How is EMM DAC 2X?

I have written a few consumer reviews regarding dacs and these are for the interest of the consumer like myself. I use my experience with the DAC2x as a reference point because of its popularity. Anyone interested in it should look at the Empirical Audio SE and new SX (newly released). It is not a DSD dac but for DSD I would buy a DSD dac like the new Valve Audio Device DSD only dac. You could purchase both dacs and be ahead financially. The latter is a tube dac.

HIfimaniac, your point is well taken and emphasizes the need for the individual consumer to demo a dac prior to purchase with time to let the unit break in and settle into your system for proper evaluation.

I have written a few consumer reviews regarding dacs and these are for the interest of the consumer like myself. I use my experience with the DAC2x as a reference point because of its popularity. Anyone interested in it should look at the Empirical Audio SE and new SX (newly released). It is not a DSD dac but for DSD I would buy a DSD dac like the new Valve Audio Device DSD only dac. You could purchase both dacs and be ahead financially. The latter is a tube dac.

HIfimaniac, your point is well taken and emphasizes the need for the individual consumer to demo a dac prior to purchase with time to let the unit break in and settle into your system for proper evaluation.

I just had John Tucker of Exemplar Audio upgrade my Oppo 105 to the T105 (tubed version) and after the 100 hours or so of break-in it sounds absolutely beautiful. I have owned or heard some of the best DACs out there and for the money the T105 will compete with the top dollar alternatives. The T105 is MUSICAL! After break in, no edge, no brightness, no sterile sound. Just glorious sounding music. The T105 is less than $5K and that includes the Oppo 105 and the upgrade. If you are like me your looking for the very best you can get but at a reasonable price. The T105 is serious high end gear. It sounds so good I would have to win the lottery before I would even consider replacing it; even then I might not. I know there are many more DAC options like the T105 to consider before spending $15K - $20K. The PS Audio Direct Stream is getting great reviews and I'm sure it sounds great but after only a short time on the market you can now buy them for $2K less that what they retail for. Are these types of investments really worth it?

Before everyone runs out to buy a DSD DAC they should read
this very
insightful perspective.

http://www.baetisaudio.com/DACs_and_DSD.php

This analysis may change many minds. I performed this
comparison and
came away hearing and believing DSD converted back to PCM
and played
through a BNC/SPDIF connection instead of a USB connection
sounds
better. I believe audiophiles are better off buying the
best PCM DAC they
can afford and JRiver software to handle DSD file conversion
back to PCM
for the best playback experience. I own the EMM Labs 2X
DAC, but had I
performed this comparison, I may have delayed my rush to buy
a DSD
capable DAC. BTW, I own a Baetis music server and also
suggest
consideraton of it for playback; Baetis is designed for
audiophiles. P.S. I noticed when this is posted the full
link does not show up. Once at web site look for discussion
of DSD vs. PCM

Hifimaniac,
The designers of the 'Berkeley Audio Design Alpha Rerence DAC' and the 'Trinity DAC' share the same view regarding DSD converted back to PCM for playback, except the Trinity DAC's designer believes a properly implemended/optimized USB for playback is the way to go.

After reading Robert Harley's (The Absolute Sound) interview with Michael Ritter (Berkeley Audio Design) on the DSD implementation and playback, what Baetis is saying makes a lot of sense since it mirrors the views of the Berkeley Audio Designers.