DCS P8i Vs. EMM CDSD/CC2

I also have been considering those two components. I demoed the P8i in my system. It sounded great, but didn't blow me away. In contrast to some of the other posts here, I was disappointed that there wasn't more detail. Although tape hiss isn't a great thing, I look for it on a few CD recordings to determine how much detail is coming through, and the DCS just didn't have it. Also, there was less top-end air than anticipated. However, the bass reproduction was very good.

For what it's worth, I also demoed the Esoteric X-03 and was very impressed. For me, it was the hands-down winner over the P8i. More detail, more "air," and more realistic. And at half the price, a no brainer. (Have not demoed the EMM in my system.)

Morbius: Sorry about the delayed response. I tried all 4 filters on the DCS. If I recall correctly, I believe Stereophile commented that the filters do not make much difference. I disagree. For what it's worth, I preferred filters 2 and 3. They seemed to add the right amount of body to female vocals. Filter 4 went too far, in my opinion, and made the music too lush.