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Meitner/EMM Labs Firmware Upgrade = Sonic Bliss

As some of you know EMM Labs/Meitner has just released a MAJOR Firmware Upgrade for the DAC2x and MA-1.

I have the MA-1 and here is my impressions on the differences in the sonics after the upgrade.

But first, RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN AND GET THIS FIRMWARE UPGRADE, PERIOD!!

OK, So far I hear HUGE dynamics with more lifelike harmonics, better imaging, separation of instruments, with a bigger sound-stage, cleaner-less noise, not that it was noisy before, better spacial cues. Better leading and trailing edge. Highs that go ever so high but are not harsh but clean, in a natural way. Better timing and pace, so more musical...etc.

And I can go on and on. I do not know how they could do so much of a sonic improvement with just a Firmware Upgrade.

Two of the PCM hirez albums I used. Lang Lang, Rachmaninoff:Piano Concert No, 3 (24/176) and Dave Brubeck, Concord on a Summer Night.

I have not tried DSD yet.

Contact your dealer or EMM LABS or Meitner for the firmware.
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doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Sadly they don't.

I have the EMM Labs v1 and while I prefer it over the Playback, it is not a night and day to me. Yale OS on the DS is a very big improvement over the EMM.
bill_k
882 posts
 
Doggiehowser - I've seen that you've done many DAC comparisons and find it interesting that you find the DS with Yale OS to significantly outperform your EMM DAC. Have you had a chance to hear the Bricasti M1 DAC in comparison? Interested to know if you've found any DAC that outperforms the latest Yale DS. TIA for your time!
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I haven't heard the M1 though.

But the upgrade path on the DS hasn't ended. In the PS Forums, Ted Smith is already talking about what he is working on - from the firmware side and it looks like we might be getting another Christmas present on the way. :)
rgs92
974 posts
 
I finally got the upgrade to the V2 and OMG it's amazing like people said! All the cliches apply: like musicality, unforced/plankton detail, see-through transparency, holographic soundstaging and a more controlled powerful deeper and most importantly more detailed bass. I had the Playback Designs for a while when I decided I liked the original EMM v1 better, but now the EMM is way ahead in my book. Thanks to the members here for steering me in the right direction.

I have owned EMM continuously since 2004 (DCC2/CDSD), and when I tried other brands, I keep deciding that nothing reaches into the music and affects my music-senses in the uniquely profoundly fine way that EMM does. I just can't put into words how the EMM sound is uniquely good, but somehow it is.
rgs92
974 posts
 
Should I be switching to the latest 3.30 (June 2016) firmware for my XDS1-V2 (that I had upgraded from my V1)?
(This vs. the older Feb. 2014 version 2.20?)
[Is this latest firmware for the XDS1/V2 or is it for another product like the new DACs?]
Thank you.
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