[econ]

The volume is analogue now. Big change and a solid response to the major shortcoming of the XDA 1, which effectively sequestered it as a traditional DAC in a signal pathway. Now it really can be a standalone unit powering active monitors or headphone. Still haven't seen many reviews though and the Emotiva boards have listed some firmware buggy-ness. Looks like it's all fixable though.

Copypasta from the emotiva site:
"With its precision analog resistor ladder volume control that maintains resolution even at low volumes, the XDA-2 is an ideal digital preamp. At the same time, its discrete, high-current headphone amplifier drives headphones with authority."

Specs look a tad weak for claiming authority in driving really high impedance headphones, but otherwise it does appear to deliver the promises. That is, on paper. Would love some hands on!

 

[econ]

To clarify: the bugs are on the USB input. So that's easy to bypass with the Toslink, and a lot of people did that with the XDA1 already given the limits on the old USB receiver chip. Still should be worked out as that chip upgrade was another big plus of the XDA2

 

[econ]

Double post. Sorry. Stupid phone.