New Emm Labs TSD-1/Dac-2 vs DCS Puccini

I like emm Labs TSD1/DAC2 combo but the quality control is less than satisfactory, communication between the transport & DAC is always have problem.

Kenny,

The DAC2 can't lock the incoming signal from the TSD1 neither through Opti nor AES when playing SACD. After a firmware update, it can play SACD now but not CD! So it fixed one problem and create another.

Moreover, last night the DAC2 can't power up no matter how I tried. Confirmed the fuse is still intact though.

I totally lost the confident of this brand no matter how good it sounds when it is working:(

Bryan

I'm same with Murataltuev. I am in Hong Kong and bought it in Singapore.

My TSD1 definitely without problem, only the DAC2 can't power up.

Before the firmware update, my DAC2 already such problem but several unplug/plug the powercord may restore it. But this time even I unplug the powercord for a day cannot save the DAC2. If I can power it up again, I may try to do the firmware update one more time, but I guess the problem this time is related to hardware in the power supply.

I have to send it back!

Bryan

I borrow from my friend an old Dodson 217 MarkIID DAC as a temporary replacement for the DAC2. It can still accept the AES output from the TSD1 but only for the redbook CD layer even though I play the SACD.

I found I lost the connection to the music, I won't blame the Dodson as it was almost 10 years old. Just think about the development of the DAC in this recent years, there is no turning back.

Just hope my DAC2 can return soon.

Bryan

Just a follow up, my DAC2 has returned for a month, the main circuit board has been changed. So far so good.

Unfortunately, my TSD1 starts to act up and can't play the redbook CD, only SACD. Of course I have called my source, so far no result yet.

Seems the quality control of emm Labs is a big question mark!

Bryan

I have CDSA se before and sold it to my friend when I upgraded to TSD1+DAC2. Recently my friend told me the CDSA se has something wrong with the tray, every disc he played will have a circular mark about 1.5cm from the rim. This is exactly where the tray has a recess for the smaller disc. I guess the mechanism is skewed, when the disc is played the mechanism should raise the disk to spin. Somehow it didn't raise high enough so that when the disc is spinning it touches the tray. Of course it is only my assumption.

Bryan

yes, XDS1 uses the Esoteric drive which supposed to be the best disk mechanism money can buy.

Bryan

my source never gets back to me.

yesterday a friend of mine who is an audiophile and technically very knowledgeable came over to the CDSAse owner's house and help to check out what is the problem of the drive or tray scratching the disk.

He found out that the problem is due to the installation of the front part of the disk mechanism is 1-2mm lower than it should be. once he added a thin washer in the front stand up column supporting the drive, the problem is solved. I tested several new disc after this adjustment and the disc leaves no any mark on the surface.

This proves how negligence the emm Labs assembly worker is or their quality control.

Bryan

Hi Kenny,

Yes, it is not the top of the line, but it already much better than the average.

Bryan