Emm labs DA2 v2 upgrade

[tonytsui]

Have had the DA2V2 upgraded to V3 since last Saturday so had only 4 days of listening. This is an entirely different ballgame ;
1. Dynamics throughout the frequency range, and I mean from micro and macro, coming at you at the same time,, even for string quartets are startlingly real,
2. Transient is faster, image is more solid, creating a very clear and lifelike picture,
3. Soundstage is wide extending from left to right wall,
4. Complicated music really gets much more resolution and space, and coupled with the aforementioned dynamics, it’s a joy listening to now. Now the V2 if I remember correctly sounds weak as if it got a cold.
Extremely happy!

 

[Mgperdices]

Have had the DA2V2 upgraded to V3 since last Saturday so had only 4 days of listening. This is an entirely different ballgame ;
1. Dynamics throughout the frequency range, and I mean from micro and macro, coming at you at the same time,, even for string quartets are startlingly real,
2. Transient is faster, image is more solid, creating a very clear and lifelike picture,
3. Soundstage is wide extending from left to right wall,
4. Complicated music really gets much more resolution and space, and coupled with the aforementioned dynamics, it’s a joy listening to now. Now the V2 if I remember correctly sounds weak as if it got a cold.
Extremely happy!

Thanks for the update Tony and am happy to hear you are enjoying it immensely!

May I ask what source/connection you make the above observations with? Is it via USB or perhaps the optical connection?

Thank you!

 

[tonytsui]

Thanks for the update Tony and am happy to hear you are enjoying it immensely!

May I ask what source/connection you make the above observations with? Is it via USB or perhaps the optical connection?

Thank you!

I use the TX2 via optilink, and for USB I use a Taiko Extreme. I have the feeling that the USB of the new upgrade is also improved a lot as right now it sounds fantastic too. However, need EMM to confirm if they did anything to the USB side.

 

[Ian B]

Wanted to update a comment I made about the DA2i using an external SSD: The problem was a slow modem, and having replaced it I have no issues with the drive at all.

I know there are a few more of these DACs out there, and curious to hear others impressions. I only know my own system.

 

[Ian B]

However, need EMM to confirm if they did anything to the USB side.

If V3 is the same as DA2i, minus the network card, then it should an improved USB connection.

 

[tonytsui]

If V3 is the same as DA2i, minus the network card, then it should an improved USB connection.

I was referring to usb in in V2 vs V3. The gap between optilink and usb narrowed for the V3.

 

[sensitivemonk]

Just sent my V1 in for upgrade with the network card. Should I connect my Roon core directly to the card with a CAT cable?

 

[Ian B]

Just sent my V1 in for upgrade with the network card. Should I connect my Roon core directly to the card with a CAT cable?

That's how you do it, but it does sound better with a good switch and I also use an ethernet filter.

 

[sensitivemonk]

That's how you do it, but it does sound better with a good switch and I also use an ethernet filter.

Thank you.

 

[agisthos]

What's the quality of the internal streamer like on these EMM DAC's?
I suppose at this price a lot of you would run a Taiko or other high end streamer, but how would it compare to a sub 10k Lumin or Aurender?

 

[gfroman]

I am still using my Taiko Extreme with the DV2i.
One of these days I will try the internel streamer when I get the time.

***I have a like new DV2 unit if anyone is interested in a great deal!

 

[Alsatian]

I am still using my Taiko Extreme with the DV2i.
One of these days I will try the internel streamer when I get the time.

***I have a like new DV2 unit if anyone is interested in a great deal!

I would love to hear a comparison. I have the MA3 and I’m using the internal streamer. I believe the streamer is similar in both units. I have thought about exploring something like the XACT S1Evo because I use JPLAY and reviews suggest it has the type of sonic profile that I like. I’m sure the Taiko is an improvement and can serve as a reference of what’s possible, I’d be curious to see how close the Meitner comes.

 

[Alsatian]

I would love to hear a comparison. I have the MA3 and I’m using the internal streamer. I believe the streamer is similar in both units. I have thought about exploring something like the XACT S1Evo because I use JPLAY and reviews suggest it has the type of sonic profile that I like. I’m sure the Taiko is an improvement and can serve as a reference of what’s possible, I’d be curious to see how close the Meitner comes.

BTW I just completed the i upgrade and think it’s a very worthwhile improvement.

 

[louawalters]

Hello everyone, new EMM owner here. I recently bought a used DA2V2 and had it shipped to Calgary for the V3 upgrade. It has been playing in my system for only about 50 hours. So far I am really loving what I am hearing. It is replacing a Rockna Wavelight. I will give a more exhaustive review once it has a couple more days of playback.

 

[LL21]

Hello everyone, new EMM owner here. I recently bought a used DA2V2 and had it shipped to Calgary for the V3 upgrade. It has been playing in my system for only about 50 hours. So far I am really loving what I am hearing. It is replacing a Rockna Wavelight. I will give a more exhaustive review once it has a couple more days of playback.

Congrats...definitely look forward to reading it...enjoy.

 

[Rasputin]

I just got my dv2i and compared to the dv2. I must admin Ed has outdone many in the industry. The new unit is miles ahead of the previous DV2+NS1. I had a French competitor, priced not far from DV2i next to it and Emm is just so good. No effects, no special tunes, just live music.

 

[Genesis168]

If V3 is the same as DA2i, minus the network card, then it should an improved USB connection.

With the v3 update they do not replace the digital board so your usb input is not upgraded. The v3 upgrade replaces the power supply, the analog board which is where the clock and DAC module sits. And of course the analog section. The digital board remains unchanged.

 

[GSOphile]

The March issue of Stereophile contains a very positive review of the DA2i by Jason Victor Serinus. IMHO it's some of his best work.

 

[Rasputin]

The March issue of Stereophile contains a very positive review of the DA2i by Jason Victor Serinus. IMHO it's some of his best work.

is there a link? cannot find it...

 

[GSOphile]

is there a link? cannot find it...

No link yet. They typically distribute their magazine about a month before including magazine content on their website.