New Practical Devices XM6 Amp/DAC (The Complete Review)

[HK_sends]

Are there any computer components that use or used that 8 pin molex?  I build my desktop PCs from parts but I don't remember seeing that connector anywhere.

No, not a connector but the jumper pins on a motherboard or other circuit card look the right size. You could pull those and solder some wire to each of them.

It might not work, but it was a thought.

V/R,
-HK sends

 

[Armaegis]

That's the thing I noticed about the XM6 aux port, it doesn't have an obvious connector that will fit. It looks like you really do just need jumper pins (or similar). How awkward. I wonder why he didn't use something a little more standard.

 

[HK_sends]

That's the thing I noticed about the XM6 aux port, it doesn't have an obvious connector that will fit. It looks like you really do just need jumper pins (or similar). How awkward. I wonder why he didn't use something a little more standard.

Yeah, like you said...at least offer a compatible plug for the socket that could be wired by DIY'ers.

Cheers!
-HK sends

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

No, not a connector but the jumper pins on a motherboard or other circuit card look the right size. You could pull those and solder some wire to each of them.
 

 
Thanks.  That's a good idea. I've got a few dead and/or obsolete pieces of equipment around here to check out.

 

[Armaegis]

If wonder if PD will ever develop a "slim" amp or dac/amp.

 

 

[Jalo]

Quote:

I don't really see the point to the 8741 or 8742 in a DAC that only takes 16 bit input.  All 3 have better specs than 16 bit audio can deliver and that's the highest digital input it can take because of the USB chip.  The upsampler can mitigate jitter from poor and overworked USB connections (like my PC at work, which I'll use this on a lot, which is how I managed to rationalize getting the XM6 over the XM5) but it can't add any quality to the signal that isn't already there.  The 8740 already has lower noise (120dB SNR) and lower  distortion (-104dB THD) than the dynamic range of 16 bit audio (96dB).  The 8740 has a slightly lower SNR than the other two but it also has a slightly lower THD.  Since most of the stuff I listen to is loudness war-ed I'll take lower distortion over a lower noise floor, especially if its cheaper.
 
 

I wonder if anyone has tried and compare the different Dacs 8740, 8742, and 8741.  I know the above argument but if they don't make any difference in sound, why does PD offer them as an option.  They must have heard something different.  May be PD should chime in and let us know what the differences are.  Where is James Forest?

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

I wonder if anyone has tried and compare the different Dacs 8740, 8742, and 8741.  I know the above argument but if they don't make any difference in sound, why does PD offer them as an option.  They must have heard something different.  May be PD should chime in and let us know what the differences are.  Where is James Forest?

They're probably just an option because many people in this hobby love to tweak and customize.

 

[Armaegis]

Maybe there's a sonic difference between the chips? (ignoring the bitrate etc capabilities which are wasted)
 
Or maybe it's just there because PD knows people will spend money for it.

 

[maverickronin]

They do measure slightly differently.  The real question how much of it is audible.

 

[Jalo]

I know the WM8741 is the top of the line and I understand because of the USB input that limits the resolution to 16/44/48.  But like Armaegis said, could there be other benefit to the 8741 over the 8740 and 8742 like different opamps have different sound character?  May be it has better transparency, more natural, closer to the music, better high end, tighter bass etc?  Just wonder.  But because of the fact that the XM6 can use the top of the line wolfson DAC, it does have something over the other DAC/amps that PD should brag about.  But the customers need to know what are the benefits.

 

[Jalo]

Also, HK_Sends in his review, he did not talk about the Xfeed, bass, treble buttons and how good they are.  Has any one played with those buttons?

 

[HK_sends]

Also, HK_Sends in his review, he did not talk about the Xfeed, bass, treble buttons and how good they are.  Has any one played with those buttons?

The problem with accurately reviewing the effects of the cross-feed, bass, and treble boost was how could I adequately describe them? However, if you re-look at the review, I do mention their effects on the sound such as the treble boost making the sound appear more rounded out and the bass providing a good punch without mud...at least I thought I wrote that...

Cheers!
-HK sends

P.S. - The video review Jude did a week or so ago does address those features better than I (think) I did...
P.P.S. - At the time of the review, James at Practical Devices wasn't offering DAC upgrades or I certainly would have gotten one (for no other reason than it was an upgrade option )

 

[Jalo]

HK, Thanks for the info.  Have you compared the XM6 to any of the amps in Sky's list or any of the common ones like RSA, Pico, ibasso etc.  

 

[HK_sends]

I know the WM8741 is the top of the line and I understand because of the USB input that limits the resolution to 16/44/48.  But like Armaegis said, could there be other benefit to the 8741 over the 8740 and 8742 like different opamps have different sound character?  May be it has better transparency, more natural, closer to the music, better high end, tighter bass etc?  Just wonder.  But because of the fact that the XM6 can use the top of the line wolfson DAC, it does have something over the other DAC/amps that PD should brag about.  But the customers need to know what are the benefits.

I agree. The differences need to be spelled out somewhere that customers can see and make a choice from.

Cheers!
-HK sends

 

[HK_sends]

HK, Thanks for the info.  Have you compared the XM6 to any of the amps in Sky's list or any of the common ones like RSA, Pico, ibasso etc.  

I was in the process of thinning my portable amp collection at the time, so the only amps I could compare to were the RSA Mustang and the PD XM5. The Mustang is a fantastic amp that is well worth the money...if you are willing to invest hundreds (really) of hours in the sound quality evolving. Don't get me wrong...it sounds fantastic out of the box, but there is a slow subtle improvement in sound over a long period of time. The disadvantages of the Mustang to the XM6 are that it is expensive (but worth it); it's an amp-only solution; it doesn't include any of the sound changing features of the XM6 (it does have a three position gain switch); and finally, due to it's small size, it didn't seem to offer the power to the headphones that the XM6 does (especially with the BUF634 chips in). However, for what it is, it is an excellent amp and one I owned the longest.

The only real difference in the sounds of an equally configured XM5 and XM6 are on the DAC end.

All IMHO and YMMV!

Cheers!
-HK sends