Perhaps an old thread.
I have been using Weiss Minerva with Firewire interface for PC audio.
I also have an EMM SE combo (not latest - no USB).
I keep the EMM combo for SACD replay but never go back to it for CD or (obviously) HiRes playback. The Minerva is very reasonably priced. It is stable and I love the flexibility of different input and output interfaces.
MOST IMPORTANT - MPD-5 only gives you 48k sample rate on USB. High sample rates have to come through AES/XLR. Minerva can take HiRes through Firewire and interface out through AES XLR.
The sound is not a clinical/fast as EMM combo. Different, but just as good and, IMO, easier on the ear for long sessions of musical listening.
I have been using Weiss Minerva with Firewire interface for PC audio.
I also have an EMM SE combo (not latest - no USB).
I keep the EMM combo for SACD replay but never go back to it for CD or (obviously) HiRes playback. The Minerva is very reasonably priced. It is stable and I love the flexibility of different input and output interfaces.
MOST IMPORTANT - MPD-5 only gives you 48k sample rate on USB. High sample rates have to come through AES/XLR. Minerva can take HiRes through Firewire and interface out through AES XLR.
The sound is not a clinical/fast as EMM combo. Different, but just as good and, IMO, easier on the ear for long sessions of musical listening.