Just Ordered the Emotiva XDA-1 DAC!

[monsterman]

Hello Guys,
I couldn't help but spread the news. Almost ordered an internal sound card, Asus Xonar STX, but decided for an External DAC instead. I called Emotiva and they sold me a factory return XDA-1 for $219 shipped plus an Emotiva Optical cable for $16.
Now my system consists of
AudioEngine A5's
Onix X-Sub
Emotiva XDA-1
playing off Foobar2000 media player (this this is awesome, noticeably better than iTunes playback)

Thanks to the suggestion of a forum member I have found Rythmik Subwoofers.
I called Rythmik and they have a F12SE set aside for me. My setup will be very nice within a few months.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Sounds very exciting. I love Rythmik subs too.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I like turtles

 

[cpp]

2nd the Rythmik sub

 

[bikemig]

fill us in on the xda-1

That's a great price on the XDA-1. What do you think of the SQ? It has a lot of really useful inputs and it looks like it is very solidly built.

 

[monsterman]

That's a great price on the XDA-1. What do you think of the SQ? It has a lot of really useful inputs and it looks like it is very solidly built.

I get it delivered on Wed. of this week. I've never used a DAC before so I wont really be of service to answer your question yet. I just want to eliminate any bottlenecks in my system. I think then, money will be the limiting factor for the next few years.
I will be using the optical input for a computer only setup so the multiple inputs will not be used. I do, however, really appreciate the RCA and XLR outputs. I will connect the RCA's to the A5's and the XLR's to the (future) Rythmik F12SE.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I like turtles

2nd the turtles
as long as they are in a zoo, in nature, or someone else's home.

 

[monsterman]

Got my Emotiva XDA-1 in today and hooked it up. Noticed immediately its smoother. Not by much but it certainly increases the quality.
I have a thread about my system here with pics.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/pros-joes-systems-gallery/78710-my-budget-2-1-computer-setup.html#post869936

 

[abboudc]

Make sure you run it at max volume and use an external volume control (like your computer or A5's)

It is not lossless if you use the volume control on the XDA.

 

[monsterman]

Make sure you run it at max volume and use an external volume control (like your computer or A5's)

It is not lossless if you use the volume control on the XDA.

This is how I am using it currently, however when muting my system while music is playing it emits a loud pop. Called Emotiva and they had me ship it back to give it a once over and be sure I got something in 100% working order.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Make sure you run it at max volume and use an external volume control (like your computer or A5's)

It is not lossless if you use the volume control on the XDA.

yes, see this thread:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/amps-pre-pros-receivers/78037-any-opinions-emotiva-xda-1-dac.html

 

[monsterman]

I've read that thread and talked with Emo about it and its basically not really an issue for my application. I will have a YouTube video up in a couple of weeks when I get used to the system and can provide experienced feedback.