davt,
I would not rate the EMC-1 as "liquid". I think it is very powerful, detailed and a bit forward. I do like the EMC-1 look, build too. I never used the EMC-1 with balanced cables. A lot of people said that it would be much better than the RCA cables.
I have used Arcam CDPs (FMJ23, FMJ36) and really like them. They are more laidback than the EMC-1. They cannot compare to the EMC-1 for the look anyway. Did you consider separate, like Kora Hermes DAC which I read very good reviews. If only money is not an issue.
I would not rate the EMC-1 as "liquid". I think it is very powerful, detailed and a bit forward. I do like the EMC-1 look, build too. I never used the EMC-1 with balanced cables. A lot of people said that it would be much better than the RCA cables.
I have used Arcam CDPs (FMJ23, FMJ36) and really like them. They are more laidback than the EMC-1. They cannot compare to the EMC-1 for the look anyway. Did you consider separate, like Kora Hermes DAC which I read very good reviews. If only money is not an issue.