. I use the DC-1's balanced analog output to the balanced stereo input of the XMC-1 set to Reference Mode. |
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Post by wildgoose on Apr 21, 2016 15:22:44 GMT -5
I use the DC-1's balanced analog output to the balanced stereo input of the XMC-1 set to Reference Mode. Interesting. So the DC-1's DAC is better than the XMC-1's DAC? (I'd imagine the $2.5k XMC-1 can do everything the DC-1 can do  ) |
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Post by geebo on Apr 21, 2016 15:35:45 GMT -5
I use the DC-1's balanced analog output to the balanced stereo input of the XMC-1 set to Reference Mode. Interesting. So the DC-1's DAC is better than the XMC-1's DAC? (I'd imagine the $2.5k XMC-1 can do everything the DC-1 can do ) Well, I didn't exactly say it sounded better. The fact is I really can't tell a difference although I still use it often with two channel listening but not always. I mainly keep and use the DC-1 as an excellent headphone amp and yes, I think it's better than the XMC-1's headphone amp. |
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Post by Gary Cook on Apr 21, 2016 15:42:58 GMT -5
With the Denon AVR plugged into the XPA-2 via RCA connections, plug the DC-1 into the XPA-2 via Balanced/XLR connections.
Perhaps more importantly it seems that you are on an a sound system upgrade journey, so best to make sure that each piece is as much as possible consistent with that path.
Cheers
Gary
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KeithL
Administrator 
Posts: 10,269
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Post by KeithL on Apr 21, 2016 15:49:29 GMT -5
The DC-1 doesn't have an "official" HT bypass. However, if you connect an analog source to its analog inputs, select the Analog inputs, and set its Volume to 0 dB, the analog input is passed to the output at 0 dB of gain. (In other words it acts like a HT bypass - but you have to select the Analog input and set the Volume to 0 dB every time you do it.) I am considering purchasing the DC-1, but have some questions about whether I can integrate it to my HT system. I have a 5.1 home theater setup with a Denon 3310CI receiver, and an XPA-2 powering the front 2 speakers. The rest of the speakers are powered by the Denon. I am interested to see what kind of improvements the DC-1 can bring to my system when listening to 2 channel music, using it as both the DAC and preamp. Is there a way I can setup the system so that 1) When listening to 2 channel music, I use the DC-1 feeding to my XPA-2 and power the front 2 speakers. 2) when watching movies, I use the Denon/xpa-2 as I am currently doing. My music source will be mainly from my squeezebox (optical/coaxical digital out). Is this possible? I read about a HT-bypass feature, but not sure how exactly it's suppose to work and whether the DC-1 have this or not. Thanks! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2016 16:30:53 GMT -5
The DC-1 doesn't have an "official" HT bypass. However, if you connect an analog source to its analog inputs, select the Analog inputs, and set its Volume to 0 dB, the analog input is passed to the output at 0 dB of gain. (In other words it acts like a HT bypass - but you have to select the Analog input and set the Volume to 0 dB every time you do it.) I am considering purchasing the DC-1, but have some questions about whether I can integrate it to my HT system. I have a 5.1 home theater setup with a Denon 3310CI receiver, and an XPA-2 powering the front 2 speakers. The rest of the speakers are powered by the Denon. I am interested to see what kind of improvements the DC-1 can bring to my system when listening to 2 channel music, using it as both the DAC and preamp. Is there a way I can setup the system so that 1) When listening to 2 channel music, I use the DC-1 feeding to my XPA-2 and power the front 2 speakers. 2) when watching movies, I use the Denon/xpa-2 as I am currently doing. My music source will be mainly from my squeezebox (optical/coaxical digital out). Is this possible? I read about a HT-bypass feature, but not sure how exactly it's suppose to work and whether the DC-1 have this or not. Thanks! Which I did for quite some time and it works flawlessly EXCEPT make sure you return the volume to a Norma level before firing up some 2 channel |
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Post by wildgoose on Apr 21, 2016 16:48:25 GMT -5
With the Denon AVR plugged into the XPA-2 via RCA connections, plug the DC-1 into the XPA-2 via Balanced/XLR connections. Perhaps more importantly it seems that you are on an a sound system upgrade journey, so best to make sure that each piece is as much as possible consistent with that path. Cheers Gary If the XPA-2's RCA and balanced input are both used, is it intelligent enough to use the one that's active? Or do I need to flip the switch in the back to toggle between the 2 inputs? |
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Post by stads77 on Apr 21, 2016 16:55:37 GMT -5
I think the switch was put there for a reason, it is necessary to change between the two.
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Post by geebo on Apr 21, 2016 17:20:58 GMT -5
With the Denon AVR plugged into the XPA-2 via RCA connections, plug the DC-1 into the XPA-2 via Balanced/XLR connections. Perhaps more importantly it seems that you are on an a sound system upgrade journey, so best to make sure that each piece is as much as possible consistent with that path. Cheers Gary If the XPA-2's RCA and balanced input are both used, is it intelligent enough to use the one that's active? Or do I need to flip the switch in the back to toggle between the 2 inputs? You'd have to change switch positions. Keep in mind that those switches are not really meant for a lot of use. |
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Post by eclypse on Apr 21, 2016 18:13:20 GMT -5
The DC-1 doesn't have an "official" HT bypass. However, if you connect an analog source to its analog inputs, select the Analog inputs, and set its Volume to 0 dB, the analog input is passed to the output at 0 dB of gain. (In other words it acts like a HT bypass - but you have to select the Analog input and set the Volume to 0 dB every time you do it.) I am considering purchasing the DC-1, but have some questions about whether I can integrate it to my HT system. I have a 5.1 home theater setup with a Denon 3310CI receiver, and an XPA-2 powering the front 2 speakers. The rest of the speakers are powered by the Denon. I am interested to see what kind of improvements the DC-1 can bring to my system when listening to 2 channel music, using it as both the DAC and preamp. Is there a way I can setup the system so that 1) When listening to 2 channel music, I use the DC-1 feeding to my XPA-2 and power the front 2 speakers. 2) when watching movies, I use the Denon/xpa-2 as I am currently doing. My music source will be mainly from my squeezebox (optical/coaxical digital out). Is this possible? I read about a HT-bypass feature, but not sure how exactly it's suppose to work and whether the DC-1 have this or not. Thanks! Done this just like this for 2 years no problems! Just keep the dc-1 selected at analong and volume at 0 to be balanced with the rest of the system. Change volume to -20 or lower and change the input to usb,toslink or whatever while listening to other devices connected straight to the dc-1 like a pc or cd player for awesome 2 channel music! Becomes second nature after a short time. Gets alot easier when also integrating a xsp-1 since that has ht bypas. Then you can just connect the dc-1 to the xsp-1 for your digital sources. |
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LCSeminole
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Res firma mitescere nescit.
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Post by LCSeminole on Apr 21, 2016 18:29:34 GMT -5
I use the DC-1's balanced analog output to the balanced stereo input of the XMC-1 set to Reference Mode. I use my DC-1 in the same way, along with a Sony ES CD transport as my source. |
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Post by wildgoose on Apr 21, 2016 20:49:30 GMT -5
Just keep the dc-1 selected at analong and volume at 0 to be balanced with the rest of the system. Change volume to -20 or lower and change the input to usb,toslink or whatever while listening to other devices connected straight to the dc-1 like a pc or cd player for awesome 2 channel music! Becomes second nature after a short time. Gets alot easier when also integrating a xsp-1 since that has ht bypas. Then you can just connect the dc-1 to the xsp-1 for your digital sources. This is good to know, and I can probably make it work as well.  On a related note, I am still trying to make sense of the xsp-1.  My first reaction after looking at it was, why do I need it? (since it doesn't seem to have HDMI input and I was looking for a 'preamp' with HDMI input to hook up to my new xpa-2 amp. Then I thought maybe it's a preamp without HDMI, until I realized it also have NO DIGITAL INPUT! So what the heck is it good for? Who in their right mind would spend $1000 on a preamp with no hdmi or digital input? In my view, I have something that decodes the HDMI/digital signal (receiver or what I think of as preamp), and something to amplify the signal (xpa-2). What would I gain by stick the xsp-1 in between? Turns out its for volume control I suppose? A $1000 volume control? Is this generally used for dedicated DAC? I suppose most DACs don't have volume control? Is the 'correct' setup for a music system, with the xsp-1, something like this? music source -> optical out DAC -> analog out xsp-1 -> balanced out amplifier -> to speaker I think this is probably implying I am not really the target audience for the xsp-1. |
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Post by novisnick on Apr 21, 2016 21:31:04 GMT -5
Just keep the dc-1 selected at analong and volume at 0 to be balanced with the rest of the system. Change volume to -20 or lower and change the input to usb,toslink or whatever while listening to other devices connected straight to the dc-1 like a pc or cd player for awesome 2 channel music! Becomes second nature after a short time. Gets alot easier when also integrating a xsp-1 since that has ht bypas. Then you can just connect the dc-1 to the xsp-1 for your digital sources. This is good to know, and I can probably make it work as well. On a related note, I am still trying to make sense of the xsp-1. My first reaction after looking at it was, why do I need it? (since it doesn't seem to have HDMI input and I was looking for a 'preamp' with HDMI input to hook up to my new xpa-2 amp. Then I thought maybe it's a preamp without HDMI, until I realized it also have NO DIGITAL INPUT! So what the heck is it good for? Who in their right mind would spend $1000 on a preamp with no hdmi or digital input? In my view, I have something that decodes the HDMI/digital signal (receiver or what I think of as preamp), and something to amplify the signal (xpa-2). What would I gain by stick the xsp-1 in between? Turns out its for volume control I suppose? A $1000 volume control? Is this generally used for dedicated DAC? I suppose most DACs don't have volume control? Is the 'correct' setup for a music system, with the xsp-1, something like this? music source -> optical out DAC -> analog out xsp-1 -> balanced out amplifier -> to speaker I think this is probably implying I am not really the target audience for the xsp-1. The XSP-1 is a hreat piece of gear! Let me explain, its a purest distribution point, especially for great two channel music. It will improve most any signal it receives, adds sub control and a stepped analog volume control! Thas a very important point, add somthing to the DC-1 that makes it a charm. Add a turntable, has a wonderful sounding phono pre amp. add your two channel from an AVR or pre pro, no problem, its fully balaned all the way through. XSP-1 also has a HT bypass , so go ahead,,,,,enjoy your theater. plug in a DAC, or Oppo for two channel or even a serious CD player and still have a differential system. Was your question,,,,,, "what can the XSP-1 do"  It does plenty! And it does it very! Very! Well. I have really enjoyed mine! Any questions? Im here for ya. |
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Post by garbulky on Apr 21, 2016 22:37:28 GMT -5
The DC-1 doesn't have an "official" HT bypass. However, if you connect an analog source to its analog inputs, select the Analog inputs, and set its Volume to 0 dB, the analog input is passed to the output at 0 dB of gain. (In other words it acts like a HT bypass - but you have to select the Analog input and set the Volume to 0 dB every time you do it.) I am considering purchasing the DC-1, but have some questions about whether I can integrate it to my HT system. I have a 5.1 home theater setup with a Denon 3310CI receiver, and an XPA-2 powering the front 2 speakers. The rest of the speakers are powered by the Denon. I am interested to see what kind of improvements the DC-1 can bring to my system when listening to 2 channel music, using it as both the DAC and preamp. Is there a way I can setup the system so that 1) When listening to 2 channel music, I use the DC-1 feeding to my XPA-2 and power the front 2 speakers. 2) when watching movies, I use the Denon/xpa-2 as I am currently doing. My music source will be mainly from my squeezebox (optical/coaxical digital out). Is this possible? I read about a HT-bypass feature, but not sure how exactly it's suppose to work and whether the DC-1 have this or not. Thanks! +1 do this. (theres no subs this way though) |
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Post by Gary Cook on Apr 21, 2016 23:14:04 GMT -5
To carry on from what Nick has posted ......an XSP-1 is a very high quality analogue preamplifier that also features Home Theatre bypass circuitry, a very high quality phono pre amp and analogue bass management. I have connected to my XSP-1;
* A turntable (obviously doesn't need a DAC, but does need a phono pre amp)
* An ERC-3 CD Player (using the ERC-3's excellent internal DAC)
* A UMC-200 (RCA inputs for FL and FR + Sub via the HT Bypass)
* FL and FR Balanced/XLR outputs to a pair of XPA-1L's and an XPA-100 for sub woofer amplification.
* Occasionally an Oppo 103 for playing stereo 2.1 SACD's
* Input and output trigger cables
Using the XSP-1 for CDS's and vinyl I can manage the cross over to the sub woofer in the analogue domain. Generally an AVR or HT processor doesn't have that ability which means DAC to ADC to DAC conversion processes to achieve bass management. More conversions mean a higher chance of introducing noise, distortion and losses.
In summary, every good stereo music system needs a preamplifier.
Cheers
Gary
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Post by wildgoose on Apr 29, 2016 20:07:39 GMT -5
So, when is the next Emotiva sale? I want to get the DC-1.  |
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Post by novisnick on Apr 29, 2016 20:36:47 GMT -5
The DC-1 doesn't have an "official" HT bypass. However, if you connect an analog source to its analog inputs, select the Analog inputs, and set its Volume to 0 dB, the analog input is passed to the output at 0 dB of gain. (In other words it acts like a HT bypass - but you have to select the Analog input and set the Volume to 0 dB every time you do it.) I am considering purchasing the DC-1, but have some questions about whether I can integrate it to my HT system. I have a 5.1 home theater setup with a Denon 3310CI receiver, and an XPA-2 powering the front 2 speakers. The rest of the speakers are powered by the Denon. I am interested to see what kind of improvements the DC-1 can bring to my system when listening to 2 channel music, using it as both the DAC and preamp. Is there a way I can setup the system so that 1) When listening to 2 channel music, I use the DC-1 feeding to my XPA-2 and power the front 2 speakers. 2) when watching movies, I use the Denon/xpa-2 as I am currently doing. My music source will be mainly from my squeezebox (optical/coaxical digital out). Is this possible? I read about a HT-bypass feature, but not sure how exactly it's suppose to work and whether the DC-1 have this or not. Thanks! Thanks, great advice!! |
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My first reaction after looking at it was, why do I need it? (since it doesn't seem to have HDMI input and I was looking for a 'preamp' with HDMI input to hook up to my new xpa-2 amp. Then I thought maybe it's a preamp without HDMI, until I realized it also have NO DIGITAL INPUT! So what the heck is it good for? Who in their right mind would spend $1000 on a preamp with no hdmi or digital input? 
It does plenty! And it does it very! Very! Well.
