Emm labs DA2 v2 upgrade

[Townes]

New member here with what might be a typical newbie question, but I'd love to tap into your collective wisdom.

I'm excited to be receiving my EMM Labs DV2 V2 DAC this week! While I'll likely take advantage of the V3 upgrade when it becomes available, I'm hesitant about upgrading to the DV2i just for the integrated streamer.

I generally prefer separates in my system, so I'm curious - what streamers had you been pairing with your DV2 V2? I'm open to investing in a quality source and might consider a used/demo unit to start. Budget-wise, I'm thinking up to $5-15K for the right used model.

The NS1 from EMM Labs seems like an obvious pairing, but I'm not entirely convinced. I've done extensive research on various streamers, but as we all know, component synergy isn't always predictable from specs alone.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your real-world experiences and recommendations. Which streamers have you found to be exceptional matches with this DAC? And conversely, are there any I should avoid?

Thanks in advance for sharing your insights!

I have an EMM Labs DA2 V2 and using a Sonore device as a streamer. To be more precise:
- Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe
- Sonore Optical Module Deluxe with integrated 7V Sonore Linear Power Supply.
Total price for both devices is about 6500 USD
Signal path: Roon Server > Switch > RJ45 > Sonore Optical Module > SFP Fiber Optic > Sonore Signature Rendu > USB > DA2.
Very happy with the Sonore streamer - with its sound quality and its robustness/stability. I am using it since some years and upgraded the Signature Rendu SE last year to the Deluxe version.
If I would have the money I would upgrade the DA2 to the DA2i version but without the build-in streamer option.

 

[Rasputin]

I have an EMM Labs DA2 V2 and using a Sonore device as a streamer. To be more precise:
- Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe
- Sonore Optical Module Deluxe with integrated 7V Sonore Linear Power Supply.
Total price for both devices is about 6500 USD
Signal path: Roon Server > Switch > RJ45 > Sonore Optical Module > SFP Fiber Optic > Sonore Signature Rendu > USB > DA2.
Very happy with the Sonore streamer - with its sound quality and its robustness/stability. I am using it since some years and upgraded the Signature Rendu SE last year to the Deluxe version.
If I would have the money I would upgrade the DA2 to the DA2i version but without the build-in streamer option.

You have to go much higher in price of a streamer to bit the NS1 with the optical link to DV2. We are talking at least 10k and much above. Pink Faun, Taiko, Top of the range Aurender.

 

[Ian B]

New member here with what might be a typical newbie question, but I'd love to tap into your collective wisdom.

I'm excited to be receiving my EMM Labs DV2 V2 DAC this week! While I'll likely take advantage of the V3 upgrade when it becomes available, I'm hesitant about upgrading to the DV2i just for the integrated streamer.

I generally prefer separates in my system, so I'm curious - what streamers had you been pairing with your DV2 V2? I'm open to investing in a quality source and might consider a used/demo unit to start. Budget-wise, I'm thinking up to $5-15K for the right used model.

The NS1 from EMM Labs seems like an obvious pairing, but I'm not entirely convinced. I've done extensive research on various streamers, but as we all know, component synergy isn't always predictable from specs alone.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your real-world experiences and recommendations. Which streamers have you found to be exceptional matches with this DAC? And conversely, are there any I should avoid?

Thanks in advance for sharing your insights!

The NS1 is good, but the DV2i internal streamer is better, even without the optical isolation. I also put it at least above the $10k and below Aurender and Innuos offerings.

The only streamers that have really impressed me that I've heard have been Taiko Extreme, but that is a little beyond your price range.

 

[Rasputin]

The NS1 is good, but the DV2i internal streamer is better, even without the optical isolation. I also put it at least above the $10k and below Aurender and Innuos offerings.

The only streamers that have really impressed be have been Taiko Extreme, but that is a little beyond your price range.

with regard to DV2i yes, the internal streamer is very strong, agree..

 

[matthias]

The NS1 is good, but the DV2i internal streamer is better, even without the optical isolation.

Is the reason that the DV2i uses the ConversDigital CDM4140 board and the NS1 an even older one?
AFAIK, the new Nagra streamer and the Playback Designs MPS-X also use the CDM4140 but even this board is now older than four years (released 06/2020) which is quite a long time for streaming

 

[chrisyak]

For for about $10k to 15K on the secondary market, I should be able to get a used or demo unit worth about close to double or 40% off of MSRP. Based on previous sales and comps on Hi-Fi sharks. I bargained you so much for joining us and as always please subscribe on YouTube, Apple podcast Spotify

For that price range I should be able to get into one of these. Any other suggestions to add to that list or which you feel should be removed? Please speak up and let me know.

Antipodes 50 4G,
Lumin X1,
Innuos Statement,
T+A MP 3100 HV,
Aurender N-20,
Aurender N30SA,
Aurender W20SE

​

Wish I could afford a Taiko, but my wallet said it couldn't..... Although, I would love to get something that was close to that level of quality.

 

[metaldetektor]

Would be very interested in the 2i vs MPD-8, as similar platform but different approaches to power supply, isolation, and digital filters. Curious if their strengths start to converge at a certain point.

Their strengths are completely opposed, I'd say. Most anyone who has heard both in a well-sorted system, is going to have strong preferences one way or the other. Both very good products, but very different results, even if on paper there are some similarities and of course the principals worked together at a couple points.

 

[No Regrets]

Their strengths are completely opposed, I'd say. Most anyone who has heard both in a well-sorted system, is going to have strong preferences one way or the other.

Would you be willing to elaborate, your opinion, how their sound may differ?
I haven't had the pleasure of hearing either as of yet, but will be searching them out at AXPONA in about a month or so.

Thanks much,
Don

 

[Yuen A.]

Hi guys,

Hi-Fi News & Record Review (March 2025) has just published a review of the EMM Labs DA2i by Andrew Everard (Everard also reviewed the DCS Varèse in the February 2025 issue). He writes:

"The executive summary is this: the DA2i is sensational, however it's used. With just a simple recording such as Igor Levit's Life piano recital [Sony classical], the EMM Labs DAC delivers a sound so vivid as to be breathtaking, the weight of the lower octaves of his instrument as impressive as the ambience around it, Levit's playing and the stunning recorded sound of the 2018 release combine to hold the listener rapt. Every note feels velvety, luxurious and perfectly formed, transcending mere 'hi-fi accuracy' and creating something very special. Anna Lapwood's Images album [Signum Classics] features a rather larger keyboard instrument, and while the DA2i lets rip in spectacular fashion with her transcriptions of Britten's Sea Interludes, even more satisfying is the way it conveys the sheer presence of the great Harris & Harris organ in the acoustic of Ely Cathedral. The absolute control of the lower frequencies allows the pedals to shake the room, but just as stunning is the way the higher manuals produce notes appearing simply to hang in space, in a manner that's as close to visual as any audio-only experience is ever likely to be. When Lapwood lets the organ loose, that impression of the pipes energizing the air is totally delicious. Notable too, switching to her 2023 Midnight Sessions At The Royal Albert Hall recording [Sony], is how different the venue's massive Willis instrument [with its nigh-on 10,000 pipes] sounds, the effect being just as awe-inspiring ... if the rest of your system can handle it! ..." Sound Quality: 90% [The DCS Varèse was rated at 94%]. ([By the way, my DV2i is now at the local dealer shop. I have yet to collect it)

 

[Alsatian]

Another great review. Thanks for sharing.

 

[nicoludio]

Complete review is on the EMM Labs website. Deftly sidesteps comparison with the Varese;)

EMM Labs DA2i Review 2025

Discover why the EMM Labs DA2i D/A Converter earned the 'Outstanding Product' award from Hi-Fi News. Read the full review and explore its groundbreaking performance and design

emmlabs-meitner.com

 

[Yuen A.]

Hi Guys,

I have just received my DV2i. My first impression of the sounds I have just heard was simply: "wow." Rachel Podger's violin (Tutta Sola, Channel Classic, SACD) came alive as never before! The micro details, the air space around the instrument and the hall ambience were so captivating.

Usually, I don't listen to Red-Book recordings. However, Yunchan Lim's performance of the Liszt's Transcendental Etudes is so good (the best) that I cannot forgo of it (Yunchan Lim, Live from the Cliburn, Liszt: Transcendental Etudes, Steinway & Sons CD) and I was not disappointed via my new DV2i! The sound was so dynamic, so electrifying, so transparent, and so pure. Lim's effortless virtuosity was so stunning.

 

[No Regrets]

Usually, I don't listen to Red-Book recordings. However, Yunchan Lim's performance of the Liszt's Transcendental Etudes is so good (the best) that I cannot forgo of it (Yunchan Lim, Live from the Cliburn, Liszt: Transcendental Etudes, Steinway & Sons CD) and I was not disappointed via my new DV2i! The sound was so dynamic, so electrifying, so transparent, and so pure. Lim's effortless virtuosity was so stunning.

I am very excited for you and your new acquisition of the EMM.

Also, I wanted to thank you for mentioning the Yunchan Lim recording. I was not aware of it until now. I just placed an order for both the CD and the Vinyl edition of this recording and I cannot wait to be able to listen to it on my system.

Wishing you many years of great health listening to your new dac!
Don

 

[Ian B]

Hi Guys,

I have just received my DV2i. My first impression of the sounds I have just heard was simply: "wow." Rachel Podger's violin (Tutta Sola, Channel Classic, SACD) came alive as never before! The micro details, the air space around the instrument and the hall ambience were so captivating.

Usually, I don't listen to Red-Book recordings. However, Yunchan Lim's performance of the Liszt's Transcendental Etudes is so good (the best) that I cannot forgo of it (Yunchan Lim, Live from the Cliburn, Liszt: Transcendental Etudes, Steinway & Sons CD) and I was not disappointed via my new DV2i! The sound was so dynamic, so electrifying, so transparent, and so pure. Lim's effortless virtuosity was so stunning.

It just gets better!

 

[Yuen A.]

Hi Guys,

Today is my second listening session. The new DAC had about 26 hours of running-in. The album used in the listening session was Jacob Obrecht's Missa Maria Zart, performed by Cappella Pratensis, conducted by Stratton Bull. (Challenge Classics, SACD) The sound was musical, effortless, lifelike, warm, intimate, immediate and spacious. The ebb and flow of the voices were mesmerizing. Diction was excellent. The immense cathedral of sound was stunning and realistic!

 

[louawalters]

Hi Guys,

Today is my second listening session. The new DAC had about 26 hours of running-in. The album used in the listening session was Jacob Obrecht's Missa Maria Zart, performed by Cappella Pratensis, conducted by Stratton Bull. (Challenge Classics, SACD) The sound was musical, effortless, lifelike, warm, intimate, immediate and spacious. The ebb and flow of the voices were mesmerizing. Diction was excellent. The immense cathedral of sound was stunning and realistic!

It will continue to get better, just wait! Most of what I listen to is alternative rock and jazz. Last night, I ended my listening session at 1:30 AM to a CD called Synthetica by Canadian Indie rock band Metric (from Toronto / Montreal). I haven't listened to this album in several years, and my prefered format for this album was on LP (2x 45 RPM) due to the less than amazing engineering on the CD version. I can say this, replayed on the EMM my jaw was on the floor. No need to ever pull out the LP other than for nastalgic reasons. Last night I started my listening session around 11:00 pm, and what I find consistent with this DAC is its ability to warp space/time! Meaning, you put one song or albun on then before long, you look at the time and realize 3 or four hours have passed. To me this is the highest complement. Another reccomendation I can make is First Aid Kit (two sisters - Johanna and Klara Söderberg from Stockholm Sweeden) their style is folk, Americana, with a little bit of country influence thrown in. Their CDs are generally well engineered, but there are a few really good songs from them that I always turn to. Off the CD Ruins (2018), track 9- Hem of her dress and track 10 - Nothing has to be true. Hem of her dress, has this space with singers coming in behind, the size / space of the room is recreated in my listening room. One last reccomendation is London Grammar's (Indie Pop) latest CD - The Greatest Love. Lead singer Hannah Ried's vocals are haunting on all of their work, but this latest release is probably some of their best work artisically, and very well engineered. The track "Fakest Bitch" will make the hair on your back stand on end. The DA2i presents the emotion, without any sense that this is being replayed from a digitial source. Since owning this DAC, I have actually contenplated selling off my analog rig. It just doesn't get used any more.

 

[Genesis168]

It will continue to get better, just wait! Most of what I listen to is alternative rock and jazz. Last night, I ended my listening session at 1:30 AM to a CD called Synthetica by Canadian Indie rock band Metric (from Toronto / Montreal). I haven't listened to this album in several years, and my prefered format for this album was on LP (2x 45 RPM) due to the less than amazing engineering on the CD version. I can say this, replayed on the EMM my jaw was on the floor. No need to ever pull out the LP other than for nastalgic reasons. Last night I started my listening session around 11:00 pm, and what I find consistent with this DAC is its ability to warp space/time! Meaning, you put one song or albun on then before long, you look at the time and realize 3 or four hours have passed. To me this is the highest complement. Another reccomendation I can make is First Aid Kit (two sisters - Johanna and Klara Söderberg from Stockholm Sweeden) their style is folk, Americana, with a little bit of country influence thrown in. Their CDs are generally well engineered, but there are a few really good songs from them that I always turn to. Off the CD Ruins (2018), track 9- Hem of her dress and track 10 - Nothing has to be true. Hem of her dress, has this space with singers coming in behind, the size / space of the room is recreated in my listening room. One last reccomendation is London Grammar's (Indie Pop) latest CD - The Greatest Love. Lead singer Hannah Ried's vocals are haunting on all of their work, but this latest release is probably some of their best work artisically, and very well engineered. The track "Fakest Bitch" will make the hair on your back stand on end. The DA2i presents the emotion, without any sense that this is being replayed from a digitial source. Since owning this DAC, I have actually contenplated selling off my analog rig. It just doesn't get used any more.

Absolutely agree. I was a 90/10 analog/digita guy. Now I’m a 30/70 with the da2i. That’s a big change! I’m not saying it’s analog but it’s super natural.

 

[louawalters]

Absolutely agree. I was a 90/10 analog/digita guy. Now I’m a 30/70 with the da2i. That’s a big change! I’m not saying it’s analog but it’s super natural.

Well said. I think super natural is the correct description.

 

[darkstar_xiii]

I have a DV2, reading all the positive comments about the upgrades has me interested. Can anyone share cost of the i upgrade?

 

[Yuen A.]

EMM Labs continues its long-standing tradition of offering upgrade programs for current DA2 V2 and DV2 owners. The "Performance Upgrade" ($8000) includes replacing the DAC modules (MDAC), Clock (MCLK3), folder-cascode analog output stage, and power supply. It provides most of the new DAC's benefits but retains the "old" look and features. The "Full Upgrade" ($14,000) also includes new fascia, a new rear panel, a new input stage with included streamer and improved isolation to the USB and network interfaces, and the new FPGA architecture. It ensures that the DAC operates to its full "i" series potential.