EMM Labs DA2

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
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I had a visit from the new EMM distributor today. Had the opportunity to listen to the new DA2 today in the store. The distributor was kind enough to leave it with me for a few weeks so we will be giving it a good listen!

The DA2 and MSB Premier couldn’t be more different in their presentation. They are both excellent in their own way.

Fun times! Here’s a few pics.

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bart said:
And what was your favourite flavour Mike?
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What you guys need to understand, is that as much as I would love to say, (and they are both truly are great), but, some people get some serious butt hurt - even when you are just pointing out TECHNICAL differences or deficiencies. When I had the Innuos on loan and gave my honest feedback, it created a problem. And I liked it, but if you state one negative thing, that’s all they focus on, even if it’s technical in nature.

And you guys wonder why there are no “bad reviews.” LOL.

Let’s just say that they are both great (and they are!!!!!) and everyone should really listen and decide on their own.


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Mike said:
What you guys need to understand, is that as much as I would love to say, (and they are both truly are great), but, some people get some serious butt hurt - even when you are just pointing out TECHNICAL differences or deficiencies. When I had the Innuos on loan and gave my honest feedback, it created a problem. And I liked it, but if you state one negative thing, that’s all they focus on, even if it’s technical in nature.

And you guys wonder why there are no “bad reviews.” LOL.

Let’s just say that they are both great (and they are!!!!!) and everyone should really listen and decide on their own.


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I don't blame you, Mike.

Assuming you have heard the EMM DAC2X, would you say that the DA2 is similar in sonic qualities?
 
asindc said:
I don't blame you, Mike.

Assuming you have heard the EMM DAC2X, would you say that the DA2 is similar in sonic qualities?
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Yes and no. As you would expect from Ed and his son, the DA2 handles DSD just beautifully. I just played this album in DSD and it was wonderful.

Question for the DA2 guys: what is the break in period?

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Mike said:
What you guys need to understand, is that as much as I would love to say, (and they are both truly are great), but, some people get some serious butt hurt - even when you are just pointing out TECHNICAL differences or deficiencies. When I had the Innuos on loan and gave my honest feedback, it created a problem. And I liked it, but if you state one negative thing, that’s all they focus on, even if it’s technical in nature.

And you guys wonder why there are no “bad reviews.” LOL.

Let’s just say that they are both great (and they are!!!!!) and everyone should really listen and decide on their own.


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Nicely stated Mike.

Without having A/B'd the two units (or speaking with Mike) my "assumption" is that the MSB has a smoother and better mid-range with great vocal clarity. The EMM unit is more detailed and seemingly able to extract more information. Each of those will have proponents.
 
Is there any sonic difference between the DA2 and DV2?


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I have a friend locally that has this EMM DAC. It is a terrific piece with lots of flexibility. Keep us posted Mike!
 
Mike said:
Is there any sonic difference between the DA2 and DV2?


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I have not compared the 2 units, but got the DV2 to eliminate using a preamp.


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Quick update: this DA2 is breaking in nicely. I find it very particular with the right cables and the overall system synergy. Gobs of detail. It’s a very front row presentation. All good, yet different. Right now we have it connected with to the Luxman C900u and M900u on the M2’s. Getting much better synergy with this system Vs the Fyne’s and Viva. The Fyne’s have gobs of detail and it might have been too much of a good thing. The sweetness of the Luxman and the balanced neutrality and naturalness is the Magico’s is a good match.

No, I will not give a big comparison to MSB. But let me just say, MSB is like listening to Reel to Reel Tape. This is different, but still good.


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Mike said:
Quick update: this DA2 is breaking in nicely. I find it very particular with the right cables and the overall system synergy. Gobs of detail. It’s a very front row presentation. All good, yet different. Right now we have it connected with to the Luxman C900u and M900u on the M2’s. Getting much better synergy with this system Vs the Fyne’s and Viva. The Fyne’s have gobs of detail and it might have been too much of a good thing. The sweetness of the Luxman and the balanced neutrality and naturalness is the Magico’s is a good match.

No, I will not give a big comparison to MSB. But let me just say, MSB is like listening to Reel to Reel Tape. This is different, but still good.


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Try feeding it with NS1 via EMM Link. I found it to be far superior to my Aurender N10 via USB


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Phil A said:
There's a long thread about the streamer and their proprietary connection - https://www.audioshark.org/emm-labs-meitner-products-52/emm-labs-ns1-network-streamer-16445.html
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Thanks Phil. Just read it. Definitely sounds like a great piece. I will definitely ask the rep to give it a try.

My personal observation is that this is a great DAC which needs some break in and it is a bit particular with cables and source. Get it right and it rewards you in spades. It’s definitely a “front row” presenation and definitely a micro detail champ. Big soundstage too. I also found the XLR output sounds better than the RCA.
 
As you are all aware, I spend a lot of time and money to go to shows like Munich, like Axpona and RMAF and I also spend a lot of time testing and evaluating a variety of potential products for the store on a seemingly constant basis. I’ve enjoyed sharing some of these journeys with you.

But it’s amazing to me how lazy some dealers are. It’s amazing to me how many just copy me rather than do the travel and the work themselves. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to be more guarded about what I’m evaluating or considering in the future.


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