Looking At The DC-1

[arftech]

I have eyes set on the DC-1 to link my MacBook Pro via it's USB port and my pre/pro's analog port which will allow me to stream Tidal HiFi over my system.. Anybody else using a similar configuration? If so what are your observations in how the DC-1 sound and does it play nice with your system?

Thanks

[garbulky]

The DC-1 is fantastic! It plays very nice with my system. I upgraded to a fulyl balanced monoblock setup and it sounded even better.
Its biggest stregnth is that it has a nice 3d presentation and loads of detail.
Here's my review when I used it single ended with a UPA-2.
emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/33501/garbulkys-review-love-female-voice-796894
Since then, running it fully balanced any reservations I had are basically gone and its performance was better than I remembered it being with the UPA-2.

Note: Your mileage may vary. If you find electronic gear makes no difference to your experience, then I wouldn't expect this to make any difference in sound.

[lehighvalleyjeff]

I have owned a DC-1 for about 18 months. Prior I had used several external D/A converters but felt the need for an upgrade. Originally I was only using the D.C.-1 with my CD player. It was much more detailed than I had expected (very revealing for better or worse). I quickly got used to it in the system and eventually retired the CD player about 6 months ago since joining Spotify and running it through my new Google Chromecast Audio digitally to my DC-1

While I can confidently say that there are better sounding DACs out there, in this price point I think the DC-1 is a great value and seems to do exceptional with streaming sources. It's not specifically the Chipset used in the DAC that makes it sound good, but rather how well is that chipset implemented into the circuitry of the DAC. This is a classic example of a DAC where the implementation allows a smooth, detailed and musical result.

Not being a fan boy in any way but I can sincerely call this an exceptional value and a safe purchase. Hope this helps

[novisnick]

Jan 10, 2017 23:28:45 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

I have owned a DC-1 for about 18 months. Prior I had used several external D/A converters but felt the need for an upgrade. Originally I was only using the D.C.-1 with my CD player. It was much more detailed than I had expected (very revealing for better or worse). I quickly got used to it in the system and eventually retired the CD player about 6 months ago since joining Spotify and running it through my new Google Chromecast Audio digitally to my DC-1

While I can confidently say that there are better sounding DACs out there, in this price point I think the DC-1 is a great value and seems to do exceptional with streaming sources. It's not specifically the Chipset used in the DAC that makes it sound good, but rather how well is that chipset implemented into the circuitry of the DAC. This is a classic example of a DAC where the implementation allows a smooth, detailed and musical result.

Not being a fan boy in any way but I can sincerely call this an exceptional value and a safe purchase. Hope this helps

Its OK to be a fanbay of the DC-1 which is so very versatile but dollar for dollar, try to find a DAC that sounds as good! 

[lehighvalleyjeff]

Nick,

In all fairness I'm not aware of a DAC at that price point that I've auditioned and liked the sound of more than the DC-1. It is a solid performer and considering all the extras that I don't use (preamp capable, headphone amp, etc) it's a great and safe purchase.

[novisnick]

Jan 11, 2017 0:00:10 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

Nick,

In all fairness I'm not aware of a DAC at that price point that I've auditioned and liked the sound of more than the DC-1. It is a solid performer and considering all the extras that I don't use (preamp capable, headphone amp, etc) it's a great and safe purchase.

That is my whole point! Its fantastic!!! For so many reasons weather you use all of its abilities or not! Ive listened to DACs that cost two to almost three times as much and they haven't beaten the SQ. I made the mistake of selling one once, I seriously doubt I'll make that mistakagain!  

[teaman]

Jan 11, 2017 0:15:16 GMT -5 novisnick said:

Jan 11, 2017 0:00:10 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

Nick,

In all fairness I'm not aware of a DAC at that price point that I've auditioned and liked the sound of more than the DC-1. It is a solid performer and considering all the extras that I don't use (preamp capable, headphone amp, etc) it's a great and safe purchase.

That is my whole point! Its fantastic!!! For so many reasons weather you use all of its abilities or not! Ive listened to DACs that cost two to almost three times as much and they haven't beaten the SQ. I made the mistake of selling one once, I seriously doubt I'll make that mistakagain!  

My only issue with the DC-1 is that I hate that it doesn't match in size to all my other Emotiva gear. That is the main reason I still have my XDA-2's in play. With the launch of all the new stuff maybe they will bring back a full size DAC/Preamp/Headphone amp. Maybe in the Emersa line, whenever that comes to market

[clearear]

Love the DC-1 as a preamp but had to demote it to my second system because I needed another analog input. Went back to using The USP-1 (which ain't no slouch) as my primary system preamp.

[Axis]

The DC-1 is what you want for out of your PC USB. It nails the price to performance. It's balanced out if you want and takes single ended analog and turns it balanced if you want. It is small. It takes little room on your desktop and takes those digital files from your PC and takes any system up a big notch. Spend more if you want but not needed.

[klinemj]

+1 for the DC-1. It is a great DAC and I had to pay a lot more to beat its sound. That said, I still have my DC-1 but in a second system.

Mark

[mercury]

Indeed the DC-1 is a great DAC. Like it so much I bought two to replace a pair of XDA-2's in my setups.