Emm labs DA2 v2 upgrade

[Byron]

Yes it does. The only difference the v3 doesn’t have besides the streamer is the new input board.

Thanks, so many different versions… Credit to Emm Labs for providing future proof updates.

 

[nicoludio]

Do take note that, when compared to the V3 versions, the DA2i & DV2i will also have new faceplates (OLED display + touchscreen controls) and new back plates.

 

[Byron]

I hear that Qobuz connect is now available for Emm/Meitner which is great news. The Qobuz app is much improved. I’ve been using it from a separate streamer into my MA3 and it sounds at least as good.

 

[Byron]

I have a DV2i on order so will be able to judge for myself very soon. Can't wait!

 

[Ian B]

I'm actually a bit confused about Qobuz connect because Qobuz has always been available through MConnect, and the Qobuz Control app only controls streaming for the specific digital device it is on..

 

[Byron]

I'm actually a bit confused about Qobuz connect because Qobuz has always been available through MConnect, and the Qobuz Control app only controls streaming for the specific digital device it is on..

If you can see the whats playing screen in the app it will show you what device it's using ie iPhone. if you click where it says iPhone it will bring up available devices and your DAC should be there. Hopefully you can see my screenshots. It's just like selecting a Bluetooth speaker on Spotify etc.

 

[Ian B]

If you can see the whats playing screen in the app it will show you what device it's using ie iPhone. if you click where it says iPhone it will bring up available devices and your DAC should be there. Hopefully you can see my screenshots. It's just like selecting a Bluetooth speaker on Spotify etc.

Thanks! Got it.

 

[Yuen A.]

Hi guys,

My V3 has over a thousand hours of running-in. For over a month now, I hear no change in sound quality. For the sake of comparison, I attended a live classical concert two days ago. I got the best seat, 10 rows from the stage, right in the middle of the concert hall. With my eyes closed, I wanted to know how close my sound system sounds when compared to live, unamplified sounds of a symphony orchestra. The verdict: very, very close when it comes to dynamics, timbre, details and hall ambient.

 

[twowheels]

I spent half a day comparing the MA3i vs DV2 v2 using the USB in a good enough system; Luxman NT-07 streamer, Luxman C-10X & M-10X with Magico M2 speakers and would prefer the MA3i anytime. The DV2 V3 may be a different story but at double the cost of the MA3i.

Afaik, @Genesis168 is the only one (other than dealers) I know of that owns and has listened to both the MA3i and DA2i so you might want to PM him. The DA2i / DV2i will be better than the MA3i but there will be diminishing returns. It will not be 3x improvement of the cost difference between the units.

If you do not require streaming, you may want to consider the DV2 V3 as a (slightly ) more cost effective solution.

I have been demoing for the past couple weeks a DV2 v2 and an MA3i in my excellent system, Atmosphere MA3 v3, siltech cables, Aurender N200, Quintessence stealth, and while the MA3i is exceptional, I find the DV2 a bit better primarily in its coherence, musicality and emotional engagement. There is something that is more magical about it. Based on the wonderful opportunity I have been given to really get the measure of these two exceptional pieces of equipment, I'm biting the bullet and am getting a DV2i.

 

[Byron]

I have been demoing for the past couple weeks a DV2 v2 and an MA3i in my excellent system, Atmosphere MA3 v3, siltech cables, Aurender N200, Quintessence stealth, and while the MA3i is exceptional, I find the DV2 a bit better primarily in its coherence, musicality and emotional engagement. There is something that is more magical about it. Based on the wonderful opportunity I have been given

I've had my DV2i for a couple of weeks now and everything I read previously makes perfect sense. I can't in any way criticise the MA3i as it is a wonderful source for the money, however the DV2i is as it should be a significant upgrade. I think its natural to over listen in an analytical sense when you purchase something like this, even so the improvement was immediately obvious and I soon relaxed into the music. Burn in is definitely a thing! I noticed similar when I got the MA3i upgraded, I struggled with it for a couple of days then boom it was fantastic. The Dv2i was easier but after leaving it playing for a couple of nights I started to hear what it was really like. The sound has more depth, resolution and soundstage but the best way to describe it is totally resolving. It's Music not Hifi. I'm about 100 hours in now and looking forward to it continuing to open up further.

 

[twowheels]

I've had my DV2i for a couple days now and have about 45 hours of constant running on it. It was good out of the box but not as good as the well broken DV2 v2 that I had for a few weeks. The i has now surpassed the older unit in terms of resolution, detail and soundstage. It's spooky how much information it provides. I think the v2 unit is slightly better at this point in time in terms of coherence and involvement but I do not expect that to last long. I look forward to the i continuing to develop. It is truly a magnificent digital source. BTW, I'm using mine as a streamer, DAC and preamp. Once it's broken in, I will try it with my aurender and preamp but I really like the simplicity of using it as an integrated unit. If I keep using it this way, however, it will take a bit of work and planning to play vinyl.

 

[Yuen A.]

Hi Guys,

Not too long ago I have noted in my post here that my V3 is a giant leap forward. This observation is once again confirmed. Today, I gave this album - J. S.. Bach Sonatas and Partitas BWV 101-1006 (Guitar Version) Kazuhito Yamashita (guitar)) (RCA Sony/BMG:BVCC-34115-6 2SACD) (DSD Recorder: EMM Labs ADC8 Mk IV) a relisten and for the first time, via my upgraded DAC, the acoustic guitar is present and alive. I could hear all the subtle nuances, i.e., minor variations and changes in dynamics, tempo, tone, articulation, etc. Even its unpitched mechanical noises sounded natural and realistic. Before the DAC upgrade, the recordings sounded lifeless and boring.

 

[Ian B]

There is a new firmware upgrade, and I had an interesting experience with it. I installed it while listening to Sam Cooke's "Find Yourself Another Fool" DSD file. The install completed and the track shut off. I went back to play it again and it did sound immediately different, and I'm noticing the same for all other music I've listened to. More illumination in the treble, like I can see deeper into the image and hear the top end texture and outlines better.

It does also feel like this is a change that will settle down as it doesn't sound quite as relaxed as before. But the question is: is it a temporary effect just from refreshing a chip, or is the playback permanently changed? There is probably no way to know, because by the time it really settles I can't compare the before and after like I just did. That said, I really like what it did in my system so far.

 

[Genesis168]

Listen to it a few hours later. I did note a change in the previous update. Have not installed this update yet

 

[Yuen A.]

Listen to it a few hours later. I did note a change in the previous update. Have not installed this update yet

Hi guys, thanks for sharing. May I know what the update is for?

 

[Byron]

Hi guys, thanks for sharing. May I know what the update is for?

Firmware Update 4.4.87​

for DV2i, DA2i & MA3i​

New Firmware Release – Version 4.4.87

We’re pleased to announce the latest firmware upgrade for the DV2i, DA2i, and MA3i.



Update 4.4.87 improves Spotify Connect integration, makes firmware updates more reliable, and includes other mControl enhancements.

This is from the email, I haven't updated yet but will do this evening.

 

[Alsatian]

I installed the firmware update a couple of days ago and I’m surprised to say that I think the dac now sounds better. I hadn’t noticed any improvements with previous updates and there’s nothing in the description from the Meitner email/press release about better sound quality. Maybe I just wanted to sound better, but I’ll take it. Seems like there’s a hair more resolution and separation between instruments. Sound staging on orchestral music is also a bit better. Curious to see if anybody else reports improved SQ as well.

 

[Byron]

Updated last night, definitely has a feeling of more depth and openness.

 

[Alsatian]

I asked Meitner about the firmware, possibly improving, the sound quality and they responded:

Thank you for your message and for updating your MA3i. We’re glad to hear that you’re enjoying the sound.
This firmware release was focused on optimizing streaming services and connectivity. While the intention was not to directly change the sonic signature, improvements in how these systems operate together can sometimes enhance the listening experience. Every setup, environment, and app chain is unique, so it’s always rewarding to hear when customers notice a positive difference.
We’re happy to know the update has been a good experience for you and that your MA3i is working well for you.
Isis Graham
Customer Care & Procurement
EMM Labs Inc. | Meitner Design

 

[chesebert]

Anyone here has the XDS1 v4 upgrade? I just sent mine to get upgraded. Based on my understanding it’s essentially a DA2i dac coupled to a new and updated Esoteric drive. Should be great.