EMM transport clarification

There is actually an audible basis for that comment in Positive Feedback. The Signiture edition CDSD is shipped with a new software program for Redbook playback. I've owned the two previous generations of EMM Labs gear (Meitnerized Philips Player / DAC 6 / Switchman II; CDSD / DCC2, and now the Signiture edition combo. The improvement in Redbook playback is not subtle- it is VERY close to their SACD performance. Their extraordinary SACD playback has been very well documented in the audiophile forums. Considering the enormous CD collections most of us have- this Redbook sofware upgrade is an important change to the original CDSD and an exciting audible improvement.

This is indeed very confusing. I could have sworn on my mother's grave they said the CDSD was upgraded including a new plastic drawer to replace a metal one but absolutely NO CHANGES to the DCC2 dac except for name change to remain with remain with current line.

Thom

There is quite a bit of confusion which maybe I can help clarify.

The CDSD was upgraded to CDSD Signature Edition. For most CDSD owners, the Signature Edition is identical to their units. The difference is indeed the badge to keep the look consistant.

In the case of the Positive Feedback review, the previous CDSD that was on hand was a very old unit which had some problems which might have been caused by a power surge. Indeed, the sonic differences reported were significant.

Most of what people are reporting with regards to the sonic improvements is really the DCC2e Signature Edition or DAC6e Signature Edition improvements. The CDSDse can be different sounding than some older units due to changes which had to be done due to vendors reworking of parts, such as transport mechanisms which change yearly. This is out of the control of any manufacturer that uses these parts. Whenever a drive mechanism is discontinued and replaced, there need to be software changes for the new drives to communicate properly. This is not something that we or other manufacturers want to go through, but the production of these drive mechanisms is not something that we (manufacturers) can control.

We are very pleased that Fbhifi and many others are hearing the very substantial improvements that were implemented into the new DCC2e and DAC6e Signature Edition models. Personally I agree with Fbhifi that CD is improved so greatly that it is very difficult to differentiate between SACD and CD.

Thanks for that clarification. Since my CDSD has been back from emmlabs, I could almost swear it sounds better ... it certainly is quieter too. I'm told the transport was not changed, but the software was updated. So, maybe that is what David and Fbhifi are describing

by the way congrats Jtinn...I saw that you have joined EMM Labs officially from their website.