Tweaks for EMM CDSA SE ... ?

I don't know if it's a tweak, but I think the sound is better (fuller, more open) using the XLR outputs. The same goes for a DCC2.

Thanks for all that good info Sabai.
I can't find the Beaks.
That's interesting about the silk cushion.
I have not heard about using cloth under a component,
but whatever works!

Sabai--great post. Lots of info I have never seen, especially in terms of the CDSA. Thanks! I am mulling over the X-upgrade idea. So far, I just use Hydra-8 and a Telwire powercord (some more expensive cords slowed the bass or introduced some hyper-highs/nervousness). Stealth Indra XLRs also seem to bring out the best, most natural sound, especially in the frequency extremes: the controlled unmuddy low bass and upper highs that have a touch of warmth that is really nice.

My one concern is that upgrades that affect soundstaging often add some high-frequency prominence along with that.
In my experience, Wilson and Kharma speakers have done that,
where some awesome staging was accompanied by some TMI/listening-fatigue as the price.

Right now, the CDSA-se just seems to get the right combination of reach and truth w/o any cold or steeliness, even on
analytically-recorded CDs (or at least CDs that sound that way on other players).

Most who have commented on the the big EMM XDS1 or the X-upgrade mention the "3D"-ness. That's a kind of nice-to-have thing, but not a necessity IMO, where tonality is king for me.

OK, thanks again for all that. Actually, it seems that doing both the upgrade and getting the SR may be worthwhile.
I have some SR cables and do feel they are great, especially for the cost.

Thanks Sabai.
EMM said that the X upgrade is very significant,
like night & day. I from them that
the change is more than just power supply, but
involved the digital processing itself.

Yes, thank you Sabai. I am still considering my options too (including just playing around with power cords).
It is amazing how much power makes a difference in tonal quality, especially in the bass and high treble).
The changes with power input are just as large as interconnects make. Good luck and I would love to hear your findings.

I did lots of A/B testing with my EMM and keep coming back to the Stealth Indras. Even with RCA's, they have that last little bit of sweetness and non-bitterness in the highs and control/resonance in the bass and an overall natural sound overall that shows the what a great cable can do.
I'm basically addicted to these cables. Even single-ended is better than any other XLRs I have tried.

I also use them with similar results on my preamp and amp.

Hi Sabai, thanks again for all that. You have a lot of things I have never heard of, so it's great that you let us know about them.

That's just an amazing level of research you've done here.
I think we agree here that the CDSA and the EMM sound in general is something that is special
(and has been for the last 6-7 years) and is a great platform to invest in.