Article: EMM Labs DAC2X Review

[AudioExplorations]

Great review Chris, exciting new product that I am sure many will have added to their shortlists.

 

At this level there is so much competition (computer audio relevant with asynch USB) from the likes of dCS, Wadia, Esoteric, Weiss, MSB, Playback Designs, etc, I am sure any of these products when reviewed in isolation will sound absolutely superb. The question becomes how they stack up against each other- are they all on par in terms of SQ each with slightly different emphasis? Do they all start to converge in sound as going up the quality ladder typically results in greater levels of neutrality and transparency? Do feature sets start to set the products apart (i.e. DSD, volume control, power amp driving ability)?

 

Unfortunately making well informed and considered purchasing decisions is difficult as it is near impossible to arrange in home auditions of several units at the same time from different manufacturers.

[AudioExplorations]

Wow, this page is ranked #1 in a google search of "DAC2X" only 22 hours after being published!

[AudioExplorations]

Chris, any plans to review the Weiss Medea Plus? Given all the weiss love around here I would have thought their flagship unit should warrant some attention. Daniel is working on a USB option for it so makes it relevant for the non-mac music server crowd.

[AudioExplorations]

The MAN301 looks like a fantastic all in one solution. The ESS 9018 implementation is arguably better than the DAC202 utilizing 2 x 4 channels during playback. Look forward to reading how you feel it compares to the competing products particularly the Aurender.

[AudioExplorations]

(of course I would prefer a review of the Medea Plus converter )

[AudioExplorations]

I would also love to see basic parametric digital EQ in the stand alone music server products like the MAN301 and aurender. This is one of the reasons I am not moving away from my mac mini as in both Pure Music and Amara I am able to pull down 3 problematic room modes with parametric EQ filters generated from REW.