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Post by pallpoul on Dec 5, 2019 10:19:10 GMT -5
Looking at both and trying to decide which one to get. To be used with a pair of XPA-1 Gen-2 powering a pair of KlipschHorns, no S/W. Would appreciate inputs, Ty.
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 5, 2019 10:51:24 GMT -5
If you can, listen to them both.
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Post by routlaw on Dec 5, 2019 11:00:30 GMT -5
If just for two channel stereo why not the XSP-1 pre amp that Emotiva makes? Otherwise I can attest to the performance of the XMC-1 in Reference Stereo Mode quite good. Just recently a friend and I compared it to a two channel preamp that retailed for over $3k and the XMC-1 handily outperformed the more expensive unit.
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Post by mgbpuff on Dec 5, 2019 11:00:33 GMT -5
Neither, the Emotiva XSP-1 is the ideal preamp for XPA-1 Gen 2 monoblocks. And why would you want a DAC (probably the most changing technology out there) to be built into the preamp of your ultimate 2 channel setup? The XMC-1 has too much other crap built into it for 2 channel.
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Post by routlaw on Dec 5, 2019 11:06:38 GMT -5
Neither, the Emotiva XSP-1 is the ideal preamp for XPA-1 Gen 2 monoblocks. And why would you want a DAC (probably the most changing technology out there) to be built into the preamp of your ultimate 2 channel setup? The XMC-1 has too much other crap built into it for 2 channel. You do make a valid point but I don't agree with all of your statements. Truth is the XMC-1 makes a great two channel pre amp in Reference Stereo Mode as previously stated, however your point about having a ton of other extra stuff on board that will surely be outdated at some point down the road is valid. Besides the XSP-1 is less expensive, has more inputs and better inputs at that, and is far more flexible for two channel performance. So unless the OP "NEEDS" a built in DAC there really isn't much sense in considering this if it will never be used for HT purposes.
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Post by rbk123 on Dec 5, 2019 11:17:02 GMT -5
Doesn't matter what the XMC has on it; the only criteria is whichever sounds better in 2 channel mode. The extra stuff may or may not clutter things; no one seems to think there is any risk with double circuitry of differential designs coloring the sound, yet other XMC circuitry which isn't in the signal path or being active would.
My guess would be the Mac would have a slight edge but every system is different and is the slight edge worth all the extra $$ to you. Definitely try all 3 (including the XSP-1) if possible, but I'm guessing you don't have that luxury since you're polling for thoughts.
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Post by jmilton on Dec 5, 2019 13:34:20 GMT -5
I reviewed the C49 recently and came close to buying it. It was a bit too redundant when integrated into my HT. I also listen to multichannel SACDs a lot. The DAC can be upgraded to the new DA2 module for even greater 2 channel performance. I found the sound to be stellar with great dimensonality and dynamics, plus it’s built like tank.
If you can audition it, do it!
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Post by pallpoul on Dec 5, 2019 14:08:02 GMT -5
Ty all for the inputs, very helpful.
I have tried an XSP-1 Gen 2 once, and it failed, in few weeks. not encouraged to try it again. I want one unit with the dac and pre amp together, hence the 2 choices. I have an NAD C-658, using it in my other system, sounds really good, but has no USB input, which I need for my setup.
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KeithL
Administrator
Posts: 10,256
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Post by KeithL on Dec 5, 2019 14:15:07 GMT -5
I wouldn't necessarily "guess" that at all - until I'd actually heard both. Doesn't matter what the XMC has on it; the only criteria is whichever sounds better in 2 channel mode. The extra stuff may or may not clutter things; no one seems to think there is any risk with double circuitry of differential designs coloring the sound, yet other XMC circuitry which isn't in the signal path or being active would. My guess would be the Mac would have a slight edge but every system is different and is the slight edge worth all the extra $$ to you. Definitely try all 3 (including the XSP-1) if possible, but I'm guessing you don't have that luxury since you're polling for thoughts.
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Post by donh50 on Dec 5, 2019 15:19:20 GMT -5
Several trades off-the-cuff...
Digital inputs, which you may want down the line for whatever, are an extra-cost option on the Mac.
If you want room correction, which I feel is often very important for the best listening experience, the XMC-1 has it and I don't think it is possible on the Mac (have to get another unit).
The Mac has a MM phono input; the XMC-1 does not (need to buy their, or somebody's, phono stage). You'll need a pre-preamp or step-up transformer for MC cartridges for the Mac; if you buy Emotiva's XPS-1 it will handle MM or MC. If you have your own phono stage it is a wash.
The XMC-1 is arguably much more flexible if you decide to repurpose or add multimedia content later.
Build quality and reliability are in the eye of the beholder. For a stereo system I think the XMC-1 should be fine on both counts, so long as it doesn't arrive with FW 5.7 on it.
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Post by davidl81 on Dec 5, 2019 15:22:37 GMT -5
Ty all for the inputs, very helpful. I have tried an XSP-1 Gen 2 once, and it failed, in few weeks. not encouraged to try it again. I want one unit with the dac and pre amp together, hence the 2 choices. I have an NAD C-658, using it in my other system, sounds really good, but has no USB input, which I need for my setup. FWIW If you get a refurb XMC-1 for $999 you could always try it out for a while and if you don't like it you can sell it and not lose more than $100-$200 I would guess/ The Mac is a $5000 unit so IF you bought it new that's a whole different level of investemnt.
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Post by mgbpuff on Dec 5, 2019 16:14:59 GMT -5
I've had a XSP-1 for years now and it just keeps on drummin' like the Energizer Bunny (updated separate DACs three times already). We could help you better if you described your entire system instead of telling us piecemeal what you need now or what you want it to do in the future. Good ole analog don't need no stinkin' firmware or software changes. But per the modern 'more learned' way, put them honkin' corner dwellers somewhere else in the room and use room correction to cancel out Paul Klipsch's reason for designing them 'wrong'!
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Post by 405x5 on Dec 5, 2019 16:33:37 GMT -5
Looking at both and trying to decide which one to get. To be used with a pair of XPA-1 Gen-2 powering a pair of KlipschHorns, no S/W. Would appreciate inputs, Ty. Will you be playing records? (you didn't say) If you're not going to punish yourself with those things in the 21st century, then speaking from experience the XMC is a great choice. Of course a phono stage is an inexpensive add on if you were to go that route. Bill
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 5, 2019 16:58:45 GMT -5
...But per the modern 'more learned' way, put them honkin' corner dwellers somewhere else in the room and use room correction to cancel out Paul Klipsch's reason for designing them 'wrong'! Hi mgbpuff - Without the corners for bass reinforcement, you'd have to boost the Klipschorn's bass to an absurd degree to make up the difference. Enough that your amp would clip if you tried to play loudly, enough that the speakers' woofers could be damaged, and enough that the overall loudness that the speakers are capable of would be reduced greatly. Electronic equalization, at least in this case, is NOT a realistic substitute for the original corner placement. Cordially - Boomzilla
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Post by audiobill on Dec 5, 2019 20:28:34 GMT -5
Paul, you know better than to settle. Get the good stuff, and you’ll enjoy the pride of ownership.
Bill
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Post by gsand on Dec 5, 2019 21:25:29 GMT -5
Paul, you know better than to settle. Get the good stuff, and you’ll enjoy the pride of ownership. Bill I agree on enjoying the pride of ownership!
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Post by mgbpuff on Dec 5, 2019 21:32:17 GMT -5
...But per the modern 'more learned' way, put them honkin' corner dwellers somewhere else in the room and use room correction to cancel out Paul Klipsch's reason for designing them 'wrong'! Hi mgbpuff - Without the corners for bass reinforcement, you'd have to boost the Klipschorn's bass to an absurd degree to make up the difference. Enough that your amp would clip if you tried to play loudly, enough that the speakers' woofers could be damaged, and enough that the overall loudness that the speakers are capable of would be reduced greatly. Electronic equalization, at least in this case, is NOT a realistic substitute for the original corner placement. Cordially - Boomzilla You read my sarcasm very well, but did you understand that it was sarcasm?
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 5, 2019 22:09:37 GMT -5
You read my sarcasm very well, but did you understand that it was sarcasm? Alas, no. I'm thick like that sometimes. I try to use [sarcasm]...[/sarcasm] tags, but either way, no worries! Boom
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Post by pallpoul on Dec 5, 2019 22:37:21 GMT -5
The K-horns are in the corners, where they should be, and produce plenty of base. A beautiful TT is in the mix, and although I am a late comer to vinyl, I do enjoy it a lot. I have an XPS-1 and sounds really good. I use a BluOS Node 2i as a streamer, and a Marantz SACD player, SA-8005.
I tried my McIntosh MA5300, & used it as a preamp, and it sounds really sweet. It has same dac as the C-49.
I totally overlooked the XMC-1 until keith's recent thread, and I thought why not, and ordered one. I will be trying it this weekend as it just arrived. I have 30 days anyway. I will update on my impressions of it in few days.
Ty all for the great inputs. Very helpful.
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Post by creimes on Dec 5, 2019 23:24:29 GMT -5
Paul, you know better than to settle. Get the good stuff, and you’ll enjoy the pride of ownership. Bill So it's only the good stuff if it has a certain name or price tag ?? Are some of us on the poorer side missing out ? that sucks haha
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