The Computer Audiophile Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 You can view the page at http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content.php?r=664-emm-Labs-DAC2X-Follow-Up Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 Finally you gave MDAT2 a listen! I knew you would like it. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 Could you do a comparison to other DACs please? NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
Jud Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 Bring The Family is an absolute classic. Have the vinyl and a download (I think 44.1); mulling DSD (download or SACD, Chris?). One never knows, do one? - Fats Waller The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. - Einstein Computer, Audirvana -> optical Ethernet to Fitlet3 -> Fibbr Alpha Optical USB -> iFi NEO iDSD DAC -> Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini (Purifi based) -> Vandersteen 3A Signature. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted September 14, 2015 Author Share Posted September 14, 2015 Bring The Family is an absolute classic. Have the vinyl and a download (I think 44.1); mulling DSD (download or SACD, Chris?). SACD rip :~) Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
Account Closed Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 Great review Chris. I wish you would stick to this type of journalism and not put up these pieces that get 150 people who will never agree on anything screaming and calling each other names. We have CNN and Fox for that. I know it drives site visits up but in the long run I think they will go down due to shear fatigue. Just my two cents worth and I know that is all it's worth but I have wanted to say it for some time. I found myself avoiding this and other audio web sites for long periods and I finally realized why. Thanks,, Bob Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Bring The Family is an absolute classic. Have the vinyl and a download (I think 44.1); mulling DSD (download or SACD, Chris?). Is this available for download? SACD is pricey! NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
Jud Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Is this available for download? SACD is pricey! Got my PCM d/l from Pono, don't recall the resolution. Might be available elsewhere. One never knows, do one? - Fats Waller The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. - Einstein Computer, Audirvana -> optical Ethernet to Fitlet3 -> Fibbr Alpha Optical USB -> iFi NEO iDSD DAC -> Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini (Purifi based) -> Vandersteen 3A Signature. Link to comment
ChrisG Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I know you don't do them, but I agree that comparisons would make for a better review. For example, while this update may make this DAC sound better than the original release, how does it compare to your Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference which, if I remember correctly, you called "a DAC for the ages". Especially relevant since these DACs retail for the same amount. BTW, for folks that want to get their EMM updated, what is the cost? I don't remember seeing this in your review. ChrisG Bend, OR Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted September 15, 2015 Author Share Posted September 15, 2015 BTW, for folks that want to get their EMM updated, what is the cost? I don't remember seeing this in your review. From the article, "The best thing is..you will receive this new MDAT2 engine for free!" Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 From the article, "The best thing is..you will receive this new MDAT2 engine for free!" The firmware update is free of cost itself for DAC2X/XDS1v2/MA-1 owners, but you might need your dealer to do it for you. The hardware updates cannot be free - but you shouldn't expect them to be. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Got my PCM d/l from Pono, don't recall the resolution. Might be available elsewhere. I like this album. Found a good price for the SACD on ebay so bought it. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
input username here Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I know you don't do them, but I agree that comparisons would make for a better review. For example [...] how does it compare to your Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference which, if I remember correctly, you called "a DAC for the ages". Especially relevant since these DACs retail for the same amount. I second that. I appreciate that when you (Chris) want to say something you say it clearly: "[this] is without question the best DAC I've heard anywhere... I've never heard detail, delicacy, and transparency with my favorite music like I have when listening through this DAC" (BADA RS) or "[it was] unequivocally the best DAC I've heard in my system" (DAC 2X). But other times readers are forced to read between the lines to try and ferret out your meaning--often times by what you don't say. In this case, since you did not repeat that the updated DAC 2X was, again, "unequivocally" the best you've heard, I must surmise that it is not and that the BADA still wears that crown. But, also, maybe not? It's hard to say. I can also sometimes be frustrating (not CA or the reviews in general, both of which I like and respect a lot, just that one thing). I trust my own ears more than any reviewer's for that to which I (and I alone) will enjoy listening--I have never bought something based on a review alone. That said, given that you have had more experience listening to more different gear than I ever will, your opinions and comparisons still are/would be very valuable. Even if you said I liked that x did this thing better than y but y did this other thing better and I value that more, it would not only help us get a handle on the gear, but also your listening priorities, which helps us to better read your (future) reviews. So, even if you you purposely didn't and don't want to do a EMM vs. BADA for the DAC championship, at least you might give us some comparative impressions? Thank you. Roon --> ultraRendu/Uptone LPS-1 --> Kii CONTROL --> Kii THREE active speakers (everything on Black Ravioli bases and footers) Link to comment
rossb Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 The comments on the MDAT2 firmware are interesting. I recently updated my MA1 to the latest firmware, and found that it did make a big difference, but that I preferred the previous firmware. The MDAT2 firmware clearly produced a bigger, dynamic, more detailed, more three dimensional image. However, it also sounded brighter, harsher, tonally bleached and strangely lifeless. After living with it for a week, I rolled back to the late 2013 firmware (pre-MDAT2) and immediately found it preferable. While some of the accentuated 3D imaging had gone, the sound was once again tonally rich and colourful, and had the rich, organic sound that had disappeared with the new firmware. I seem to be in the minority here, since others seem to have reported only improvements. But if I hadn't been able to roll back the firmware my MA1 would soon have been in the "for sale" section. Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 The comments on the MDAT2 firmware are interesting. I recently updated my MA1 to the latest firmware, and found that it did make a big difference, but that I preferred the previous firmware. The MDAT2 firmware clearly produced a bigger, dynamic, more detailed, more three dimensional image. However, it also sounded brighter, harsher, tonally bleached and strangely lifeless. After living with it for a week, I rolled back to the late 2013 firmware (pre-MDAT2) and immediately found it preferable. While some of the accentuated 3D imaging had gone, the sound was once again tonally rich and colourful, and had the rich, organic sound that had disappeared with the new firmware. I seem to be in the minority here, since others seem to have reported only improvements. But if I hadn't been able to roll back the firmware my MA1 would soon have been in the "for sale" section. I have an XDS1v2 (DAC2x with a transport built in basically). I do agree with your comments on MDAT2 except the brightness and harshness. If anything I would say the sound is more nuanced with more inner detail. But I gather that this depends on your whole setup, mine is not particularly bright to start with. MDAT2 has been fantastic in my personal experience. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 So, even if you you purposely didn't and don't want to do a EMM vs. BADA for the DAC championship, at least you might give us some comparative impressions? Thank you. +1. I have great admiration for Steve Rochlin bc he doesn't hold back comments like this. Just check his Sony NW-ZX2 review... But I get that could put you at odds, and out of the "send stuff to this guy" lists. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
fand1 Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 Could you do a comparison to other DACs please? Unfortunate Chris does not do comparisons in his reviews which is a shame as it undermines their usefulness for prospective purchasers. Given that he has a Berkley Audio Design DAC which is at a similar price range, I'm sure a comparison would have been easy. Aurender N100H> USB(Darkside Cable) > Mcintosh D1100 Digital Preamp > Darkside Cable balanced interconnect > Mcintosh MC302 Amp > SpectralMH-770 Speaker Cables > Martin Logan Prodigys Link to comment
brw Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 Chris must have a revenue shortfall. Heard he took in a Canadian 'boarder' named Meitner. -- Wouldn't you really rather have a Lumin? Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted September 19, 2015 Author Share Posted September 19, 2015 Chris must have a revenue shortfall. Heard he took in a Canadian 'boarder' named Meitner. Ha! I love it. Fixed :~) Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
simmobb2 Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 Is this available for download? SACD is pricey! The DAC's a tad 'pricey' too. ;-) John Simmons[br]Measey EVR8, Caiman SE, Rega Luna, Monitor Audio Radius 90. BK Electronics Gemini II Sub. Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 The DAC's a tad 'pricey' too. ;-) I don't claim to be a rational person... NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 Unfortunate Chris does not do comparisons in his reviews which is a shame as it undermines their usefulness for prospective purchasers. Given that he has a Berkley Audio Design DAC which is at a similar price range, I'm sure a comparison would have been easy. Religious objections? NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
Archimago Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 Hmm. With an impulse response that looks like that, I'd love to know how well this thing performs anti aliasing through the MDAT DSP?! Archimago's Musings: A "more objective" take for the Rational Audiophile. Beyond mere fidelity, into immersion and realism. R.I.P. MQA 2014-2023: Hyped product thanks to uneducated, uncritical advocates & captured press. Link to comment
Fsonicsmith Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Yeah, but does the SQ improve with a Jitterbug at the output of your Aurender and with two Regens daisychained to the USB input of the Meitner? BTW, maybe I am missing something in your review, but I saw no mention of whether you are playing through USB or S/PDIF. Link to comment
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