Introduction

Hi Guys,

Today we are taking a look at a DAC from Canadian Manufacturer EMM Labs – the DA2v2. Based in Calgary Alberta, EMM Labs and its head Ed Meitner have been at the forefront of audio design for decades, and it was a real pleasure to be able to spend time with their former top of the line flagship DAC. Being Canadian myself, it’s always neat to see Canadian companies involved in the audio space, especially when they are such standout performers. Although the DA2v2 has been replaced as the flagship by the recently released DA2i, I thought I would share my review of the V2 as a reference for anyone who is interested, and might be looking to purchased an older model on the used market.

The DA2v2 is a single bit DSD DAC. Any signal input into the DAC is up-sampled using EMM’s proprietary algorithms to 16xDSD, and converted via EMM’s MDAC-1 modules. All of the circuitry and PSU are designed and built in house by EMM Labs. The DA2v2 itself is a fairly hefty unit, made with solid aluminum construction, and available in white and grey (with a 24k gold option instead of the grey areas) and fully black. The model I was using was the fully black model, which I prefer and think looks simple and tasteful. In terms of inputs and outputs you have a pair of RCA and XLR outputs, with AES, Coax, Toslink, USB inputs. In addition to those traditional inputs, you can also use an optical interface called EMM Optilink, which is used with their NS1 streamer, or one of their CD Transports. There are also inputs in a separate area on the rear for system firmware updates. On the front of the unit you have buttons to mute, switch polarity, access the menu, and switch through the inputs. Overall, it is a simple, tasteful, but effective design with all the things you need and nothing you don’t.

Sonics wise, the DA2v2 is a standout performer, especially in terms of its technical performance. I think tonality wise, it will depend more so on your personal preferences, and what you are looking to achieve with your system.

Bass

The low end of the DA2v2 was what I perceived as being slightly less than neutral. It isn’t a robust low end response like some DACs can be, and was slightly lean sounding on some material. Where it excelled was the technical performance of the bass. It is incredibly well defined, with great speed and precision. I think that in terms of those qualities, the DA2v2 is the best I have personally heard. However, if I was looking for a DAC with a strong bass response in terms of overall level, I would search out a different model personally, or seek to compensate for this elsewhere in my system, which is also totally doable.

Mid-Range

The mid-range of the DA2v2, from low to mid to upper, was what I perceived as being entirely neutral. I didn’t find there to be any real recession or increase in any area, being even keeled and well behaved throughout. The technical performance of the DA2v2 also shone through here, rendering the mids with incredible amounts of realism and definition. This is not a DAC I would chose if I was looking for a warm, thick sounding low mid-range, as there are other DAC’s on the market which are geared towards that sort of frequency response . However, if you simply want a clean, precise, accurate rendition of the mid-range, I haven’t heard much better than the DA2v2.

Treble

The treble of the DA2v2 was what I perceived as being slightly more than neutral. It is slightly sharp sounding, and was an issue in my system on some material, with brighter transducers. I do think that this will be entirely dependent on the type of music you prefer listening to, and also the rest of your systems components. However, this slightly elevated high end does help increase the amount of perceived detail in the highs, which is already an incredibly strong point for the DA2v2. Overall, I think if you like a clear and precise high end, you will enjoy the DA2v2. If you tend to prefer a darker sounding DAC, or a warmer thicker sounding DAC, the DA2v2 might lean towards being to bright in the highs for you.

Technical Performance

The overall strongest point of the DA2v2’s performance is found within its technical capabilities. It is without a doubt the most technically accomplished DAC that I have heard. It’s detail levels and dynamic response are simply excellent across the entire audio band. The sound staging of the DA2v2 is wide open and realistic sounding, with incredibly precise imaging and spatial qualities. If one of the things you are looking for in particular is a DAC with above average technical performance, I can seriously recommend trying out the DA2v2.

Build Quality

The build quality of the DA2v2 is another standout area. It is incredibly well built, with solid aluminum construction, and flawless fit and finish. The layout is simple and easy to use, and I really liked the black finish my unit came in. The grey and white finish is also very attractive, should you have a lighter system and be looking for something that would match it better than a darker finish. Either way, the DA2v2’s build quality is superlative and I can’t say enough good things about it.

Conclusion

Overall, the DA2v2 is a superb DAC, and with the prices it is available at on the used market, now that it is not a current model, it is certainly worth considering if you are looking for a DAC in its price range. Although the tonal balance may not be right for every user or every system, especially if the listener is looking for a robust low end, or they are particularly treble sensitive, the DA2v2’s technical performance and build quality make for an incredibly compelling DAC, both sonically and physically. Of course, now that the DA2v2 has been replaced with the DA2i, the new model may entirely change upon aspects of the sonic performance in comparison to the DA2v2, but I have not yet personally had a chance to hear the DA2i, so I cannot say what those changes might be. I would certainly expect that, at the very least, the DA2i will continue in the same vein of excellent build quality. It also uses an updated touch screen interface, which also looks very neat and tidy in comparison to the DA2v2’s button scheme. I would recommend checking out the DA2v2 if you are looking for a DAC in its price range, especially if technical performance is something that you value above all else. Two thumbs up from me, great job EMM labs!