Topic: Opinions on XP202 USB 24-bit 96kHz Mic Pre-A/D

[Hypnocracy]

 Would like some feedback on this unit.

$200 Cheap

http://www.xpsound.com/xp202.htm

Wanted to start taping (again) on a laptop. USB powered, metal case, Mic Pre-amp, Phantom power (not needed for my application), and 24bit 96kHz A-D. This will be ran with some old Nak CM100's (Cardiod and shotgun caps), Radiocrap PZM's > Toshiba M35 Laptop.

Also considering Lexicon Lamda-but it's not 96kHz 24 bit.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Why not go with a UA5???  They can be had for cheaper on EBAY and can be modified later.

Here's one already modified for $200:  http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,77253.0.html

Terry

[Hypnocracy]

It's new, and can be returned if it doesn't meet my needs...

[TNJazz]

The question here is the preamp and A/D in this unit.  I've never even heard of it before.

Any particular reason you want to record at 24/96?

Anyway, if it were me I'd probably go with the new E-Mu 0404 USB interface.  Roughly the same price, all the features of this thing (and more) and a known brand.

[Hypnocracy]

see in bold

The question here is the preamp and A/D in this unit. Agreed I've never even heard of it before.Me Either

Any particular reason you want to record at 24/96?I guess I thought that was the thing to do? Do people buy Edirol UA5's just to do 16bit 44.1?

Anyway, if it were me I'd probably go with the new E-Mu 0404 USB interface.  Roughly the same price, all the features of this thing (and more) and a known brand.THANKS!

[TNJazz]

Do people buy Edirol UA5's just to do 16bit 44.1?[/b]

Actually, yes.  The majority of folks still using UA-5's are using them with the iRiver or JB3 recorders.  Both are only capable of 16 bit, 44.1 or 48.

However, you can still record to a laptop at 24/48 or 24/96 if you want, so I guess it can be a fairly flexible box.  I've owned 2 of them in the past.  They're not bad, but you can outgrow the sound of Edirol preamps pretty quickly even with modded boxes.

[Brian Skalinder]

They're not bad, but you can outgrow the sound of Edirol preamps pretty quickly even with modded boxes.

If by "outgrow" you mean "find an additional $700 - $1k budget (on top of UA5 price) to spend on a replacement pre/ADC that will sound better", then I agree.    Otherwise, I still think the Oade-modded UA5s are the best value pre/ADC going.  $0.02.

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

It's new, and can be returned if it doesn't meet my needs...

I would shop around and read reviews and find a unit that meets your needs before going out and blindly buying something and hoping it meets your needs. 

There are a TON of devices the allow recording to PC.  I would do some more shopping...

Terry

[TNJazz]

They're not bad, but you can outgrow the sound of Edirol preamps pretty quickly even with modded boxes.

If by "outgrow" you mean "find an additional $700 - $1k budget (on top of UA5 price) to spend on a replacement pre/ADC that will sound better", then I agree.    Otherwise, I still think the Oade-modded UA5s are the best value pre/ADC going.  $0.02.

Yes, that is precisely what I mean.  Note also that I used the word "can", not the word "will".

[rowjimmy]

You know, when I read audiophile reviews and whatnot of gear, I used to laugh or roll my eyes when they used words like 'fatigue' when describing the experience of listening to  a subpar adc, dac, amp or whatever. As I've begun building my own rig after spending some time borrowing other people's gear, I truly understand what it means. Getting a decent sound from your gear is different from getting a satisfying sound and your level of satisfaction can change quickly once the newness of some products wears off.

Your best bet is to try and demo the gear before you buy it.

Good luck. If you do try something new (nothing actually wrong with that, mind you) keep us posted on your results. You might stumble upon a great find.