EMM Labs DA2 V2 and Playback Designs MPD-8
- Thread starter longinc
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Most will prefer Playback. Ultimately I chose something else, but at a much higher price point.
The Playback has a warmer, more liquid presentation. It won't give you the texture and sense of space of a good tube DAC, but it gets you 75% of the way there. Most detail is there but is more coherently "baked in", as opposed to being spot-lit. Music lover's DAC. There are some operational quirks. You can certainly do even better musically, but to my knowledge not at this price point.
The DA2i has amazing bass, but a thinner, drier presentation. Easier to analyze recordings; classic solid-state sound. I don't say that negatively. It is what it is. That sound isn't for me, but it might be for you. Certainly many people appear to be happy with it.
There are also practical considerations here. Playback is a small one-man operation, limited production, whereas EMM produces units in volume, has a significant support/dealer network, and a company succession plan.
The Playback has a warmer, more liquid presentation. It won't give you the texture and sense of space of a good tube DAC, but it gets you 75% of the way there. Most detail is there but is more coherently "baked in", as opposed to being spot-lit. Music lover's DAC. There are some operational quirks. You can certainly do even better musically, but to my knowledge not at this price point.
The DA2i has amazing bass, but a thinner, drier presentation. Easier to analyze recordings; classic solid-state sound. I don't say that negatively. It is what it is. That sound isn't for me, but it might be for you. Certainly many people appear to be happy with it.
There are also practical considerations here. Playback is a small one-man operation, limited production, whereas EMM produces units in volume, has a significant support/dealer network, and a company succession plan.
I can't help on the direct comparison, but the DA2i update was a really big improvement, and I would guess that the EMM Labs takes the cake for technicality, imaging, and detail, while being significantly more organic than DCS for example, and a smoother, if less warm digital rendering than MSB. I have one and am more than happy with it, and see no reason to go another way for a very long time as it doesn't lack anything sonically or musically.
My impression is that PBD is a different approach altogether even though the architecture is similar, emphasizing midrange richness, musicality immediacy over control, detail, and flat frequency response. Might have a more analog feel. And probably doesn't scale quite as high.
Anyway, different listening goals.
My impression is that PBD is a different approach altogether even though the architecture is similar, emphasizing midrange richness, musicality immediacy over control, detail, and flat frequency response. Might have a more analog feel. And probably doesn't scale quite as high.
Anyway, different listening goals.
I’m an all analog guy with 4 turntables in 2 systems. You will be happy with the EMM Labs da2i. I would describe its sound as generally neutral with a little hint of warmth. It’s not colored like tubes but very enjoyable to listen to.It’s as good as I’ve heard digital sound. It just sounds right.
P.S. the EMM Labs also comes with a built in streamer which sounds excellent. I’ve done a head to head with my expensive cd transport and it is every bit as good.
P.S. the EMM Labs also comes with a built in streamer which sounds excellent. I’ve done a head to head with my expensive cd transport and it is every bit as good.
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Emm Labs makes even counterfeit CDs sound good.
Playback is more literal.
Playback is more literal.
On the way. Stopped buying LPs as a start. The only LPs I’m buying are mono recordings.Thank you! Would you give up analog for EMM Labs?
I also have a Meitner MA3i in my second system and a friend brought over his PS audio mk2 DAC. Definitely no comparison. The Meitner was miles ahead. He finally sold it to another guy in our club and went with the Meitner.
It’s closer to PD than EMM in terms of overall characteristics but not close to the PD MPD-8 or MPD-6 for that matter in terms of performance level.
/ Marcus
I have been living with the EMM Labs DA2V2 for the last two years. I consider it as one of the best DACs on the market at any price. It has excellent dynamics and natural reproduction of the various instruments and voices. It also has wide and deep soundstage with no fatiguing sound on long listening sessions (5+ hours). I will respectfully differ with an earlier comment of "sounding thin." IMHO, that will depend on the rest of the system. In my case, it sounds very rich in the mids, has pace, very palpable overall sound and lots of attack. The audio chain used is Accuphase SACD 770 (as transport), Ypsilon Electronics preamplifier, German Physiks Emperor Stereo amplifier and the German Physiks PQS-302 speakers. All cables from FM Acoustics.
The DA2i is even better with the added advantage of a built in streamer. As it was referenced above, it has better bass response but I will add it has better layering in the soundstage, it is deeper and equally wide as the DAV2. Both have strong micro-dynamics, detail and can play all genres fearlessly. All the positive elements of the DA2V2 have been retained and the model has been enhanced even further. I had the opportunity to listen to DA2i extensively at the Dallas SWAF last weekend and the DA2i is certainly a product that should be considered by anyone looking at a DAC over 30K. The audio chain there was all the top EMMLabs electronics with YG speakers. All cables were from Kimber Kable.
Furthermore, EmmLabs recently announced an upgrade program from DA2V2 to DA2i which you should examine. If you find a used DA2V2 at a good price, it may make sense to buy and upgrade at the factory at overall lower cost. In that case, we may help you with the process and paperwork required for customs, etc. The same upgrade program is valid for the DV2 and Meitner MA3 to MA3i, both of which are SIGNIFICANTLY improved from their earlier versions.
Concluding, the decision will have a lot to do with the rest of your system, how you prefer it being voiced and what type of music you gravitate to mostly. In my case that I enjoy live recordings, and performances with lots of dynamics, the DA2i represents an excellent choice, even when compared with competitive models at higher price.
I hope this helps in your decision making process.
The DA2i is even better with the added advantage of a built in streamer. As it was referenced above, it has better bass response but I will add it has better layering in the soundstage, it is deeper and equally wide as the DAV2. Both have strong micro-dynamics, detail and can play all genres fearlessly. All the positive elements of the DA2V2 have been retained and the model has been enhanced even further. I had the opportunity to listen to DA2i extensively at the Dallas SWAF last weekend and the DA2i is certainly a product that should be considered by anyone looking at a DAC over 30K. The audio chain there was all the top EMMLabs electronics with YG speakers. All cables were from Kimber Kable.
Furthermore, EmmLabs recently announced an upgrade program from DA2V2 to DA2i which you should examine. If you find a used DA2V2 at a good price, it may make sense to buy and upgrade at the factory at overall lower cost. In that case, we may help you with the process and paperwork required for customs, etc. The same upgrade program is valid for the DV2 and Meitner MA3 to MA3i, both of which are SIGNIFICANTLY improved from their earlier versions.
Concluding, the decision will have a lot to do with the rest of your system, how you prefer it being voiced and what type of music you gravitate to mostly. In my case that I enjoy live recordings, and performances with lots of dynamics, the DA2i represents an excellent choice, even when compared with competitive models at higher price.
I hope this helps in your decision making process.
Thank you for the extensive write up of your experience with the EMM products and the mention of their upgrade program. Appreciate it.
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