EMM Labs DA2 V2

Reference DAC with USB

Categories: DACs, EMM Labs / Meitner

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Description

Description

EMM Labs set a new standard for DAC sound quality with the ground-breaking multi award winning flagship DA2. Along with its ‘brother’ DAC the DV2, these DACs are considered benchmark products around the world and feature in reference audiophile systems.

MDAC2™ is the world’s first fully discrete single-bit D-to-A converter with an internal conversion rate of 1024fs (16xDSD) and is completely free of inherent non-linearity that plagues every mass market chip created to date. The EMM Labs MDAT2™ DSP has been refined and updated to synergistically work with their MDAC2™. The MDAT2™ DSP performs real-time transient detection in addition to processing and up-conversion of all incoming audio before being sent to the MDAC2™ for conversion.

The USB interface includes EMM’s proprietary hardware galvanic isolation. In combination with MFAST™, their high-speed asynchronous jitter removal technology and MCLK2™, their custom-built clock, jitter is completely removed from the conversion process.

The DA2 V2 features a multitude of inputs and support for PCM up to 24bit/192kHz, DSD, 2xDSD, DXD (352/384kHz), and MQA® via USB.

If you are looking for the very best sounding DAC available, there is no need to invest in stacks of boxes that will cost you 2-3 times this amount. You can approach it two ways. The first way is to research the very latest converter technology and applications. Research the studies, the data from all of the experiments and the various measurements that lead the latest DAC designs. If you do, you will find Ed Meitner’s fingerprints everywhere and it will become apparent that EMM Labs are ahead of the curve.

The second way (which we prefer) is to simply use your ears. These are music making, story-telling, emotion communication devices so just close your eyes, listen and judge how effectively you are captivated by the essence of the music. Feel how the music draws you in and convinces you, enthrals you… Do this and you are certain to join the legions of reviewers and enthusiasts alike who advocate that there is nothing that surpasses the DA2 V2 and the DV2.

Features

16xDSD proprietary discrete dual differential D-to-A converters (MDAC2™)
New high High/Low output gain control
Latest generation Meitner Digital Audio Translator signal processing technology (MDAT2™)
Enhanced technology for instant signal acquisition and jitter-free performance (MFAST™)
Proprietary asynchronous clocking system (MCLK2™)
USB interface with custom hardware galvanic isolation
Up to 24bit/192kHz & DSD support over all inputs
2xDSD, DXD (352/384kHz) & MQA® support over USB
User controlled signal polarity
Custom aerospace-grade ceramic circuit boards
EMM Optilink for transport or streamer connection
Precision-machined aluminium chassis & remote control
Service USB port for future software upgrades
RS-232 serial port for wired remote control

Awards

Reviews

Soundstage Hi-Fi, Doug Schneider, 2019

But for those who can afford it and are looking for the ultimate in digital playback, here are my parting words about this amazing DAC: The best-sounding digital source component I’d heard up to July 2017 sounds even better in 2019. And when I have to send this second unit back to EMM Labs, you can bet I’ll sorely miss it the moment it goes out the door.

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Enjoy the Music, Tom Lyle, 2018 (DA2 Version 1)

In my system the EMM Labs DA2 sounded sublime, mostly because it became a transparent link between the music that was digitally encoded and my ears. I’ve heard good digital before hearing the EMM Labs converter was in my system, but from now on this is the DAC that I’m going to have to compare to any others that I review — or consider for purchase (even if it’s scary to think that EMM Labs continues its research and development and may someday introduce improvements to this DAC. And so, I’ve decided in this case it’s best to live in the now). Yes, the DA2 is a bit pricey. But occasionally, you get what you pay for. If you have the means, consider donating to a cause you believe in, and then purchase the EMM Labs DA2. It comes with my highest recommendation.

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Audiophile Style, 2018 (DA2 Version 1)

Ed Meitner and EMM Labs are legendary in both professional and consumer high end audio. One doesn’t become legendary without providing legendary products and experiences to customers for decades. That’s what EMM Labs has done and continues to do with its flagship DA2 and PRE. The world’s first 16xDSD signal processing along with a handful of other propriety features and legendary sound quality put the DA2 DAC on the top of the EMM Labs mountain and in a class with only a couple components in all of HiFi. Sonically the DA2 has a transparency and a soundstage that delivers on the promise of high end audio. Reproducing music with all its warts when warts are present and in all its glory for those rare recordings that really shine. The DA2 and PRE are in rarefied air no doubt … but the best of anything is never inexpensive.

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Product Specification

Item	Stereo DAC with Volume Control
Digital Inputs	EMM Optilink (CD/SACD) AES/EBU, 2x S/PDIF Coax, 2x S/PDIF, TOS & USB up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD USB also supports 2xDSD, DXD (352/384kHz) & MQA®
Stereo Analog Outputs	Balanced (XLR), Unbalanced (RCA)
Output Levels (High/Low)	XLR outputs: 7.0/5.0V (+19.1/16.2dBu) RCA outputs: 3.5/2.5V (+13.1/10.2dBu)
Output Impedance	300 ohms balanced (XLR) 150 ohms unbalanced (RCA)
Power Supply	Proprietary high-isolation resonant mode power supply for silent & eco-friendly operation. Factory set to 100V or 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption	Max. 30W
Country of Manufacture	Canada
Dimensions	438mm (W) x 400mm (D) x 161mm (H)
Weight	17.2kg