New or Upgraded DAC's?

[Dave T]

Any plans to update the DC-1 or offer a DAC to handle DSD files?  Mine still going fine but a little old in the tooth vs. competition.

[klinemj]

Feb 19, 2018 14:42:19 GMT -5 Dave T said:

Any plans to update the DC-1 or offer a DAC to handle DSD files?  Mine still going fine but a little old in the tooth vs. competition.

The DC-2 is coming fairly soon. IIRC, someone said in March.

Here's an excerpt about it from the Emofest notes with some other details. Note that this was from Sept. 2017 and the rumored March timing was fairly recent news but I can't recall where I saw that:

DC-2:
Similar to DC-1 but includes new chips (DUAL AKM AK4490) that support 32 bit/384k and DSD. It is still a Delta-sigma DAC. Now includes selectable filters (exact # TBD). It will include the wifi unit discussed for the RMC-1 available internally (as an option most likely). It has bass MGMT (!) via an XLR sub out SEE CLARIFICATION BELOW! Form factor is same as DC-1 (but may be longer and display shape is different). It will have triggers! And, per Lonnie, they plan to have the trigger wire also carry information from 1 unit to another (within the stack of the DC-2, the little monoblocks and SP-1 preamp and pending headphone amp noted below) such as the light dimming data. So, if you dim one, they will all dim. The prototype did not have this feature.The headphone amp is different than the one in the DC-1 (and not as powerful) – but a standalone very nice headphone amp is being considered. The DC-2 was displayed as a set of wired boards, but the design is nearly done. The prototype had a noisy power supply merely due to not having the final parts in hand, but that will change with the final version. Regarding MQA, it does not have MQA support. Dan sees the technical logic but is not yet convinced of the need for it yet. As he noted, he felt the same way about Atmos but changed his mind. Note: Another attendee posted that the timing was at least 6 months out. I asked the person where they got that information but have not heard back. This was not said to me in any of my discussions on the topic, so I assume the report is speculation from the other attendee.

BASS MGMT Update directly from Big Dan: "A switchable 2 pole High Pass filter can be applied to the L & R outputs of the DC-2. The mixed mono "Subwoofer Output" is FULL RANGE. We expect the low pass filter in the subwoofer to do this duty. You'll adjust the sub level on the subwoofer's amplifier to balance relative sub/satt levels. Simple, flexible and sweet!"

Mark

[woofy98102]

Any updates on when to expect the DC-2? Since it's now April, I'm curious if we'll see it around Christmas? No sarcasm, at all. I know that expecting a seriously complex product like a DAC to be delivered in a short amount of time usually results in a buggy product and that's definitely NOT Emotiva's method of operation. Thanks a ton!

[klinemj]

Apr 10, 2018 18:52:15 GMT -5 woofy98102 said:

Any updates on when to expect the DC-2? Since it's now April, I'm curious if we'll see it around Christmas? No sarcasm, at all. I know that expecting a seriously complex product like a DAC to be delivered in a short amount of time usually results in a buggy product and that's definitely NOT Emotiva's method of operation. Thanks a ton!

Call and ask if you can get an update. Personally, I don't think it will be very long at all. It is a lot easier than their big ticket items...the RMC-1 and related XMC-1 update. I could be wrong, but...we'll see.

Mark

[novisnick]

Apr 10, 2018 19:25:39 GMT -5 klinemj said:

Apr 10, 2018 18:52:15 GMT -5 woofy98102 said:

Any updates on when to expect the DC-2? Since it's now April, I'm curious if we'll see it around Christmas? No sarcasm, at all. I know that expecting a seriously complex product like a DAC to be delivered in a short amount of time usually results in a buggy product and that's definitely NOT Emotiva's method of operation. Thanks a ton!

Call and ask if you can get an update. Personally, I don't think it will be very long at all. It is a lot easier than their big ticket items...the RMC-1 and related XMC-1 update. I could be wrong, but...we'll see.

Mark

I wouldn’t expect any answers this week from Emotiva headquarters, maybe not next week either as most everyone is going to 
www.axpona.com So either the week after for an update or at AXPONA itself, which I doubt!  But I’d be in favor of it.

Big Dan and Co. have a big week ahead of them

[B.Mac]

DC-2 is long overdue. Must be having problems? Now Mytek has released the Liberty which looks really good if only a little more expensive. Plus the Schiit Jotunheim is a very viable option. I've asked Emotiva for an update and gotten no response. I need a new desktop DAC/Headphone amp and am running out of patience. What do you think?

[novisnick]

Ive been poking around for a DAC as well. DC-1 and DC-2 are both DAC’s and preamps just like the Schiit whereas the Mytek is just a DAC..
So, do you want just a DAC or do you want a DAC as well as a Preamp which you will be paying for.

I really like the idea of the Brooklyn but don’t really want to pay for or utilize the preamp portion. And its a little pricey, but some good DACs cost a little more.
Ive been enjoying the Meridian Explorer 2 but I think it could be better. Value wise Its great, especially if you want/like MQA.

DC-2; they’ve been a little busy lately! 😲

[Gary Cook]

Jun 23, 2018 23:12:55 GMT -5 B.Mac said:

DC-2 is long overdue. Must be having problems? Now Mytek has released the Liberty which looks really good if only a little more expensive. Plus the Schiit Jotunheim is a very viable option. I've asked Emotiva for an update and gotten no response. I need a new desktop DAC/Headphone amp and am running out of patience. What do you think?

The "digital guys" are busy with the XMC-1 Gen 3, 4K HDMI video card, RMC-1, Atmos/DTS-X board and XMC-1. It's that simple

Cheers
Gary

[pedrocols]

Exactly.

[craigl59]

Novisnick et al:
Just got the RME ADI-2 DAC that has been getting rave reviews and deservedly so. Does 768k PCM and DSD X2. Has fairly complete DSP but the adjustments have to be made on the box (a small half rack). Fine remote. Check it out if you want something while waiting for the DC-2. It's $999 and worth every penny. Has been hard to get -- the first two runs sold out worldwide before shipping.

[novisnick]

Jun 24, 2018 15:36:28 GMT -5 craigl59 said:

Novisnick et al:
Just got the RME ADI-2 DAC that has been getting rave reviews and deservedly so. Does 768k PCM and DSD X2. Has fairly complete DSP but the adjustments have to be made on the box (a small half rack). Fine remote. Check it out if you want something while waiting for the DC-2. It's $999 and worth every penny. Has been hard to get -- the first two runs sold out worldwide before shipping.

Can’t wait for a full review! Specs and reviews look good! Fire that Mutha Up! 😁🎶🎶🎶🎶

[craigl59]

Novisnick:
Here are some complete reviews:
headfonics.com/2018/04/rme-adi-2-dac-review/2/
earphiles.org/2018/03/rme-adi-2-dac-review/
audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-rme-adi-2-dac.2582/
The last has some serous measurements and prefaces a longer discussion.
Enjoy!

[B.Mac]

Jun 23, 2018 23:44:07 GMT -5 novisnick said:

Ive been poking around for a DAC as well. DC-1 and DC-2 are both DAC’s and preamps just like the Schiit whereas the Mytek is just a DAC..
So, do you want just a DAC or do you want a DAC as well as a Preamp which you will be paying for.

I really like the idea of the Brooklyn but don’t really want to pay for or utilize the preamp portion. And its a little pricey, but some good DACs cost a little more.
Ive been enjoying the Meridian Explorer 2 but I think it could be better. Value wise Its great, especially if you want/like MQA.

DC-2; they’ve been a little busy lately! 😲

Nah - I don't need a preamp - not going to plug anything else into it. But all three are DAC's with headphone amps. Very similar and within a few hundred dollars of each other. Only one not available to try is the DC-2...

[craigl59]

Novisnick:
You mentioned you were waiting for a "full review" of the RME ADI-2 DAC. One has just been issued by Sound On Sound -- a source I find the best and the main organ of the studio world. It is currently available only to subscribers but you can purchase a *.pdf file of the review for $1.49.
Think you will find it useful.
Craig

[Casey Leedom]

One think I'm wondering with regard to both the DC-2 and the RMC-1 is whether we'll see the use of AK4493EQ DACs instead of the AK4490EN. When the AK4493EQ was announced back in December, it was touted as a replacement for the AK4490 line and the bulk prices don't seem that difference isn't too horrible — ~$296/AK4490EQ in quantities of 500 versus ~$5.43/AK4493EQ @500 ...

Casey