Emotiva DC-1, still really good?

[quattroll]

Hi Lounge,

I’m suffering from a pretty big gear itch on the pre/dac side as well as amps.

Just wondering since we don’t have a newer version dac from Emotiva, where are people going for this type of product? Is it mostly Schiit stuff? Or if you have a DC-1 or even an XDA-2 (I have both) you are still good?

The reason I like both of these is the balanced capabilities and the pre with remote.

What else is out there doing a better job at reasonable $$?

[klinemj]

I had a DC-1 for years, and it's a very good DAC. I prefer my LH Labs Geek Pulse X Infinity - enough that I moved the DC-1 to headphone duty. I did find, however, that certain R-Pi baseed DACs were at least as good in headphone duty as my DC-1. So, I sold my DC-1 to get a 2nd Pi-based DAC for headphone use. Don't get me wrong, the DC-1 was very good.

But, I would like to see Emotiva top it.

Mark

[vcautokid]

Fortunately unlike your smartphone/tablet. There really isn't anything new under the sun for DACs. Revolutionary? Nope. Evolutionary? Sure. Depends on what you want. The DC-1 continues to be a valid and favorite for many. Even if another make or model comes out, it doesn't invalidate the DC-1 of course. Let's say there is another out there that tickles your curiosity ear? Is it better/worse than the DC-1? Things I really like about the DC-1. Does not take over my work space unlike many full rack size. The Differential balanced output. All the inputs I need. Interface that is pretty easy to use. Looks Boss! Sounds very good. The remote is typical deadly weapon Emotiva metal made. Things I would like different. The headphone output is okay. It won't hurt my feelings anyway, but I send the signal out to a different headphone amp. Remember your mileage may vary. The Monoprice DAC with the headphone looks good but the output is unbalanced only not both like the DC-1. The Topping DX7s is similar to the DC-1. Is it better? Don't know haven't heard it. SMSL makes a few in the DC-1 range and same here. Have not heard. Mytek has one for a grand. Someone here on the board here uses one and did a review. For sure you will get different. Better? Well let's see. Feature set, audio performance, interface, has a remote? Yes/no? Inputs and outputs. What are your must haves? Bluetooth important? DSD decoding? Yeah have to ask. Do you care about MQA? Staying out of that one. What are the main drivers of your curiosity turned into reality possibly you want? The DC-1 is a very well realized product. Ultimately, your requirements will determine what is "better" and comprehensive in the metrics that are important to you.

[quattroll]

Thanks guys, nice help. I guess I just needed some reasurances. I can't believe how long I have had some of my Emotiva gear, it sure doesn't seem that long ago. My DC-1 is probably 7 years old? So I was just curious.

Part of this stems from the fact that I have been looking at a lot of Peachtree Nova gear. They have the strong and newer ICEpower amps, and supposedly a really awesome pre amp stage and day too. Judging from where the new prices were, there are units available on Ebay and direct from Peachtree, new and reconditioned.

There are some reviews out there that are pretty positive and I've been going on about how I like the PA-1s. I have my front 3 channels using those, and I'm trying to figure out if I should get two more under EMObucks, or look at something a little more powerful that could be used on the F R&L. I am currently running a XPA-200 for my rears and it seems like a monster compared to my PA-1s.

I have a mini x that I've used for this purpose, and it's pretty awesome there too. Maybe I sell all my XPA set, 3 100s and 1 200. They just seem so nicely made with the tiffany connects etc. But right now they are audio jewelry under my bed!

I am in Seattle if anyone is local and wants to make an offer.