ADAT specs: LX20 versus XT20

[Jack Russell]

I'm comparing specs on LX20 and XT20 ADATs. These are mostly the same:

LX20:

8 audio channels
20-bit linear codec
64X oversampling
Record (A/D) 20-bit
Play (D/A) 20-bit
44.1/48kHz selectable sample rates
20Hz-20kHz response
97dB dynamic range
Distortion 0.009% THD
Analog I/O: 16 RCA (8 in, 8 out)
Digital I/O: 8-channel ADAT optical (1 in, 1 out)
Click Here to Get Your Alesis ADAT LX20 20-Bit Digital
Recorder

XT20:

8 audio channels
20-bit linear codec
128X oversampling
Record (A/D) 20-bit
Play (D/A) 20-bit
44.1/48kHz selectable sample rates
20Hz-20kHz response
97dB dynamic range
Distortion 0.003% THD
Analog I/O: (balanced) 1 ELCO connector (I/0);
(unbalanced) 16 RCA (8 in, 8 out)
Digital I/O: 8-channel ADAT optical (1 in, 1 out)

The main difference is the oversampling rate and distortion (in bold). Does the oversampling matter when you play a tape recorded in the LX20 in the XT20, or vice versa?

Can anyone actually hear the difference in distortion between 0.009% and 0.003% THD?

Any other thoughts about these two machines?

 

[RickW]

I have both machines. The XT is better built. The chassis is stronger as is the faceplate. It does have better converters...it does have the ELCO (which adds quite a bit to the price).

Can you hear the difference? Some will probably say you can, but I can't...and neither could any of my clients. If you're looking to buy then the LX should suit whatever purpose you have. It's clearly a cheaper built machine, but functionally not that different.

I'm keeping my XT's but selling my LX, but only because I have 2 XT's and I want to keep two machines. None of this probably helps you anyway.

 

[Jack Russell]

I have both machines. The XT is better built. The chassis is stronger as is the faceplate. It does have better converters...it does have the ELCO (which adds quite a bit to the price).

Can you hear the difference? Some will probably say you can, but I can't...and neither could any of my clients. If you're looking to buy then the LX should suit whatever purpose you have. It's clearly a cheaper built machine, but functionally not that different.

I'm keeping my XT's but selling my LX, but only because I have 2 XT's and I want to keep two machines. None of this probably helps you anyway.

Are you able to play one single tape on both machines? Will a tape recorded on the XT play on the LX? (With their different oversampling rates?)

 

[RickW]

Yes. Tapes recorded with the XT20 and LX20 won't play in the older blackface or standard XT machines, but the LX20 and XT20 can play tapes made on the older machines (16 bit) or any of the ADATs for that matter.

 

[Jack Russell]

Yes. Tapes recorded with the XT20 and LX20 won't play in the older blackface or standard XT machines, but the LX20 and XT20 can play tapes made on the older machines (16 bit) or any of the ADATs for that matter.

Thanks!-----------