EMM Labs DCC2 with Sony SCD-777ES

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

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

I asked around and was told that if you take the analogue out from the sony to the analogue in of the DCC2 it will process the info as PCM and it will be tons better than stand alone.

I am reading that you are looking to improve on redbook CD. The CDSD is very necessary to realize the full benefits of the DCC2 on CD playback. On SACD it is less needed. I found other CD players can compete with the DCC2 when the CDSD isn't used as a transport. If you want tonal body you will need the CDSD. The CDSD upsamples CD 4 times & SACD 2 times to the DCC2. AS for the preamp section, I can't comment as I am using the DAC 6e. I love the VTL 7.5s added tube fullness. I found it necessary as compared to my Placette active preamp.

Bill,

Question, are you sure about analogue being processed as pcm? I thought the analog inputs (bal and rca) on the dcc2 are standard line inouts to the pre amp section. Processing the analog as pcm would imply an A/D converter, which would seem to be a lot to go through for a machine that is a d/a converter......

Ron