For a direct comparison of the ECD-1 vs. DA-218 by the owner of an ECD-1, you might want to check this out:
http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=11779&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=31
http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=11779&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=31