Neuance & Zoethecus,EMC-1UP & First Sound Preamp?


I am looking to "eek" that last extra bit of life out of both my Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP cd player as well as my First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk II preamp.

I have both units currently on a Zoethecus rack, on the z.Slab. I have also heard many positive rumblings about the Neuance shelf and have the following questions:

Has anyone used either component on the Neuance shelf?

Also, has anyone compared the Neuance shelf versus the Zoethecus z.Slab?

Any and all comments would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.
audiofankj
Generally speaking, I've heard some people say they felt the Zoethecus products added a bit of smearing or warmth, whereas the Neuance Shelves seem to have the opposite effect.

I have a Zoethecus z.Block 2 with a z.Slab for my amp and a Neuance Shelf under my transport. When I installed the Neuance some years ago, I did experience an expansion of the soundstage and some extra transparency. I wasn't aware of a change with the Zoethecus though. It doesn't mean there wasn't a difference, I just didn't test for one or perceive it.

I think for what you're trying to achieve, the Neuance might be the better path.
Neuance!

As Gunbei said, it will give you inner detail like nothing else.

Richard
The EMC-1 is colored and compressed in stock form. Rather "warm" and unnatural sounding. Not very engaging and certainly not very dynamic. Mods can fix this and make the analog outs extremely good. The digital output is not very good and probably should not be used as a transport.
Audioengr-

I currently run the EMC-1UP through the analog outputs. What and/or whos mods do you recommend for the EMC1-UP?

Also, do you have any comments as to the performance of an EMC-1UP on a Neuance shelf?

Thanks for the info.
All the reference Zoethecus shelves are now replaced by Neuance shelves in my rig.

Zoethecus shelves do *air thing* well but lack in speed and opening up dynamics compared to Nueance shelves.

Aftermarket shelves should work well under your tubed pre.