[AudioMan2013]

Any ideas on whether if this is worth it for just the dac stage alone? (will be using external amp). 

Yes, I am using mine as a dac/preamp for my home system to drive a pair of Parasound amps.

 

[Badas]

  Any ideas on whether if this is worth it for just the dac stage alone? (will be using external amp). 

If you like bright and analytical then yes.

 

[Firminator]

 
If you like bright and analytical then yes.

I actually do, sounds good then. Was thinking about M-DAC as well but I feel like the HA-1 is slightly bettered featured and more flexible. 

 

[x RELIC x]

Any ideas on whether if this is worth it for just the dac stage alone? (will be using external amp). 

It is most definately for me, but you'll get varied opinions for sure. I love the amount of crystal clear detail the HA-1 puts forward and others find it too fatiguing.

 

[money4me247]

  Any ideas on whether if this is worth it for just the dac stage alone? (will be using external amp). 

if you are spending #1,200ish on the oppo ha-1 just for its dac stage, you can consider spending that same $1,000 ish on a stand alone dac such as the matrix x-sabre (here). also uses an ess sabre 9018 dac chip

 

[olegausany]

 Any ideas on whether if this is worth it for just the dac stage alone? (will be using external amp). 

if you are spending #1,200ish on the oppo ha-1 just for its dac stage, you can consider spending that same $1,000 ish on a stand alone dac such as the matrix x-sabre (here). also uses an ess sabre 9018 dac chip

Plus sounds identical to my ears but will take more desk and doesn't support Dad, not sure if it is important to you

 

[Liu Junyuan]

if you are spending #1,200ish on the oppo ha-1 just for its dac stage, you can consider spending that same $1,000 ish on a stand alone dac such as the matrix x-sabre (here). also uses an ess sabre 9018 dac chip

I was just going to mention the X-Sabre. I would not buy the HA-1 only for its DAC. Another option would be the Gustard X-12.

 

[Firminator]

I was just going to mention the X-Sabre. I would not buy the HA-1 only for its DAC. Another option would be the Gustard X-12.

Hmmm yeah seems like there's quite a few options around that price range. Looking at the Resonessence Labs Concero HD now as well. 

 

[Dougr33]

Originally Posted by Badas /img/forum/go_quote.gif
If you like bright and analytical then yes.
 
 
 
It is NOT BRIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Z06_Pilot]

  Originally Posted by Badas /img/forum/go_quote.gif
If you like bright and analytical then yes.
 
 
 
It is NOT BRIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+1

 

[rZn8]

Hi,
To owners of LCD-X, just checking which is your preferred Gain setting. I've set mine to Normal but Volume at about 12 o'clock position for a satisfactory listening level. Would it be better to set it to High. Sorry for the noob question

 

[DaemonSire]

Hi,
To owners of LCD-X, just checking which is your preferred Gain setting. I've set mine to Normal but Volume at about 12 o'clock position for a satisfactory listening level. Would it be better to set it to High. Sorry for the noob question

It is generally recommended to use a lower gain and higher on the volume pot than higher gain and lower on the volume pot.  So unless you are nearing maxing out on normal gain (12 o'clock is nowhere near that), then you should stick with Normal gain.
 
This is also stated in the HA-1 manual btw  but is good practice for all amps.

 

[rZn8]

It is generally recommended to use a lower gain and higher on the volume pot than higher gain and lower on the volume pot.  So unless you are nearing maxing out on normal gain (12 o'clock is nowhere near that), then you should stick with Normal gain.

This is also stated in the HA-1 manual btw  but is good practice for all amps.

Thank you for the quick reply...

 

[wgb113]

  +1

+2
 
Your bright is my accurate.
Your accurate is my veiled.

 

[AudioMan2013]

  +2
 
Your bright is my accurate.
Your accurate is my veiled.

I agree, it is not bright but accurate.  It is important to make listening judgements after the unit has reached steady state temperature.