Comments on Audio Note CD Players

Budrew, I cannot comment on the sound of the AN vs. EMC-1 but I can tell you that the AN DAC 1.2 (1,100.00 kit) gives my 47 Labs Flatfish/Progression (8,200.00) a SERIOUS run for the money. The inexpensive(?) DAC 1.2 is slightly warmer sounding overall, but totally non fatiguing and very musical. I can only assume the AN DAC 3.1 with trans coupling, etc. takes the design to the next level.

I have a 2.1 cd player and find it to be excellent. It is not as good as the 3.1x balanced dac and CEC transport that I have in another system but has the same signature- very open with little glare.

I, too, own a 2.1x CD player. It is the first digital gear that I've had in my system that I can tolerate for long periods of time. Tracks I listen to are often lengthy (classical and jazz music) and for the first time, I do not find myself reaching for the remote. I would say its qualities are naturalness and openness; lots of resonance when reproducing acoustic instruments — which of course adds to the sense of pulse and liveliness; detail which involves me emotionally; an almost complete absence of digital 'glare' (which I abhor more than anything when it comes to CDs); and tunefulness (to my ears the audio note products sound more in tune than others I've heard — for example, piano reproduction, as well as voice is quite wonderful). Also, I find that older CDs as well as CDs containing music recorded in the fifties and sixties (classical, jazz, rock and roll, etc.) sound more natural on the CD2.1x than with other CD/processors I've used.

I still prefer the sound of vinyl on a first-class turntable, however, to my ears the audio note CD player I own is not inferior to my analog rig, only different. I haven't thought that before about other affordable digital products I've tried.