I just got the Emotiva Stealth DC-1, and first impressions (only a couple hours of break-in) were not as stellar as I had hoped. My chain prior to the DC-1 was Chromebook (FLAC 44.1k)>Nuforce HDP (DAC only)>Gustard H10>Audeze LCD-X. I purchased the DC-1 with hopes to upgrade the Nuforce HDP. Listening to my rig with the DC-1 in place of the Nuforce proved to be substantially different. The sound thinned out quite a bit and became more biased toward the treble. Bass was tight but lacked weight and slam. Soundstage is comparable between the two. Overall, IMO, I found the HDP paired with the ifi iUSB power supply to be much more pleasing to my ears. I tried a couple variations including balanced and unbalanced with the DC-1, and also with and without the iUSB power supply in-line with the USB. The results were fairly consistent, though with the iUSB power supply on the DC-1, the treble bias became even more exaggerated. I really enjoyed the display, remote, build quality, interface, etc, but the sound signature doesn't line up well with the rest of my system for my ears. I will let the DC-1 break in a bit more, but ultimately I think it will be going back to Amazon.
To my surprise, the HDP has beaten out the Meridian Director in my setup (again IMO). I have now placed an order for the Gustard x20u DAC in hopes for what I consider an upgrade. Maybe the HDP is my end-game rig...
Anyway, I've lurked and learned plenty from Head-Fi and wanted to return the favor with some impressions. BTW, this isn't a major dig on the DC-1. I preferred it to the Meridian Director and would have probably settled down with it for a while if I didn't have or know of the HDP. I hate to endorse a product (HDP) that isn't even in production anymore, but that $450 DAC/AMP combo is rather impressive - particularly with a good USB power source.