Best CD between EMM Labs & DCS

I met someone who has both units. He prefers the detail of the DCS over his EMM unit. He considers the EMM warmer in sound (latest signature version) and a better match for a lean system. He now has them in 2 systems so I was not able to AB them. I would suggest that is a matter of sonic priorities and system matching. I have always prefered systems I have heard w. EMM over systems w. the DCS.

Cleopatra52,

Which EMM DAC & Transport are you using. Are they both Signature?

One interesting thing I read but i forget where is that upsampling CD players are better in different situations than non upsampling/oversampling CD players. But the same holds true in reverse for the alternate situation. What I find is that the EMM is excellent on modern CDs but reveals the shortfalls of older CDs. In that regard, the Zanden or others might be better. I hear the AMR can adjust this. That makes it a nice alternative for CD based systems where SACD is not important. I honestly believe once people hear SACD on the EMM they will not want to give it up.

I also spoke with people who find the DCS equipment warmer than the EMM. I find the reverse true. It might be a power cord difference. It might be more but in different systems different equipment will shine.