September 2018


Best Of 2018 Blue Note Equipment Awards

EMM Labs DA2 Digital-To-Analog Converter (DAC)
Price: $25,000
Click here to read the complete review.

  On Amazon one can purchase a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with three digital inputs and a volume control for $30. Leave out the volume control and limit yourself to only one digital input and you can purchase a DAC for $14. So, why the heck would anyone, even an audiophile, pay more than $2000 for a DAC? And while we're at it, why would an audiophile purchase this EMM Labs DA2 for $25,000? There's really no answer to this other than sound quality, of course, and as proof of this, audiophiles do purchase DACs for over $2000, which is how much my affordable reference, Benchmark Media's DAC3HGC costs, and audiophiles have paid $25,000 for the subject of this review, the EMM Labs DA2. 

So, when faced with the question, "What is the best high-end DAC made today?", the answer will likely start a debate among audiophiles, as there's more than one answer to that question. But, there is no doubt that EMM Labs' converters will be mentioned quite a few times. Why? Because not only has EMM Labs' Ed Meitner been there since the beginning of the implementation of the SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc, just in case you've forgotten) but also because he's one of the world's leading experts in digital converter design. EMM Labs is, in fact, the DSD reference of the recording industry -- almost every new SACD in production is made with an EMM Labs DSD converter. EMM Labs decided to build this technology into their own brand of high-end converters so that audiophiles can use this technology in their home systems. EMM Labs says that their DA2 was designed "from the ground up" and includes the first true, fully discrete DSD1024 / 16x DSD converter that is built in-house.

There are a few other brands and models of digital-to-analog converters besides the EMM Labs DA2 that one could be consider if looking for a DAC to match with one's fine high-end system. Perhaps one or more of them might sound as good, or better than the DA2. Or maybe not. In my system the EMM Labs DA2 sounded sublime, mostly because it became a transparent link between the music that was digitally encoded and my ears. I've heard good digital before hearing the EMM Labs converter was in my system, but from now on this is the DAC that I'm going to have to compare to any others that I review -- or consider for purchase (even if it's scary to think that EMM Labs continues its research and development and may someday introduce improvements to this DAC. And so, I've decided in this case it's best to live in the now). Yes, the DA2 is a bit pricey. But occasionally, you get what you pay for. If you have the means, consider donating to a cause you believe in, and then purchase the EMM Labs DA2 DAC.

Click here to read the complete review.

Previous Annual Blue Note Awards

Product of the Year Awards 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.