Emotiva XDA-1 DAC?

FWIW, tried the XDA-1 but eventually settled on the Eastern Electric Minimax which was markedly better. Thanks all for you input!

After a whole month of break in, I spent the past 2 days listening to digital music and am pleasantly surprised to find no "digital harshness", just music... Been listening to Pandora Music thru a Sony PS3 to my new XDA-1 via optical link, connected unbalanced to my amp, PS Audio Hca-2, driving Ambience Superslim 1800SE... At initial set up the sound was promising but a bit harsh and the mid's sounded metallic... 200 hrs of break in later the sound became more musical and the midrange less harsh but there was still a metallic edge to it... Now, am just enjoying the music and am truly happy at how the XDA-1 delivers the goods. No harshness, no digital glare, great sound and good music... WOO HOOO....

Anyone know how the XDA-1 compares to a Vdac?

I've had the XDA-1 for a few months now and I absolutely love it. I have it in a minimalist computer audio setup listening to 24/96 and 24/192 files from HDtracks.com. The XDA-1 directly drives our trusty Adcom GFA-535 MK II via LAT international silver interconnects. The Adcom is directly driving a pair of Pioneer bookshelf speakers. The sound is, quite frankly, breathtaking and free of fatigue. I can and have listened to music over this setup for hours at a time and have been completely enthralled. The remote is solid and built like a tank. The display is beautiful and classy. The entire unit looks like something which should cost $1,000. Emotiva really has outdone themselves with this piece of gear. It has a very high wife approvement factor and the simplicity of use is appreciated. The XDA-1 negates the need for a preamp so if you truly want a simple and clean setup then this is your best choice.

Heartily recommended!

I just got mine. I give it a thumbs up, although the only things I've had to compare it to are the internal DACs of the receivers and Pre/Pros that I've had. I'm now listening to the best quality music I've ever heard in my home.

Ignorance is bliss, since I don't know any better.

In any case, I'm using mine as a pre amp for all of my digital sources, to include a CD player, DVD, Apple TV and Sonos. It works fine, very fine, as a pre amp.

My only gripe, if I can call it that, is that the minimum volume is maybe a little too loud. It goes from nothing right to a low listening level, that may not be low enough for night time listening when everyone else is asleep. Still, the previous concerns of not having enough control over the volume have been remedied. The volume control is not unlike that of an infinitely variable knob. You can hold the volume button down and the level increases on a very gradual slope.

I like it and I think I'll keep it for now.