Post by Gary Cook on Jan 12, 2017 16:46:19 GMT -5
Hi Chuck Elliot I noticed from your profile that your system has quite some similarities to mine so I thought I might mention, after much listening and swapping, the best sounding combination I have found for stereo 2.1 music. I have the ERC-3 connected to the XSP-1 using very short XLR cables (ie; 50 cm). With the main speaker pair output switch in the full range position, the XSP-1 is connected to a pair of XPA-1L's using long Emotiva XLR cables (ie; 5 metres). The XPA-1L's are located beside their respective speakers and use very short Emotiva speaker cables (ie; 1 metre). The XPA-1L's switches are in the Class A position. The sub woofer output from the XSP-1 is also connected via a long Emotiva XLR (also 5 metres) to the XPA-100 which is connected to the subwoofer via short Emotiva speaker cables (again 1metre). The XSP-1 bass management for the sub woofer is set to 60 Hz with a 24 db slope. This gives me a fully balanced discrete system all the way from the ERC-3 to the XPA-1L output.
The result is the quietest (noise wise) system I have ever had, it's dead silent, so all I hear is the music. Without any processing, just the single D to A conversion in the ERC-3, from there on it's 100% analogue. Get the dictionary out and pick any of the audio reviewer's adjectives, it's all there, sound quality, staging, imaging, veil lifting, engaging, etc. Try it Chuck, I'm sure you'll like it.
I running 2.2 with dual Rythmik F15HP Subs.
The mains are set to crossover at the same slope as the natural roll-off of the main speakers on the XSP-1. Around 65Hz. The mains roll-off this high by design. This gives a 24db roll-off (12dB speaker + 12dB crossover).
The Rythmik F15HP Subs control the low-pass crossover at 24 dB to match the above frequency.
Currently the ERC-3 is connected via analog XLR cables.
XPA-1Ls are in the rack.
I too am dead silent and trust me the FaitalPRO horns would make noise if it wasn't.
Sounds great Chuck, I'm sure that you are aware but just in case, my understanding is that on the XSP-1 when we don't run the main speakers full range we are not taking advantage of the discrete circuitry. That's why I run my mains full range. I can't say fior certain what difference having the power amps close by the speakers makes. It's not easy to do back to back testing, lots of cables to swap, amps to move etc. I'm happy with the result and there's some comfort in knowing that I've done everything possible to get the best sound from the gear that I have.
Cheers
Gary