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EMM Labs DCC2 with Sony SCD-777ES

I currently own a Sony SCD-777ES and am thinking or purchasing a EMM Labs DCC2 DAC to complement it. I cannot afford the EMM Labs CDSD transport to go with it at the same time and won't be able to do so for a while.

Will this combination significantly improve my redbook performance? Has anyone tried a similar combination (maybe with the Sony SCD-1 as a transport)? I am looking for a full tonal body, excellent dynamics, no harshness and stellar soundstage (especially depth).

Finally, how would the DCC2 do as a pre-amp into my Pass Labs Aleph 5? Will it have enough gain to drive this amp?

And thanks in advance to everyone who dives in to help me out - I do deeply appreciate all your help and advice.

Neville
njp
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Have you considered modding your Sony? I have a SCD-1 and just recently had the SC3 / SCPS and the transport caps upgraded. The player has improved substantially in the ares you mention on both redbook and SACD. I can not comment as to the quality of the volume control in the DCC2.

Chuck
lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
Wow. Lot'sa questions.

I'm not sure I know the answer. So, here's what I know...

The AA Capitole II with the DCC2 is tons better just using the pre-amp section over then Capitole's pre-amp. I had a Philips SACD 1000 modded by EMM prior to the CDSD and it was not as precise, full and detailed as with the CDSD. I did not run it without the optical connections, so I can't tell you how it would be without the external clock upgrade.

I have also owned a Sony SACD1000. The music is much less detailed than with any setup I have had using the DCC2.

Hopefully, some of the others who have owned this gear and have played A/B will chime in and clear up your question.
frankg
176 posts
 
Chuck, If you're interested in a much cheaper alternative, I have a new Denon 3910 that has the EMM card installed. This was done by Alex Peychev of APL Hi Fi. Comes complete with STT glass cables etc. Does everything the CDSD does. I have both and will sell one. If interested and want more info, send me an e-mail.

Frank Gortz
rlips
105 posts
 
Hi,

I am not familiar with the digital output of the Sony, but I suspect it may be either RCA or AES/EBU, which are PCM outputs. The DCC2 will convert that source, but, I think, the real strength of the unit is realized when you use the word clock synchronization afforded by the optical dsd inputs. They way I understand it, (someone correct me please if I am in error) is that the Dcc2 supplies the word clock to the transport, which then returns the clock back to the DCC2. I assume the Dcc2 can then compare the sent out vs. received clock signal and correct for errors, essentially reducung jitter to nothing.

Using the Dcc2 as a PCM converter will work, but I suspect it may just be an very good converter.

The pre-amp section of the DCC2 is excellent, there is better out there, but it handily beat my old ARC Ref2Mk2, and freeing up those dollars (as well as an interconnect) made the ticket easier to swallow.

I say get the Dcc2, and when you can, the CDSD will always be out there... As far as the ability to drive your amps, check the specs on emmlabs.com and compare the maximum output voltage and impedence with what your amps need.

Have fun

Ron
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