Hi, may I know what you mean when you speak of a new and updated Esoteric drive? You mean literally a new Esoteric drive, different from the former one?
Emm labs DA2 v2 upgrade
- Thread starter awsmone
- Start date
My understanding is the new drive is the updated Esoteric drive. I could be wrong, but I don't think it's the same drive that was initially speced for XDS1 over 15 years ago.
I got my XDS1 v4! My journey with Emm Labs started many years ago with the DAC2X. It was a fantastic DAC for its time—well-recorded music sounded excellent, but sometimes I found myself wishing for more of the “analog feel” that I used to get from Playback Designs Merlot (I owned two of them and still have one today).
When the V2 upgrade was first announced, I hesitated. Many people upgraded and then quickly sold their units, which spooked me. I held on for a while, but during the pandemic I finally decided to send my DAC2X in for the V2 upgrade, mainly because I had purchased an Emm Labs NS1 and wanted to use the proprietary fiber link. I worked directly with Amadeus (son of the founder), and the whole process couldn’t have been easier—Emm Labs handled all the paperwork, I printed a label, shipped it off, and a week later I had my upgraded DAC2X V2 back. I was very happy with the sound, especially when paired with my Linn streamer (the NS1 ended up losing to Linn and was sold).
Over the years, I auditioned the DA2/v2, DV2, and MA3 multiple times, but none of them gave me a strong enough reason to move on from the DAC2X V2. That changed when the DA2i was released. The reviews and impressions across the forums converged on one point: the DA2i represented a total reset of Emm Labs’ sound profile, a giant leap forward in both realism and musicality. I began discussing an upgrade path with Amadeus, even considering whether to jump to the DA2i or DV2i. When I mentioned I also owned an XDS1 and was planning to use it as a transport, Amadeus surprised me by suggesting I wait. Emm Labs was preparing a special upgrade program for XDS1 owners to bring their players up to DA2i level.
I almost couldn’t believe a company would even consider offering an upgrade path for a product that was over 10 years old. Amadeus explained the scope: the power supply would be replaced with the DA2i’s, the DAC board swapped out for the DA2i board, the Esoteric drive replaced, and (for first-gen units) even the digital board would be updated. In my case, I was told two of the original panels would be the only pieces that remain while everything else would essentially be new parts.
I hesitated—no one I knew had done the upgrade, and I couldn’t find any impressions online. But after waiting more than six months and still hearing nothing, I decided to YOLO it. Even with the current tariff challenges with Canada, the process was just as smooth as before. Isis from Emm Labs handled all the paperwork, and I only needed to provide importer information, print a FedEx label, and ship it out.
Two weeks later, my XDS1 V4 returned. Right out of the box with zero burn-in, I slid in a John Williams SACD and was floored. The dynamics, weight, expansive soundstage, and timbre realism caught me off guard. Instruments had no “dead space” between them—the presentation was alive. SACDs in particular shine in a way I’ve never experienced before. Those old RCA Living Stereo SACDs, which I once thought were just “good recordings,” now play with the presence of a live performance. I compared SACD playback to the same DSD file over USB: the file sounded great, but the disc sounded like real musicians playing in a live performance.
I’ll continue evaluating as the unit burns in over the next month, but one thing is already clear: Emm Labs has achieved that rare and elusive combination of realism, musicality, and lifelike dynamics. For me, the Playback Designs DAC can finally retire—the XDS1 V4 with DA2i DAC is now among 2 of the absolute best source I have ever heard - the other one was Vivaldi Apex dac + transport + clock.
When the V2 upgrade was first announced, I hesitated. Many people upgraded and then quickly sold their units, which spooked me. I held on for a while, but during the pandemic I finally decided to send my DAC2X in for the V2 upgrade, mainly because I had purchased an Emm Labs NS1 and wanted to use the proprietary fiber link. I worked directly with Amadeus (son of the founder), and the whole process couldn’t have been easier—Emm Labs handled all the paperwork, I printed a label, shipped it off, and a week later I had my upgraded DAC2X V2 back. I was very happy with the sound, especially when paired with my Linn streamer (the NS1 ended up losing to Linn and was sold).
Over the years, I auditioned the DA2/v2, DV2, and MA3 multiple times, but none of them gave me a strong enough reason to move on from the DAC2X V2. That changed when the DA2i was released. The reviews and impressions across the forums converged on one point: the DA2i represented a total reset of Emm Labs’ sound profile, a giant leap forward in both realism and musicality. I began discussing an upgrade path with Amadeus, even considering whether to jump to the DA2i or DV2i. When I mentioned I also owned an XDS1 and was planning to use it as a transport, Amadeus surprised me by suggesting I wait. Emm Labs was preparing a special upgrade program for XDS1 owners to bring their players up to DA2i level.
I almost couldn’t believe a company would even consider offering an upgrade path for a product that was over 10 years old. Amadeus explained the scope: the power supply would be replaced with the DA2i’s, the DAC board swapped out for the DA2i board, the Esoteric drive replaced, and (for first-gen units) even the digital board would be updated. In my case, I was told two of the original panels would be the only pieces that remain while everything else would essentially be new parts.
I hesitated—no one I knew had done the upgrade, and I couldn’t find any impressions online. But after waiting more than six months and still hearing nothing, I decided to YOLO it. Even with the current tariff challenges with Canada, the process was just as smooth as before. Isis from Emm Labs handled all the paperwork, and I only needed to provide importer information, print a FedEx label, and ship it out.
Two weeks later, my XDS1 V4 returned. Right out of the box with zero burn-in, I slid in a John Williams SACD and was floored. The dynamics, weight, expansive soundstage, and timbre realism caught me off guard. Instruments had no “dead space” between them—the presentation was alive. SACDs in particular shine in a way I’ve never experienced before. Those old RCA Living Stereo SACDs, which I once thought were just “good recordings,” now play with the presence of a live performance. I compared SACD playback to the same DSD file over USB: the file sounded great, but the disc sounded like real musicians playing in a live performance.
I’ll continue evaluating as the unit burns in over the next month, but one thing is already clear: Emm Labs has achieved that rare and elusive combination of realism, musicality, and lifelike dynamics. For me, the Playback Designs DAC can finally retire—the XDS1 V4 with DA2i DAC is now among 2 of the absolute best source I have ever heard - the other one was Vivaldi Apex dac + transport + clock.
My understanding is that Esoteric stopped OEMing their VRDS SACD drives (there have been multiple grades and generations) several years ago. (What Esoteric had been OEMing were not their best drives, but still probably the best drawer type OEMs available outside Esoteric.) Have not heard of this policy changing.
Very possible that the Esoteric drives are just NOS Emm Labs saved up over the years and there are probably just enough to do the V4 upgrades but not enough to launch a new SACD player. It's no secret they released a new CD transport and not an SACD transport. I got my old SACD drive (still worked great and read burned CDs just fine) back with the upgrade so I have a backup just in case.
Congratulations on your XDS1 V4! I was wondering if you had a chance to compare CD playback vs 16/44 files over USB as well, and what server you are using for USB playback.
Did EMM say if the new SACD/CD drive is an Esoteric unit? With the upgrade, is the warranty refreshed for the entire unit since the upgrade looks to be a total replacement of the internals of the XDS1 v2?
Thanks.
It’s funny you’re asking this question, as I was doing this exact comparison over the last few days. My streaming setup is a bit unusual. I have two streamers: one is the Linn Akurate DS/3 using its SPDIF output, and the other is the Shanling ET3 using the USB output (I had an NS1 but sold that and kept the ET3). The Linn is used only for Qobuz, and the Shanling is used only for SSD-based USB-attached storage playback with all network functions disabled and SSD drive powered by LPS. I’ve added various USB decrapifiers between the USB audio only output and the USB input on the v4, with separate units for USB signal regeneration and USB galvanic isolation.
I will probably write a bit more when I have time, but here is a summary:
SACD via drive and ripped DSD64 through USB: the SACD sounded a bit more organic, bigger, with slightly better dynamics, depth, and space rendition. The DSD64 file still sounded very good, organic, and musical, but the SACD takes that extra half a step toward realism and live performance.
SACD via drive and 24/96 file via Qobuz through SPDIF: there was a clear difference now in favor of the SACD. While 24/96 from Qobuz still sounding great in isolation, in back-to-back testing, the organic, musical, macro dynamics, micro dynamics, and spatial rendition of the SACD playback really stood out.
CD via drive and 24/96 file via Qobuz through SPDIF: it was not so clear-cut now. With some mastering, I thought the CD sounded even better than the 24/96 Qobuz file, with better macro and micro dynamics and a lot more detail. Other times, I thought the 24/96 sounded just a bit more organic and musical.
Local 24/96 file via USB vs. Qobuz 24/96 file via SPDIF: the difference is clear in favor of the local 24/96 file. Again, slightly more organic sounding, more musical, slightly better dynamics, slightly better resolving of treble and space.
CD via drive vs. local 16/44 file via USB: the difference was clear in favor of the CD. Again, just like SACD via ripped DSD64, the difference between CD and ripped 16/44 file is about the same magnitude.
SACD > local DSD64 ripped > local 24/96 > CD = local 16/44 ripped = Qobuz 24/96 > Qobuz 16/44
Just for sanity check, Qobuz through Linn is clearly better than Qobuz through ET3 with all format, Linn simply sounded more musical and less digital sounding.
Hope this helps.
As for the drive unit, it's a new Esoteric unit, and I didn't think to ask about the warranty: I have had 4 Emm Labs units over many many years and none of them broke ever (knock on wood
so I am not all that concerned. You can ping Isis to ask but I am sure there is warranty on the unit.
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Congratulations! This Is good news for many people that appreciate quality of EMMLabs Gear.It’s funny you’re asking this question, as I was doing this exact comparison over the last few days. My streaming setup is a bit unusual. I have two streamers: one is the Linn Akurate DS/3 using its SPDIF output, and the other is the Shanling ET3 using the USB output (I had an NS1 but sold that and kept the ET3). The Linn is used only for Qobuz, and the Shanling is used only for SSD-based USB-attached storage playback with all network functions disabled and SSD drive powered by LPS. I’ve added various USB decrapifiers between the USB audio only output and the USB input on the v4, with separate units for USB signal regeneration and USB galvanic isolation.
I will probably write a bit more when I have time, but here is a summary:
SACD via drive and ripped DSD64 through USB: the SACD sounded a bit more organic, bigger, with slightly better dynamics, depth, and space rendition. The DSD64 file still sounded very good, organic, and musical, but the SACD takes that extra half a step toward realism and live performance.
SACD via drive and 24/96 file via Qobuz through SPDIF: there was a clear difference now in favor of the SACD. While 24/96 from Qobuz still sounding great in isolation, in back-to-back testing, the organic, musical, macro dynamics, micro dynamics, and spatial rendition of the SACD playback really stood out.
CD via drive and 24/96 file via Qobuz through SPDIF: it was not so clear-cut now. With some mastering, I thought the CD sounded even better than the 24/96 Qobuz file, with better macro and micro dynamics and a lot more detail. Other times, I thought the 24/96 sounded just a bit more organic and musical.
Local 24/96 file via USB vs. Qobuz 24/96 file via SPDIF: the difference is clear in favor of the local 24/96 file. Again, slightly more organic sounding, more musical, slightly better dynamics, slightly better resolving of treble and space.
CD via drive vs. local 16/44 file via USB: the difference was clear in favor of the CD. Again, just like SACD via ripped DSD64, the difference between CD and ripped 16/44 file is about the same magnitude.
SACD > local DSD64 ripped > local 24/96 > CD = local 16/44 ripped = Qobuz 24/96 > Qobuz 16/44
Just for sanity check, Qobuz through Linn is clearly better than Qobuz through ET3 with all format, Linn simply sounded more musical and less digital sounding.
Hope this helps.
As for the drive unit, it's a new Esoteric unit, and I didn't think to ask about the warranty: I have had 4 Emm Labs units over many many years and none of them broke ever (knock on wood
Just for knowledge... can you let me know approx cost for upgrade from V2 to V4 of XDS-1? You can also write me in private mail if you prefer.
I still use an old CDSA-SE with "x" upgrade (upgraded analog board that preceded the XDS1-v1 ... 2010). I'm planning to purchase a used XDS1-V2 and later make the upgrade to V4 but ... the overall cost maybe too High in consideration of other competitors...
Please let me know!
All the best
Marco
DM you. You won’t find something comparable in performance for same money - there is 0 competition for v4 at its price, IMO. Which sacd player did you have in mind that you are cross shopping? CDSA is not even the same ballpark as v4 with DA2i dac.
About a month later. Nothing has changed. Every CD sounds freaking high res, natural and musical. That piano recording from the 80s that was transferred from LP to CD that you thought were poorly mastered and sounded “digital” were actually natural sounding. Lower register had that cabinet resonance and ambience and scale, and high notes were light and delicate with all the springiness of a live performance. I literally couldn’t find a CD in my collection that sounded bad or digital on the v4 with DA2i dac. 80s jpop music, damn good. 90s pop, damn musical. Latest kpop, fantastic.
Hi Guys,
You might be interested in a new review of the EMM Labs DV2i in the HIFiReport. (https://www.hifireport.com/emm-labs-dv2i-review/) In part, it says: "Referencing Janine Jansen’s interpretation of Vivaldi’s *The Four Seasons*, this system, spearheaded by the EMM Labs DV2i, delivered an exquisitely beautiful and smooth violin sound, possessing a gently warm, almost springtime allure. Simultaneously, the sound lines remained remarkably clear and taut. Within the listening space, we experienced a pristine, three-dimensional soundstage, steadily revealing the dynamic interplay and precise positioning of both orchestra and soloist. There was an atmosphere of profound tranquility and an uncanny ability to render even the most minute musical details. Everything felt natural and poised, imbued with a refined character and a sense of generous fullness. It effortlessly evoked the noble ambiance of a live orchestral performance. Through the performer’s artistry and this system’s capabilities, *The Four Seasons* unfolded with the ebb and flow of nature’s changing seasons, showcasing musical nuances that shifted with each seasonal theme. The sound was transparent and delicate, subtle dynamics clear and natural, with a captivating beauty and lushness."
You might be interested in a new review of the EMM Labs DV2i in the HIFiReport. (https://www.hifireport.com/emm-labs-dv2i-review/) In part, it says: "Referencing Janine Jansen’s interpretation of Vivaldi’s *The Four Seasons*, this system, spearheaded by the EMM Labs DV2i, delivered an exquisitely beautiful and smooth violin sound, possessing a gently warm, almost springtime allure. Simultaneously, the sound lines remained remarkably clear and taut. Within the listening space, we experienced a pristine, three-dimensional soundstage, steadily revealing the dynamic interplay and precise positioning of both orchestra and soloist. There was an atmosphere of profound tranquility and an uncanny ability to render even the most minute musical details. Everything felt natural and poised, imbued with a refined character and a sense of generous fullness. It effortlessly evoked the noble ambiance of a live orchestral performance. Through the performer’s artistry and this system’s capabilities, *The Four Seasons* unfolded with the ebb and flow of nature’s changing seasons, showcasing musical nuances that shifted with each seasonal theme. The sound was transparent and delicate, subtle dynamics clear and natural, with a captivating beauty and lushness."
After 4 months with the DV2i I had a couple of weeks away and on returning I was reminded just what a stunning DAC it is. I suppose it should be fully run in now as it must have well over 500 hours on it.
Interesting to hear peoples experiences with other CD transports, has anyone tried the Emm Labs TXi ?
Interesting to hear peoples experiences with other CD transports, has anyone tried the Emm Labs TXi ?
Hi, based on my personal experience, it takes over a thousand hours for the sound to stabilized. It also depends on how revealing your sound system is.
That's good to know it will continue to evolve but very content with how it is now.
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