While most people who change gear like underwear would not consider an old budget unit like this in their system, I felt that all these years later, I would give a tidbit of feedback on the DAC for those on a budget.
I run a set of slightly modded 565 Adcom monoblocks with custom interconnects direct from this Emotiva XDA-1 into the amps. They drive a set of SEQUERRA MET7/"STICKS" and the MET 10 subs.
I find zero difference in the pre-DAC connections. If you have a good connection, they all sound the same to me. Between the DAC and the amps is an entirely different animal. My ancient "LSD" cables from 1988 are so bright, they are unlistenable. My home made old Mogami mic cables turned interconnect with the gold plated Japanese ’something or other 75 dollar’ RCA interconnects with the twist clamps seem to work best.
I leave the XDA-1 on 24/7.
Upgrading the power cable, much to my surprise, DID make a difference.
After borrowing a $350-ish example of a super cable ’blessed by Tibetan dog-monks who only eat grapes on full moon nights and wash with coconut soap drained from Christs tomb,’ I found a very thick, high end hospital grade plug with just-as-thick wiring attached. It was in an auction lot from NASA, used on some very high end measurement gear. Not sure what, but someone spent a lot on the cord for sure. It gave me 98% of the super esoteric example...and I do not feel the need to be "shun-mook-sarcastic" about it.
If you are looking at this thread, do yourself a favor.
Block out the guys who buy 7 DACS a year, North of 1500 dollars.
Good.
Now, Block out the guys who say, "the thing was totally blown away by XXXX DAC and I would not use it as a wheel stop on my project Camaro in the garage after hearing xxxxxx DAC."
For the $100 price tag they are still selling for, it is still difficult to beat the sound and options on a XDA-1.
Listen to one.
The XDA-1 is easy to live with and built like a tank.