ERC-1

[zstar]

The ERC-1 DAC is the AD1955 from Analog Devices. The Analog Devices website says that this chip supports 24 bit, 192 kHz samples.
I have the ERC-1 connected via analog cables to parasound nc7100 processor/preamp. I am on the UMC-1 /XMC-1 waiting lists. The parasound has a standard stereo or Stereo96 mode. The stereo 96 mode is "A pure audio” mode for analog input signals that raises the sampling rate of the A/D converters from 48 kHz to 96 kHz for greater resolution of musical detail.
What setting would allow me to get the best out of the ERC-1?
Thanks

[moovtune]

The ERC-1 upsamples to 384K 24 bit. I'd use an input that is a straight path through the volume control and out to the amp. I wouldn't use one that applies more upsampling or uses A/D converters in the preamp.

[roadrunner]

zstar,

If your parasound has a 5.1 or 7.1 analog input this is where you will get the best that the ERC-1 has to offer. It sounds like this may be the only "true analog" input on your 7100. The best way to experience the ERC-1 is to stay in the analog world all the way to your speakers. This is why so many people buy both the ERC-1 and the USP-1. The USP-1 provides a "world class" path for analog signals from input to output. This is the best way to hear all that the ERC-1 has to offer.

[zstar]

I also have the oppo dph-83. It is connected to the 7100 7.1 analog inputs because of lack of HDMI. I listened to some CDs thru the bdp83 connected to the 7.1 and it sounded better. I then connected the ERC-1 to the 7.1 inputs. It sounded so much better than the oppo and thru the CD analog connections on the parasound. Is this because the signal goes thru an extra conversion in the 7100 digital to analog convertors on the stereo inputs on the 7100 that I was using before. So the 7100 CD input and stereo setting is not pure analog? hope I am making sense?

[Bruce]

I love my ERC-1 and it sounds great in my system.What is the sound like when used through the USP-1??? How much of a sound increase will it give my ERC-1 ?? Need some help as to buy the USP-1 or run as i have it set up. Thanks for sugg.

[roadrunner]

Dec 11, 2009 11:11:18 GMT -5 Bruce said:

I love my ERC-1 and it sounds great in my system.What is the sound like when used through the USP-1??? How much of a sound increase will it give my ERC-1 ?? Need some help as to buy the USP-1 or run as i have it set up. Thanks for sugg.

Playing the ERC-1 thru the USP-1 is nirvana -- pure heaven.

If you look in the dictionary for the definition of nirvana, you will find a picture of the ERC-1 sitting on top of the USP-1. ;D

[sanjaygolf]

Dec 4, 2009 11:13:15 GMT -5 zstar said:

I also have the oppo dph-83. It is connected to the 7100 7.1 analog inputs because of lack of HDMI. I listened to some CDs thru the bdp83 connected to the 7.1 and it sounded better. I then connected the ERC-1 to the 7.1 inputs. It sounded so much better than the oppo and thru the CD analog connections on the parasound. Is this because the signal goes thru an extra conversion in the 7100 digital to analog convertors on the stereo inputs on the 7100 that I was using before. So the 7100 CD input and stereo setting is not pure analog? hope I am making sense?

Correct. Through the CD input there is an ADC and then another DAC conversion going on through your Parasound. The only connection with no conversion is through the 7.1 analogue. Even though it is direct it's still not as pure as you would get from a pre-amp like the USP or RSP.

[Bruce]

Thanks Roadrunner That is great and now i must buy the USP-1 to be in NIRVANA!!!!

[jhoak]

Dec 11, 2009 15:00:44 GMT -5 Bruce said:

now i must buy the USP-1 to be in NIRVANA!!!!

I can tell you from first hand experience that the USP-1 and ERC-1 is a tough to beat combination without dropping some SERIOUS coin.

Check this thread to see mine... emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=newgear&action=display&thread=7939

[Bruce]

Dec 11, 2009 17:06:14 GMT -5 jhoak said:

Dec 11, 2009 15:00:44 GMT -5 Bruce said:

now i must buy the USP-1 to be in NIRVANA!!!!

I can tell you from first hand experience that the USP-1 and ERC-1 is a tough to beat combination without dropping some SERIOUS coin.

Check this thread to see mine... emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=newgear&action=display&thread=7939

Great looking system and thanks for the info.

[Bruce]

Which to buy for my ERC-1 ?? The USP-1 or the new unit which i do not know the name. What will the price and features of new unit?? I do not plan on using VINYL just disks.The unit will be used with the UMC-1 and my Emotiva XPA-2 and XPA-5 amps. Thanks for the info.

[siccivic420]

Bruce I'm waiting for the xsp-1 or the xmc-1 cause from what I have read the erc-1 sounds better through its balanced outputs and the usp-1 doesn't have those.

[roadrunner]

Dec 13, 2009 20:19:06 GMT -5 siccivic420 said:

Bruce I'm waiting for the xsp-1 or the xmc-1 cause from what I have read the erc-1 sounds better through its balanced outputs and the usp-1 doesn't have those.

I have followed the ERC-1 very closely since it was first mentioned as a product idea. I bought one of the first units shipped from Emotiva's warehouse. I have read all of the reviews from "professional" review sources. From all this monitoring I have seen very little discussion about sound quality as related to using the balanced connectors. The only notable mention I can recall was found in the review done on SECRETS of Home Theater and HiFi; and, if I recall it correctly, the balanced connection was used because that was the most convenient way to compare the ERC-1 to his normal CD Player (a Niam that sold for 27 times the price of the ERC-1) which happened to be connected to his Bel Cantos preamp with balanced connectors.

I don't remember the reviewer mentioning that the balanced connectors providing better sound quality than the RCA connection. In my experience with a variety of gear of the years there is usually very little difference in sound quality. Sometimes the balanced connection resulting in higher volume output, but not always. Higher volume does not equate to better sound quality.

The only reason I mention this is because the OP mentioned that the UMC-1 was the processor of choice along with consideration of the USP-1. By inferring that he should wait for a processor that has balanced connectors, he would be paying a premium of several hundred dollars for features he has no interest in beyond wanting good sound. This board is populated with dozens of user reviews for the ERC-1 and USP-1, none of which used balanced connections, and all of those reviews raved about amazing sound quality.

I think the important thing is that the ERC-1 is an amazing CD Player that will produce exception sound quality -- especially if routed thru a "pure analog" path. It really does NOT matter whether the connection to that path is RCA or XLR.

[Bruce]

Thanks Roadrunner for the info and review. Iwill purchase the USP-1 as i do not care about balanced cables and will save some money.What is the best way to hook up the ERC-1 to the USP-1 so i can use the pass by option for movies.

[leadliner]

i recently hooked my erc-1 to the 8 channel in puts of my tg-3. what a difference, female vocals gives me goose bumps, listening to roger waters amused to death the q-sound is about 5 feet off the left channel, the center is image is so strong you cant believe its only two channel, along with all the other 3-d stereo imaging and sound effects going on is making one heck of ride. its like the speakers have disappeared and the sound is just in the air. awsome just awsome.

[siccivic420]

Roadrunner in that pro review your talking about he also says that he thought that the balanced connectors gave a fuller sound and deeper bass then the single ended ones did. But I figured to me I would just try to get everything I can out of it. I'm excited to to see if I can tell a difference. I used to say all cd players were the same but erc-1 proved me wrong. I currently love the sound I get so I can wait however long it takes for the xmc-1.

[roadrunner]

Dec 14, 2009 5:43:20 GMT -5 Bruce said:

Thanks Roadrunner for the info and review. Iwill purchase the USP-1 as i do not care about balanced cables and will save some money.What is the best way to hook up the ERC-1 to the USP-1 so i can use the pass by option for movies.

The Owner's Manual is pretty clear, but if you feel better having a visual guide to follow, one of the Lounge Members has an excellent hookup guide in his ERC-1 review. I think it was SticksandStones how posted that superb guide. Anyone should be able to follow his visuals with no problems. Enjoy your music.