nussey
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 9 
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Post by nussey on Jul 26, 2016 15:14:44 GMT -5
Hello! This is my first post on this forum, although I have been reading for quite some time. This is one of the the first online communities I have been a part of, so please, give me feedback on how to make more interesting posts. Some quick background (skip down a couple paragraphs if you don't care):
I am in college, but have a good job, so while I am sticking to the lower end of the price spectrum (as far as audiophile gear goes), I really want to get gear that will last. Most of the stuff that I have is refurb/used, but so far I have been very happy with it. I have a pair of Klipsch Forte IIs that I got from my dad and have since restored that initially showed me just how good great sound could be. I then spent a couple of months interning at a mastering studio and listened to auditions for $20k DACs and speakers far larger than myself, and I was in love.
In my apartment, I have a pair of Klipsch RP-160m's that I got for an awesome price being driven by a Mini-X A-100 that I got directly from Emotiva on ebay with a 1 year warranty. What a great little amp! I have been so pleased with it. It drives my (relatively efficient) speakers far louder than I can possibly stand in my 150 square foot office/bedroom. I've got the speakers on stands and my desk chair is right in the sweet spot, but there is only so much I can do with such a small room. I have done some light, inexpensive room treatment, and that certainly helped, but I completely understand that I cannot expect audio nirvana with the acoustics in the state they are.
In any event, I have a pro-ject turntable, an RCA cd player (I'll get there....), my laptop, and my media server feeding into a RCA switch box and then into my Mini-X. The DAC in my media sever is truly bad and I end up using my phone for most of my critical listening because it is noticeably better. I've got some money saved up (I buy, clean/repair, and sell a bunch of audio stuff on Craigslist in addition to my job), and I figure it is time to pick up a preamp and a DAC. I was looking for something in the $300 range, but I fell in love with the Stealth DC-1. I am enamored with my Mini-X, and the DC-1 also looks incredible. I was about to buy a used one from jadedesign (Emotiva) on ebay with the year warranty for $380, but then I saw the BasX announcement, and the PT-100 took me aback. The remote and display aren't as nice as the DC-1 from what I can tell, the PT-100 lacks a toroidal power supply, and obviously the DAC stage itself isn't as good, but it is still an incredibly compelling unit.
TL;DR - What do you think the trade offs between the Stealth DC-1 and the new PT-100 are? They both have good specs, obviously the DC-1 should be better, but do people think it will be a matter of margins or of serious differences.
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Post by oldschoolpolk on Jul 26, 2016 16:04:49 GMT -5
Well I would wait for the (typical) price drop of the DC-1 at Christmas when it has been $399. You can't beat that for such a great piece of gear.
But wait a second, I don't evan own a DC-1 so I can't really know. However, I got a Mini-X last year and it was my introduction to Emotive and it completely rocks. I have it driving a pair of JSE .6 which dips to 4ohm and are around 88db, so the Mini-X should have no problem with your Klipsch as you noted.
Another option is to check out the Parasound ZDAC V.2 at Audio Advisor. The silver version is being discontinued and dropped from $549 to $299 and has XLR out, in case you ever need balanced connections. Great reviews for both and both companies will let you do a home trial for 15 days or so.
The reason I suggest both the DC-1 and the ZDAC V.2 over the PT-100 are for the XLR balanced outs, which would come in handy if you ever go with pro-monitors.
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Post by garbulky on Jul 26, 2016 16:08:37 GMT -5
Well nobody has heard the pt-100, but if I had to guess, the DC-1 will take the top spot. For sound quality that is. Features maybe the Pt-100 has better stuff.
But you know what if you get the DC-1, Emotiva has plans to release DC-1 monoblocks. They are the size of the DC-1 and powered by ICE class D modules. The ICE modules in particular are supposed to be one of the better sounding class D modules on the market. So form factor the DC-1 ICE amps might be nice.
Having said all that, I think your speakers are the weak factor in the setup. Not trying to diss your setup, I'm sure it still produces enjoyable music. But it's the limiting factor in your setup. The room treatments should definitely help!
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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 26, 2016 16:30:36 GMT -5
^^^ What he said.
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Post by Jean Genie on Jul 26, 2016 16:41:52 GMT -5
You might want to also look into the Schitt Modi 2 Multibit @$249 if you don't need all the in/out-put features of a DC-1. schiit.com/products/modi-2George |
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Post by gld3gld3 on Jul 26, 2016 19:34:46 GMT -5
I have both the mini-X and the DC-1 and I think they sound fantastic together with my speakers. Doesn't make me want to upgrade for a while! I would definitely look into the Schiit DACs though, as well as other Emotiva offerings, but you really can't go wrong with the DC-1. Speakers make the most improvent in sound...by far!
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nussey
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 9
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Post by nussey on Jul 26, 2016 21:01:26 GMT -5
Thank you all for your feedback! I had read that Emotiva is not doing periodic sales any more, do you think they will still do the discount over Christmas?
I was honestly expecting my speakers to get knocked, I almost didn't list them <grin>. I listened to every pair of bookshelves speakers under $500 I could find, and honestly, preferred the Klipsch Premiers. I was not a fan of their Reference II stuff (which would have been far cheaper), but this new line seems to be a lot less bright and more well rounded then any of their speakers I have heard previously. I can probably flip them for almost what I paid though, so if you have any recommendations of a pair of bookshelf speakers I should listen to, I would love to hear them. Unfortunately, I still can't really justify more than a $500 pair of speakers. The case may be that at that price point, a hi-fi DAC just isn't really necessary, and that is fine as well. If that is the case, I will probably end up with the PT-100, because I need something, anything, better than my PC, and I think emotiva products are gorgeous.
As far as the Schiit gear goes, that was actually the first brand I looked at (love the name), but I really need something with the inputs, remote control, and trigger-ability of a preamp.
Some day, when I have the funds, I will put together a proper set up, and this will end up as an office or bedroom rig.
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Post by garbulky on Jul 26, 2016 21:31:37 GMT -5
Hi nussey I'm glad you didn't get insulted! IMO what matters with a sound system is ..... DO YOU ENJOY IT?! If you do, that's what matters. A DC-1 is a solid choice. It does some amazing things. For instance, when paired with the correct amps, it was shocking that the XSP-1 couldn't keep up with its transparency. The XSP-1 is a darn good preamp in many aspects! So I think that right there says a lot for the DC-1 - which by the way costs less. Now granted this "correct amp" was an XPA-1 gen 2. The lower powered amps favored the XSP-1. But I digress!  Anyway, something tells me you love audio. And don't discount this, someday you may decide to upgrade in someway, so in that respect it helps to already have solid electronics in the path. Also the DC-1 has a suprisingly nice headphone amp! There's not a lot of combo units that can beat it out there at the price range. In fact it has two of those headphone amps. What the DC-1 brings to the table - DUAL mono dacs. Dual headphone amps. Dual resistor ladder volume controls (one for the dac, one for the headphone control.) Fully balanced. Also its analog input and preamp fucntions for its analog input is....well it's better than its own DAC at times! Also even though the analog preamp is unbalanced, it is converted to a fully balanced signal within the DAC. Something that is not advertised. I love it. Here's the only unit for upgrade right now on consideration for me - the Schiit Ygdrassil. I am not confident that another unit can be an upgrade. It costs $2300. The preamp for upgrade is the Audio GD He-1 which also costs in the $2100 range. In terms of more expensive DACs, I have heard the Oppo 105 ($1500) and also the Geek Pulse X Infinity with dual femto clocks ($1600). Both those units had good pros to them. For preamps I have heard the XSP-1, USP-1, the Mcintosh C220, the Conrad Johnson ET-3, and another fully balanced unit. All these are pretty impresssive units. No doubt. If you look at some of my threads, you will see me give pretty enthusiastic reviews for all of them. If you do some research you will see that all of these are high performance value units within their price range. The DC-1 is not perfect. But it's impressive. Recently, it did well when paired with dual Powersound XV15 subwoofers, XPA-1 gen 2, and Tekton Pendragon Speakers ($2500). So what does the DC-1 bring to the table? Well when paired with relatively expensive high value electronics like the XPA-1 gen 2 and resolving speakers, its strengths are a 3d sounstage which not only shows a 3d body to the instruments, but also the the dimensions of a room better than other electronics I've heard. Its strength is its transparency. The other one it's got is surprisingly good tone. Now with lower powered amps, you still get nice tone and 3d body to the instruments. You also have a better knit together soundstage and decent tone than some competitors I've heard. But the main missing factor on amps on a slightly lower level is the level of room ambience details. You still get room ambience just not to the level of better amps. Its con: on the XPA-1 gen 2 - direct to amp - the bass though very clean and tight, isn't as full top to bottom as the rest of the frequency range - by a slight amount. The bass bloom isn't PERFECT. But it's close and has surprising detail. On lower spec'd amps like the UPA-2 - surprisngly there was slightly too much bass. I put this down to either synergy or the amp didn't have the guts that the XPA-1 did to hold it together. Hard to tell. The UPA-2 sounded darn good. Just not an XPA-1 gen 2. For me, when I upgrade, I want a meaningful upgrade (for me). Now since it's subjective, I can only speak to my goals. The upgrade I am looking at is a combined total of about $4400 for combined DAC and preamp. And I think it's safe to say I am cautious in spending, my previous amp and dac both costing less than $400. So maybe that'll give you an idea of how much I enjoy the DC-1.  |
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nussey
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 9
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Post by nussey on Jul 26, 2016 22:57:31 GMT -5
Wow, that is some high praise! I don't suppose you want to sell me yours? Hahaha, but I will probably keep my eyes peeled for a used unit on eBay or wait for the Christmas discount if that is still happening this year. I was really only shooting to spend 300 bucks, but if I could get a used/discounted on in the neighborhood of 350-400, I will probably end up hoping on that
Thanks for all the advice, and I am glad to be a member of the forums going forward!
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Post by garbulky on Jul 27, 2016 0:40:28 GMT -5
Wow, that is some high praise! I don't suppose you want to sell me yours? Hahaha, but I will probably keep my eyes peeled for a used unit on eBay or wait for the Christmas discount if that is still happening this year. I was really only shooting to spend 300 bucks, but if I could get a used/discounted on in the neighborhood of 350-400, I will probably end up hoping on that Thanks for all the advice, and I am glad to be a member of the forums going forward! Your used price expectation isn't unrealistic. However I must caution you with your current speakers you may not notice a difference. But it is a unit that can grow with you. Not to sound condescending. I am very appreciative of all the equipment I bought that "grew with me". |
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Post by vcautokid on Jul 27, 2016 4:37:06 GMT -5
You can never go wrong with a systems approach. It is better to wait, and get what really will be a total compliment to your system, and yet meet your expectations now,and tomorrow. The DC-1 gives the maximum paths in that philosophy. Unbalanced/Balanced etc. You can even at a later date look into an SP-1 if you need a Phono stage and more analog inputs, and still have the DC-1 control it all. Also with the previously mentioned amps coming in the DC-1 form factor, it keeps everything cohesive,and complimentary.
As the song says, time is on your side, yes it is. So if it means waiting a bit more for the complete right solution, as opposed to something you would have to change later at most likely a loss, and then get what you want that wasn't that great of a difference in the first place. I would wait. Also look into B stock sales too. From time to time, Emotiva may have Factory Renewed, or B stock, and it is a good way to save too.
Ultimately, your system, your funds, your choice. I have had a DC-1 for the record, and I used it for all manner of audio projects, some post production, and it never disappoints. The Stealth DC-1 was created with the Studio in mind in the first place. So transparency, versatility, robustness of build,and more are there with that environment in mind. So anything that would be system wise in the our domain, would be even more appreciated. The DC-1 to me at least is one of Emotiva Audio's Hallmark products. And yes, one of my favorite components for me of all time.
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Post by gld3gld3 on Jul 27, 2016 7:52:38 GMT -5
Wow, that is some high praise! I don't suppose you want to sell me yours? Hahaha, but I will probably keep my eyes peeled for a used unit on eBay or wait for the Christmas discount if that is still happening this year. I was really only shooting to spend 300 bucks, but if I could get a used/discounted on in the neighborhood of 350-400, I will probably end up hoping on that Thanks for all the advice, and I am glad to be a member of the forums going forward! I purchased my DC-1 from a forum memeber over a year ago in that price range. It still had 4 years of warranty on it. I would jump on a similar opportunity if you get it. An interesting observation I made in my system recently is the improvement in SQ when using the DC-1 in fixed output mode and controlling volume on the mini-x. I can't even turn the volume on the amp past 11 o'clock. The sound in variable output mode is not bad by any means, but in fixed mode there is better clarity (like with vocals I can more easily understand the lyrics/words being spoken). Instrument separation was also improved, along with slightly better bass response. Pretty cool! |
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Post by rockman85 on Jul 27, 2016 11:39:55 GMT -5
Well nobody has heard the pt-100, but if I had to guess, the DC-1 will take the top spot. For sound quality that is. Features maybe the Pt-100 has better stuff. But you know what if you get the DC-1, Emotiva has plans to release DC-1 monoblocks. They are the size of the DC-1 and powered by ICE class D modules. The ICE modules in particular are supposed to be one of the better sounding class D modules on the market. So form factor the DC-1 ICE amps might be nice. Having said all that, I think your speakers are the weak factor in the setup. Not trying to diss your setup, I'm sure it still produces enjoyable music. But it's the limiting factor in your setup. The room treatments should definitely help! Any idea what the DC-1 Monoblocks will have in terms of power? |
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Post by garbulky on Jul 27, 2016 11:43:04 GMT -5
Well nobody has heard the pt-100, but if I had to guess, the DC-1 will take the top spot. For sound quality that is. Features maybe the Pt-100 has better stuff. But you know what if you get the DC-1, Emotiva has plans to release DC-1 monoblocks. They are the size of the DC-1 and powered by ICE class D modules. The ICE modules in particular are supposed to be one of the better sounding class D modules on the market. So form factor the DC-1 ICE amps might be nice. Having said all that, I think your speakers are the weak factor in the setup. Not trying to diss your setup, I'm sure it still produces enjoyable music. But it's the limiting factor in your setup. The room treatments should definitely help! Any idea what the DC-1 Monoblocks will have in terms of power? I think they are 150 watts maybe? Not sure |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 27, 2016 12:53:35 GMT -5
I'm awaiting the Stealth DC-2!
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Post by novisnick on Jul 27, 2016 12:55:51 GMT -5
I'm awaiting the Stealth DC-2! Are you now?  |
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