ЦАПы — Emm Labs EMM Labs DV2i

The DV2i from Canadian maker EMM Labs is an integrated converter that combines conversion, a network streamer and a digital volume control in one chassis. It is positioned as the streaming-enabled counterpart to the DA2i, which the company describes as its top converter, and its variable output lets it drive power amplifiers with no line stage in between, which removes one box and one pair of interconnects from the chain.

Key specs that matter

Conversion uses EMM Labs' second-generation MDAC2 converters, proprietary discrete dual-differential designs operating at 16 times the DSD rate, which corresponds to DSD1024. PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD are accepted on all inputs, while 2xDSD, DXD and MQA are supported over USB and the network. Digital inputs are EMM Optilink for EMM Labs CD and SACD transports, AES/EBU, coaxial, Toslink, USB audio and Ethernet. Both XLR and RCA analogue connectors are fitted. In high gain the XLR output delivers 7 V rms and the RCA output 3.5 V rms, and in low gain the figures drop to 4 V and 2 V. Output impedance is 300 ohm balanced and 150 ohm single-ended.

Engineering and use context

Incoming data passes through MDAT2, the Meitner Digital Audio Translator, a DSP engine that performs transient detection, upsampling and filtering in real time before the signal reaches the converters. Timing is handled by the MCLK3 asynchronous clocking system together with MFAST, which targets very low jitter. USB and network interfaces are separated by custom power and hardware galvanic isolation. Supported streaming services and protocols include Qobuz, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Deezer, V-Tuner, Roon and DLNA/UPnP. Volume is set by the VControl system, which retains resolution at low levels, and signal polarity can be inverted by the user. The circuit boards are aerospace-grade ceramic. Power comes from a proprietary high-isolation resonant-mode supply that accepts 85 to 260 V at 50 or 60 Hz through an IEC inlet and draws at most 30 W, and a Kimber Kable PK14 Base power cord of 14 AWG pure copper is supplied. An RS-232 port allows software updates, and a machined aluminium remote is included. The case is 438 mm wide, 400 mm deep and 161 mm high, weighs 16 kg, and is finished either in silver around a black centre panel or fully in black.

Pairing

With its own volume control and a high output level, the DV2i can drive power amplifiers directly over balanced cables, while the Optilink input connects the company's disc transports.

Alternatives

The EMM Labs DA2i is the non-streaming converter that sits above it in the range.