ElectrocompanietEMC1 vs. ResolutionAudio Opus21?

I've had both and compared them side by side. Aesthetically the EMC-1 is better. The Opus 21 is nice, but more mundane looking. However, in the sound department the Opus 21 is better. It's very close, but my ears preferred the Opus 21: slightly more organic sounding, just a tad more dynamic, and just a bit more dimensional. The Opus 21 is also made locally and I like that. Every now and then the Opus 21 acts funny, but never has serious trouble. The EMC-1 has functioned flawlessly since day 1, except the Back button sticks every now and then in really hot weather. I have not been able to sell my EMC-1 on Audiogon (probably priced too high) so I'm using it as a transport with an external DAC and it serves that purpose extremely well.

Like I said it's close with these players, but I've tended to prefer the Opus 21 over the EMC-1 based on how it sounds. It's cheaper too, new that is.

I have heard both of these players in the same system.
Hands down the Opus 21

With the EMC-1 you need to use the spider clamp thta made a real difference in my friends. I have not heard them side by side. The 21 has two different sounds when driven with the fixed outputs into a preamp and also when driven with the vafiable outputs up full into a preamp. Try it and see if you hear a difference, I did.

Happy Listtening.

To Bigkidz,
Would you describe the difference you mentioned above? Which way sounded best. BTW, Did you happen to listen to the 21 using the variable outputs DIRECTLY into the amplifier....WITHOUT using a pre-amp? If so, comments please>
And thanks for all the other comments!
Happy Listening.

I have owned both and now have the Opus. It is better sounding. The only area it lacks compared to the Electro is soundstage size. If you like a huge sound go for the Electro. The Opus beats it in every other area.

It sounded best direct into my amp with no pre at all.

Bill