EMM Labs DV2

Reference DAC with Volume

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. Considered to be a ‘brother’ to the DA2, the DV2 simply adds an integrated high resolution volume control system (VControl™) to create volume control functionality. Both DACs are considered benchmark products around the world and feature in reference audiophile systems.

VControl™ maintains the input signal without re-quantisation allowing for complete transparency at any volume setting, wide attenuation range, and no loss of audio resolution.

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 DV2 features a multitude of inputs and support for PCM up to 24bit/192kHz, DSD, 2xDSD, DXD, and for the first time in any EMM Labs product, MQA® via USB.

With its redesigned analog and digital systems, integrated high resolution volume control, discrete componentry, and user-friendly operation, the DV2 can be connected directly to the amplification stage in any high fidelity system with ease.

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 & enthusiasts alike who advocate that there is nothing that surpasses the DA2 & DV2.

Features

- Proprietary & discrete dual differential D-to-A converters (MDAC2™)
- New high resolution volume control system with High/Low output gain control (VControl™)
- 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 connection to an EMM transport
- Precision-machined aluminium chassis & remote control
- Service USB port for future software upgrades
- RS-232 serial port for wired remote control

Reviews

Soundstage Ultra, Aron Garrecht, 2020

I consider Ed Meitner to be one of the leading minds — if not the leading mind — in digital audio playback devices today. His DV2 D/A converter is the best-sounding DAC I’ve ever heard, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. In terms of life, warmth, fluidity, resolution, and realism, the DV2 has redefined what I thought possible from a fully digital product. It’s also built to some of the most exacting standards I’ve seen in the industry. While $30,000 is not cheap, when I consider what its price would have to be for its sound quality to be improved, it’s a steal.

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Hi-Fi+, Alan Sircom, 2020

It’s tough to say this given the price tag, but what the EMM Labs DV2 represents is the least-expensive way into top-tier high-end audio. Its rivals aren’t those excellent players and DACs in the £20,000-£30,000 range; it’s a £50,000 DAC that forgot to uprate its price tag. And, as many current DACs go for a sound that seems ‘etched’ next to the EMM Labs, its rival group gets smaller year-on-year. The DV2 is more than just another clever DAC; it’s one of the easiest sounding digital devices you’ll ever hear. It should be on the shopping list of all high-enders!

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Enjoy the Music, Phil Gold, 2019

Simply put, I cannot fault this DAC. It brings music to life in a way that defies belief. It is seamless, fully dimensional, with truly realistic sound colour, extremely high resolution and an extension of the bandwidth at both extremes. EMM Labs’ DV2 DAC is aimed at the audiophile who wants the closest approach to the music. It is astonishingly neutral and accurate across all the octaves, plus it throws a large stable image revealing layers of depth normally flattened by digital processors. Furthermore, it maintains the full colour of musical instruments and voices, and it is somehow very easy to listen to.
EMM Labs’ DV2 volume control enables me to remove the preamp from my system, to control the whole system from a single remote, and I am now enjoying the best sound I’ve ever had.

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Product Specifications

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 Voltage	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
Approvals	CE
Country of Manufacture	Canada
Dimensions	438mm (W) x 400mm (D) x 161mm (H)
Weight	17.2kg