What FEATURES influenced your decision to buy your XDA-3

[KeithL]

If you've already purchased an XDA-3 please tell us all why you decided to buy a DAC (or this particular DAC).

If you're still deciding, but are favoring the XDA-3, check the features that you consider important.

Please check all that apply.

[audiobliss]

You should add the 12v triggers to the list. They are a real plus, and not standard on most equipment.

[stumpypete]

I purchased the XDA-3 1 month ago. I wanted a preamp, and I already had a schiit bifrost. Saw reviews by cheapaudioman and audiophiliac. I was curious so I dug a little deeper. I just needed a basic preamp and I wasn't thrilled with the bifrost. The XDA-3 checked all of the boxes so i pulled the trigger. I was not disappointed! Huge sound stage, and great separation of instruments. Much better than the bifrost. I love the metal remote! It does exactly what I want without unnecessary bells, whistles, and clutter.

[PaulBe]

My XDA-3 continues to be a pleasure in listening and use. It's one of my more satisfying audio purchases.

A few points:

The longer remote is nice. I dislike a smaller remote where the buttons are so far down on the remote that I have to use two hands to use it.

I would like it if the form factor was 1/2 rack or full rack. Both 1/2 rack and full rack are useful.

I'm glad I had a chance to experiment with very hi-rez, 352K and 384K, but in practice, it makes no difference.

The different filter settings were also fun to play with, but it is more of a toy and differences are very subtle. I settled on one and use it. I suppose it's a good feature if just to confirm the subtlety of the differences.

For me, One more balanced and unbalanced input would make it a full preamp - though an inexpensive outboard switch-box would suffice.

[uwegaschler]

I would add the analoge high quality volume control, which prevents the XDA from going full power in case of an error in the digital domain. For me this is a very important feature.