Hi, I owned both the EMC-1 and the CD-55 and auditioned them for about a month to see which I preferred. It was really hard to pick, but I went w/the EMC-1 because of its more analog-like (to me) sound. When I a/b/c'ed the two CD players w/my Linn LP12, all playing the same recording (Springsteen's The River and then the Smith's The Queen is Dead), the EMC-1 sounded just like the LP except w/tighter bass. To me, that was the ticket. The Resolution Audio has upsampling, clarity and detail without any harshness at all, and as others have pointed out, can be run directly to your amp. I would have kept them both if I could possibly have justified it, but since I wanted to upgrade other parts of my system I had to part with one of the players. I don't find the EMC-1 temperamental or sensitive at all, it sits on its stock feet on a wooden Salamander Synergy stand.
I might try some Black Diamond cones under it, based on an earlier post, however.
Hope all this helps, it was just my experience with the same CD players you are considering.
Sarah
I might try some Black Diamond cones under it, based on an earlier post, however.
Hope all this helps, it was just my experience with the same CD players you are considering.
Sarah