XDA-1

About the XDA-1

The Emotiva XDA-1 is a Differential Reference DAC introduced around 2010, made in the USA, and designed primarily as a DAC with secondary pre-amplifier capabilities. It features a Sigma-Delta Burr Brown AD1955 DAC chip in a unique single configuration and a Burr Brown OPA-2134 op-amp for the output stage. The unit supports standard bit depths up to 24-bit and sampling frequencies up to 192kHz. It offers multiple digital inputs including 2 coaxial S/PDIF, 2 Toslink optical, 1 USB Type B, and 1 AES/EBU input, with outputs including balanced XLR and single-ended stereo. The XDA-1 includes a digitally controlled volume control with remote operation, housed in a black or silver chassis with dimensions of 43.18 x 5.715 x 35.56 cm and a power consumption of 15 watts. It is praised for its clean, effortless sound, wide and full soundstage, and excellent value for money. Some users note that the digital volume control can degrade sound quality at low volumes, recommending use with an external pre-amp for best results. The XDA-1 is no longer in production but remains a highly regarded budget audiophile DAC with a strong build and good customer support.