Audio Research CD3 vs Electrocompaniet EMC 1


Both of these players seem to elicit a common theme among many owners & listeners: analog sounding, vinyl like, musically involving. Any definite opinions out there as to which is better, or is it just splitting hairs at this level? Appreciate any comments. (Would be interested in any version of the EMC 1).
kubrickorange
Glen, saw that too. Still on the fence though. Ideally I would like to listen to both. I have been thinking about getting together with some audiophile types in the local area (don't know there are any with this gear)and see if it would be possible to demo them with my gear.
that's a lot of cash to throw down just to try something. I know I've done it more than once so I can definetly relate.

I now have the itch to try the new Mark Levenson transport and outboard dac combo. Talk about sticker shock, still waiting for them to hit the used market closer to the 50% off price range so I only have to pay 10 grand. OUCH!!!
I love my EMC-1 MkII also, and do wonder if ANYONE who's compared the latest UP-grade could carefully compare the performance? So far I've only heard kneejerk generalizations.
NEW MkIIs can be had (isn't there an ad RIGHT NOW?) for under $3k. Good Luck.