Electrocompaniet EMC II CD Player

Like Jcbtubes, I'm experiencing incredible detail, smoothness and air with single-ended connection. Your problem is not with the EMC-1.

I'm running mine single ended with wonderful results. Collapsed soundstage?!? In my system the EMC-1UP has yielded the most impressive soundstage I've heard from a cdp. I would say that soundstaging is one of its greatest strengths. My only caveat concerning the EMC-1 has to do with ultimate focus. Not that it's bad, just not state of the art in that respect. I'm hoping the Spider Clamp will improve focus to some degree.

Goone...How many hours do you have on your EMC-1? I agree with the other posters that the EMC-1 is not the culprit (assuming it is fully broken-in). The issue of balanced being "better" than single-ended on the EMC-1 has been blown out of proportion, IMHO. I have heard the unit EXTENSIVELY with both outputs and the ONLY difference I here is the inherent additional gain that you get with balanced (in other words, it will simply sound "louder"). This of course can fool one into believing they are hearing all types of improvements, as simply increasing the volume level of a system can significantely change the sonic presentation (obviously). I have a hunch that this is the situation in this case, but I could be wrong ;-)

Jm88439...Concerning the lack of focus in your EMC-1, power cords and vibration isolation can improve focus tremendously on the EMC-1 (and many other digital playback products)...Just a thought.

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio

FS Audio....Didn't say my EMC-1 lacked focus, it's just not the last word in that regard judging by a couple of other top notch players I've heard recently IMS. Also compared my EMC-1 to a Accuphase DP-85 (16 Grand retail) in someone else's system system. The Accuphase was just a bit better focus wise. Overall however, I prefer the EMC-1 to most everything I've heard. Extremely musical despite my minor caveat. And yes, it is well isolated and being fed by a top notch ac cord. Btw, have you tried this mysterious Spider Clamp?

Jm88439...The Spider Clamp is now in manufacturing and is supposed to start shipping within the next two weeks. So no, haven't heard it yet. I wish they would hurry, as I have quite a few units pre-ordered by customers already. Not to mention, I want to try one out myself ;-)

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio