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Post by oldwood on Jun 24, 2021 15:23:13 GMT -5
I am considering the new Big Ego+ as a replacement for my XDA-2.
I have read through some posts, and it seems most people think the sound is improved through the Big Ego compared to the XDA-2.
I would like to hear from someone who has the Big Ego+ and the XDA-2 with their take on the difference in sound.
When I bought the XDA-2 I had a lot of different inputs, so it was a good choice, but now I only use a Linux computer for my music so the Big Ego+ would suffice.
TIA
Gerry
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Post by garbulky on Jun 24, 2021 15:45:00 GMT -5
I am considering the new Big Ego+ as a replacement for my XDA-2. I have read through some posts, and it seems most people think the sound is improved through the Big Ego compared to the XDA-2. I would like to hear from someone who has the Big Ego+ and the XDA-2 with their take on the difference in sound.
When I bought the XDA-2 I had a lot of different inputs, so it was a good choice, but now I only use a Linux computer for my music so the Big Ego+ would suffice. TIA Gerry
Out of curiosity, what do you use for speakers? |
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Post by oldwood on Jun 24, 2021 16:02:52 GMT -5
I am considering the new Big Ego+ as a replacement for my XDA-2. I have read through some posts, and it seems most people think the sound is improved through the Big Ego compared to the XDA-2. I would like to hear from someone who has the Big Ego+ and the XDA-2 with their take on the difference in sound.
When I bought the XDA-2 I had a lot of different inputs, so it was a good choice, but now I only use a Linux computer for my music so the Big Ego+ would suffice. TIA Gerry
Out of curiosity, what do you use for speakers? I am using the T2s. I listen to mostly music and only add a centre speaker for video. |
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Post by garbulky on Jun 24, 2021 17:44:24 GMT -5
Out of curiosity, what do you use for speakers? I am using the T2s. I listen to mostly music and only add a centre speaker for video. The best combination I can recommend for the T2s is a (used) Emotiva DC-1 coupled to a set of PA-1's. I have heard the T2s and they sound really good. Of course, this combination costs substantially more than the big ego+. The big ego will likely approach close to this level of sound though... |
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Post by oldwood on Jun 24, 2021 18:12:29 GMT -5
One of the reasons for considering the Big Ego is with Linux if the XDA-2 goes offline before the Linux box or if it is not up when the Linux box resumes, then Linux drops it from the list of available sound devices and I need a reboot to load the XDA-2. With the USB powered device, it is always loaded when the OS is loaded, so it does not have that problem. I recently came across a Carver A753x, and I am using it to power the T2s with a Yamaha RX-A2010 as a preamp. I like the sound of the XDA-2, but was wondering how the Big Ego+ compares sonically. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Gerry
I should mention that this is when using the USB input on the XDA-2 if I run an optical out from the PC sound card then the XDA-2 does not drop out. I would just prefer to bypass the PC sound card.
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Post by garbulky on Jun 24, 2021 21:29:26 GMT -5
One of the reasons for considering the Big Ego is with Linux if the XDA-2 goes offline before the Linux box or if it is not up when the Linux box resumes, then Linux drops it from the list of available sound devices and I need a reboot to load the XDA-2. With the USB powered device, it is always loaded when the OS is loaded, so it does not have that problem. I recently came across a Carver A753x, and I am using it to power the T2s with a Yamaha RX-A2010 as a preamp. I like the sound of the XDA-2, but was wondering how the Big Ego+ compares sonically. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Gerry I should mention that this is when using the USB input on the XDA-2 if I run an optical out from the PC sound card then the XDA-2 does not drop out. I would just prefer to bypass the PC sound card.
So XDA-2 required a special driver and had some issues with what you were talking about. The DC-1 will work with the native USB 2 driver on Linux - though it is possible it may have that power issue. The DC-1 has the ability to switch to USB 1.0 mode which does not require the USB 2 driver. This will prevent it from dropping out after restart. USB 1.0 mode. You have to manually set it to do so if you want this. In USB 1.0 mode the max sampling rate is 48khz - I think 16 bit? The DC-1 has another advantage over the XDA-2. All inputs are asynchronous. The ASRC is able to process things at the native rate (so 44.1 khz is processed at 44.1). The XDA-2 ASRC converts everything to 96 khz, I believe. |
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Post by oldwood on Jun 25, 2021 8:49:15 GMT -5
The XDA-2 has a USB 1.0 mode also, I just feel feeding the signal from the PC sound card with optical less of a problem.
I suspect the DC-1 will have the same issue, and so that is why I am looking at a USB powered option.
I have a Asus Xonar U7 MK2 sound card, and it has no issues, but I find the sound a little muddy compared to the XDA-2.
How would you compare the sound from the DC-1 compared to the Big Ego+?
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Post by garbulky on Jun 25, 2021 10:29:55 GMT -5
The XDA-2 has a USB 1.0 mode also, I just feel feeding the signal from the PC sound card with optical less of a problem. I suspect the DC-1 will have the same issue, and so that is why I am looking at a USB powered option. I have a Asus Xonar U7 MK2 sound card, and it has no issues, but I find the sound a little muddy compared to the XDA-2. How would you compare the sound from the DC-1 compared to the Big Ego+? That's a good question. I have not listened to the big ego so I couldn't tell you. I have listened to the XDA-2 and DC-1 extensively in my system. My friend Boomzilla on the forum has the big ego and loves it. FWIW, the best DAC Emotiva has made is still the DC-1. If you plan on running headphones, it also has a better sounding headphone amp than the XDA-2 if that makes a difference. (It actually has two independent headphone amps on it) |
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Jun 25, 2021 11:07:38 GMT -5
The XDA-2 required a driver because its USB input is UAC2 only.... Windows 10, as well as most current Linux distros, now have this support built in, so that should no longer be an issue.
One of the reasons for considering the Big Ego is with Linux if the XDA-2 goes offline before the Linux box or if it is not up when the Linux box resumes, then Linux drops it from the list of available sound devices and I need a reboot to load the XDA-2. With the USB powered device, it is always loaded when the OS is loaded, so it does not have that problem. I recently came across a Carver A753x, and I am using it to power the T2s with a Yamaha RX-A2010 as a preamp. I like the sound of the XDA-2, but was wondering how the Big Ego+ compares sonically. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Gerry I should mention that this is when using the USB input on the XDA-2 if I run an optical out from the PC sound card then the XDA-2 does not drop out. I would just prefer to bypass the PC sound card.
So XDA-2 required a special driver and had some issues with what you were talking about. The DC-1 will work with the native USB 2 driver on Linux - though it is possible it may have that power issue. The DC-1 has the ability to switch to USB 1.0 mode which does not require the USB 2 driver. This will prevent it from dropping out after restart. USB 1.0 mode. You have to manually set it to do so if you want this. In USB 1.0 mode the max sampling rate is 48khz - I think 16 bit? The DC-1 has another advantage over the XDA-2. All inputs are asynchronous. The ASRC is able to process things at the native rate (so 44.1 khz is processed at 44.1). The XDA-2 ASRC converts everything to 96 khz, I believe. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 25, 2021 11:46:31 GMT -5
One of the reasons for considering the Big Ego is with Linux if the XDA-2 goes offline before the Linux box or if it is not up when the Linux box resumes, then Linux drops it from the list of available sound devices and I need a reboot to load the XDA-2. With the USB powered device, it is always loaded when the OS is loaded, so it does not have that problem…I also have a DC-1 with my desktop / studio Mac min, it’s hooked up with USB and sounds excellent driving a pair of AirMotive 5S. I also can select the TOSLink output from my HT system (RMC-1), and send the balanced out back to the RMC-1 (yes, potential feedback loop). On occasion I’ve even used the coax and analog inputs. It very well serves my needs. However, if my situation was as ‘simple’ as yours, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the Big Ego, for me the downsides of the DC-1 are: — As you say the USB connection to the DC-1 can be problematic if the DC-1 is off (not as obvious as it seems). — With recent versions of macOS, some USB connections can interfere with a cold boot sequence, the DC-1 USB must be unplugged to remedy this. — The main power switch is inconvenient to get to in my setup, I don’t want the standby power consumption and heat when not in use. Granted only one of these affects you, but I would agree and confirm your desire for a trouble free USB pairing, not to mention the Big Ego is a considerably newer design. |
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Post by oldwood on Jun 25, 2021 12:54:01 GMT -5
Keith Said:
"The XDA-2 required a driver because its USB input is UAC2 only....
Windows 10, as well as most current Linux distros, now have this support built in, so that should no longer be an issue."
I don't know why it is an issue for me. It works sometimes. I am using the latest version of Linux Mint 20.1 Ulyssa 64-bit, and it should work. I have considered trying Linux AP which is billed as audiophile Linux but have not gotten around to it.
Audio HTIT said: "However, if my situation was as ‘simple’ as yours, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the Big Ego, for me the downsides of the DC-1 are:
— As you say the USB connection to the DC-1 can be problematic if the DC-1 is off (not as obvious as it seems).
— With recent versions of macOS, some USB connections can interfere with a cold boot sequence, the DC-1 USB must be unplugged to remedy this.
— The main power switch is inconvenient to get to in my setup, I don’t want the standby power consumption and heat when not in use.
Granted only one of these affects you, but I would agree and confirm your desire for a trouble free USB pairing, not to mention the Big Ego is a considerably newer design.
The big Ego seems like it would solve a lot of problems for me and I think the sound will be as good or better than the XDA-2.
I do understand that "better" is subjective. I think I will give the Big Ego a try.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Gerry
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KeithL
Administrator
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Post by KeithL on Jun 25, 2021 14:11:53 GMT -5
The issue of "USB discovery" is something we run into quite often.
I have a Raspberry Pi connected to an RMC-1 (running whatever Linux distro Volumio uses). They work perfectly together... Except that, if I turn the RMC-1 off while the Pi is still running, the Pi will NOT recognize the RMC-1 when I turn the RMC-1 back on... Re-selecting the output device in the software doesn't help...
I have to reboot the Raspberry Pi to convince it to rediscover the USB output device...
We've also seen this with other DACs, and with some Mac Mini models, when they wake from hibernation... It seems that some operating systems don't always scan for new/connected USB devices except at startup... However the Big Ego does use an entirely different USB input circuit than the C-Media 6630/6631 that we used in the XDA-2 and DC-1. And, yes, the Big Ego Plus is a very nice sounding DAC... (It also doesn't use much power - somewhere around 200 mA or slightly less at 5V - so about 1 watt.)
I think you'll be pleased...
Keith Said: "The XDA-2 required a driver because its USB input is UAC2 only.... Windows 10, as well as most current Linux distros, now have this support built in, so that should no longer be an issue." I don't know why it is an issue for me. It works sometimes. I am using the latest version of Linux Mint 20.1 Ulyssa 64-bit, and it should work. I have considered trying Linux AP which is billed as audiophile Linux but have not gotten around to it. Audio HTIT said: "However, if my situation was as ‘simple’ as yours, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the Big Ego, for me the downsides of the DC-1 are: — As you say the USB connection to the DC-1 can be problematic if the DC-1 is off (not as obvious as it seems). — With recent versions of macOS, some USB connections can interfere with a cold boot sequence, the DC-1 USB must be unplugged to remedy this. — The main power switch is inconvenient to get to in my setup, I don’t want the standby power consumption and heat when not in use. Granted only one of these affects you, but I would agree and confirm your desire for a trouble free USB pairing, not to mention the Big Ego is a considerably newer design. The big Ego seems like it would solve a lot of problems for me and I think the sound will be as good or better than the XDA-2. I do understand that "better" is subjective. I think I will give the Big Ego a try. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Gerry |
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Post by oldwood on Jun 25, 2021 16:53:13 GMT -5
"I have to reboot the Raspberry Pi to convince it to rediscover the USB output device..." Yes, that is the game I have been playing  Looking forward to hearing the Big Ego+ and not playing that game anymore. Thanks Gerry |
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Post by oldwood on Jul 6, 2021 7:09:13 GMT -5
Just thought I would update this. I ended up not going with the Big Ego+. I enjoyed the display on the xda-2 showing the resolution of the file playing and although the Big Ego does display the information it would be hard to see from across the room. I also thought the 1/8" headphone plug was something I would prefer not to deal with. I ended up with a Topping E30 and so far it seems to tick all the boxes. It connects with the PC running Linux and has no issues not being discovered, the output is through standard RCA jacks and as a bonus my USB A to B cables work with it.
I use it without the preamp in pure DAC mode and the consensus of reviews is the preamp in not good, so probably not a good choice if you need a DAC preamp in one box. It has an auto off and off feature that works well, so when I shut down the PC it turns off and when I start the PC it comes back up.
The Big Ego+ is designed to be portable, so I understand the design decisions made. I don't know how the Big Ego sound would compare to the E30, but I am happy with how the E30 sounds. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jul 6, 2021 9:43:51 GMT -5
I don't know how the Big Ego sound would compare to the E30, but I am happy with how the E30 sounds. Looks like a good choice, and I've generally heard good reports about Topping. I’d be interested to hear how accurate the bit-rate and especially bit-depth read outs are, if you have a variety of file types and care to report back. |
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Post by oldwood on Jul 6, 2021 10:27:24 GMT -5
I don't have a large selection of high-res files and no DSD files.
It does recognize the sample rate and display that properly. It does not display bit depth but plays all the files without any issues as far as I know they are all 24 bit, but my understanding of the issue is pretty iffy.
I picked it up from Amazon, so I have a month to decide if it is a keeper. So far it is.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jul 6, 2021 13:23:52 GMT -5
I don't have a large selection of high-res files and no DSD files. It does recognize the sample rate and display that properly. It does not display bit depth but plays all the files without any issues as far as I know they are all 24 bit, but my understanding of the issue is pretty iffy. I picked it up from Amazon, so I have a month to decide if it is a keeper. So far it is. Sorry, thought I’d read that the Topping DACs showed depth, but I see by looking at their line that they don’t. Yes, I’ve also heard that depth displays are less than perfect, and that the files are often padded. My RMC-1 always shows 24 with audio files, regardless of source, though does show 16 and 20 from my DirecTV box via HDMI. It does seem a display should be able to identify a 44.1/16 ripped CD properly, just looking for an example of this. |
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