The Electrocompaniet does not make a good transport. You can do much better. The internal DAC is fed by the same signal as the S/PDIF jack - not a good design. I have modded these and made them the best transports I can (perfect waveform, perfect impedance match etc..) and the Sony 7700 still beats it hands down.
Looking for a DAC change
Right now I'm using a Wavelength Audio Cosine DAC in my headphone system. It's partnered with an Electrocompaniet EMC-1 as transport; I'm using this because it's what I already had, it makes a good transport and to keep as a backup CDP. The WA Cosine is a zero-sampling filterless tubed DAC. For the most part I really enjoy it, especially with headphones. However, my one complaint is that it sounds a little slow and undynamic. At times it's just doesn't draw me into the music. So I'd like to explore a few other options. Based on what I'm looking for do you have any recommendations for DACs or even one box CDPs I should demo? Something very smooth yet dynamic with good energy. I could be very happy with the WA Cosine, but the dynamics issue keeps cropping up in my listening.
I thought of the Chord DAC. For one box players I've tried the RA Opus 21 and it's great, but sounds more electronic than the WA Cosine and is not as dimensional. I also thought of Naim, but may have the same issues there, though the dynamic drive would increase. The EMC-1 is fine too, but I prefer the Opus 21 over it. I tried the Reimyo DAC, but would prefer not to pay that much (less than $3500). Please feel free to make any suggestions.
Anyway, thank! Happy listening.
I thought of the Chord DAC. For one box players I've tried the RA Opus 21 and it's great, but sounds more electronic than the WA Cosine and is not as dimensional. I also thought of Naim, but may have the same issues there, though the dynamic drive would increase. The EMC-1 is fine too, but I prefer the Opus 21 over it. I tried the Reimyo DAC, but would prefer not to pay that much (less than $3500). Please feel free to make any suggestions.
Anyway, thank! Happy listening.