Introduction - Emotiva Differential Reference XDA-3 User Manual

XDA-3 DAC
Differential Reference

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the new Emotiva XDA-3 Differential Reference DAC.
The XDA-3 Differential Reference DAC is a lot more than just a superb audiophile quality digital-to-
analog converter. The XDA-3 is also a fully capable audiophile preamp and control center, with both
digital and analog inputs, an HDMI ARC input that can accept a digital audio signal directly from
your TV, a real analog ladder network volume control, and a high-performance super-low-distortion
headphone amplifier.
The XDA-3 has a variety of standard digital audio inputs, including two optical (Toslink) S/PDIF inputs,
two electrical (Coax) S/PDIF inputs, and one high performance USB digital audio input. The USB input
on the XDA-3 accepts stereo PCM digital audio at bit depths and sample rates up to 32/768k,
DSD digital audio in the DoP format up to DSD256, and DSD digital audio in the native DSD format up
to DSD512. The HDMI-ARC input accepts a digital audio signal directly from your TV, which enables the
XDA-3 to play audio from TV apps, and from other HDMI sources connected to your TV. The XDA-3 also
includes two pairs of stereo line level analog inputs, one balanced and one unbalanced, which you can
use to connect analog source devices like a phono preamp or portable music player.
Digital audio received by the XDA-3 is converted into analog by an audiophile quality ESS ES9038Q2M
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SABRE Reference DAC chip and its associated precision power supply and reference circuitry. The
fully balanced fully differential analog output from the DAC is then routed to the digitally controlled
analog ladder network volume control, and then to the balanced outputs, via OPA1656 low-distortion
ultra-low-noise op amps. A separate balanced-to-unbalanced converter stage derives the unbalanced
output signal for the RCA outputs directly from the fully differential output signal. The XDA-3 offers a
choice of seven user selectable oversampling filters, each of which offers a subtly different listening
experience, and which can be accessed directly from the remote control. Analog inputs to the XDA-3
are routed directly to the output, via precision buffer circuitry, and the analog ladder network volume
control, and always remain in the analog domain.
The XDA-3 also includes a high-quality current feedback headphone amplifier which offers superb
performance and incredibly low distortion. An attractive, fully dimmable, blue OLED display shows
the current Volume setting and Input choice, as well as the sample rate and format of the incoming
audio signal. The display switches momentarily to show additional information when the format of
the incoming audio signal changes or you change the selected oversampling filter. In addition to the
display, the front panel of the XDA-3 includes separate buttons for changing Inputs, adjusting the
Volume, and toggling Standby mode, and a convenient full-sized 1/4" stereo headphone output.
The full function machined aluminum remote control offers separate buttons for selecting each input
individually, controlling volume and muting, adjusting the display brightness, and displaying or
changing the selected oversampling filter.
We designed the XDA-3 from the ground up to deliver the same superb listening experience with
both digital and analog sources... either as a source component or as a fully capable digital and analog
preamp and control center. We hope you enjoy using your XDA-3 as much as we enjoyed designing
and perfecting it.
Happy Listening!
The Emotiva Team
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