What amplification are you using? I have an scd-1 and utilize a Conrad Johnson Premiere 16lsII (tube) pre-amp and MF2500 (SS) power amp player thru Thiel 3.6's. Upon comparing the two players emc-1 and scd-1 I thought the scd-1 held its own very well on redbook. Even when compared to several other (high-end) players. However, on SACD it was no comparision the scd-1 was much better.
My EMC-1 24 192 experience
After reading the Stereo Times review of this player against the SCD-1, I got goose bumps. This reviwer said the emc-1 made redbook cd's sound better than SACD on the SCD-1. I own the SCD-1, and on SACD it is wonderfull, but on redbook one knows that he is missing something. I tried the MF DAC w/ zero success. Last week I purchased a EMC-1 and immediately it was much better than the SCD-1 for redbook. There was more detail, warmth, air, and the sound stage was deeper and wider. I then played Take 5 on both players since I have them both on sacd and redbook. The sound is close, but the edge goes to the SCD-1. The sound is sweeter on the SCD-1, no doubt about that. With that being said, Is the EMC-1 worth the extra coin for listening to redbook CD's? Without a shadow of a doubt. Does it beat SACD? No, but it is close.
P.S. I forgot to mention how warm sounding this player is, all the harshness and rough edges of digital are history.
P.S. I forgot to mention how warm sounding this player is, all the harshness and rough edges of digital are history.