Hi Lou,

Thanks again for your thoughts. I am using EMM's ST optical cable for connection. I briefly tried coax (MIT) and AES/EBU (Cardas) and preferred the ST (though, perhaps surprisingly, I much preferred the MIT coax to the more expensive Cardas balanced).

I think my AC is in pretty good shape, I have the whole thing wired up with Shunyata power products from the wall in, but have not gone with an isolation transformer as you have (I rent).

For better or worse, I get my gear straight from EMM Labs (because I work with Gallo speakers, EMM has been kind enough to deal with me directly), so I have no local dealer to whom I can turn. Tomorrow I am going to a local stereo store, the owner of which is a friend of mine, and I will give the EMM stuff a work out on as many systems as I need to to figure out the source of the problem(s).

I will let you know what happens....

phatboy February 12, 2005 02:58

Thanks for the reply Lou.

Of course the 1000 was a mess in terms of reliability. But I also seem to be having problems with the DCC2 , I think. I have a BIG (+10db) boost at 80hz and a very bad roll-off over 10kHz. I know that the boost could be room-related and thus fix-able with room-tuning stuff (40-80Hz being the region of greatest problmes), but I have briefly tried the CDSD/DCC2 in another system and the problem seemed to follow them out of my listening room....

Perhaps of more ocncern is the HF roll-off b/c my speakers (MBLs) should extend out to over 30kHz and this is not a region of room-related problems generally. Have you experienced any similar problmes?

Thanks again, Sol

phatboy February 08, 2005 00:25

Hi Txlef,

I also replaced my SACD 1000 with the CDSD. The 1000 died (no surprise there!) so I really had no choice in the matter and then it was several months before I could take delivery of my CDSD. As such, I cannot say for certain if the CDSD SOUNDS better (both sounded very good, IMHO)--though it is certainly more expensive! Perhaps you'd care to shed light on the matter? Thanks.

Also, I have been very pleased with the DCC2 as a preamp, but your last note has made me interested in looking around a bit more....

phatboy February 06, 2005 06:55

Hi again Txlef,

Thanks for your response--that's cool of you. The thing is, I am able to buy factory-direct at accommodation prices… which is great, but I often do not get a chance to TRY before I BUY, so I am more dependant on advice from people like you than most others.

Actually, I've had some experience w/ Richard Gray and Monster Power and have not been greatly impressed on audio (though the Richard Gray was AWESOME on improving video...). Actually, my other choice was a Sunyata Hydra 8; I’ve heard so many good things. Have any experience?

By the way, I’ve got a DCC2 on order from EMM Labs' next batch, I’m eagerly awaiting (and yes, that I HAVE heard!). Thanks again, Phatboy.

phatboy May 01, 2004 19:42

I have a question though: I rent (and move often) so I just don't think that the Equi=Tech is a reasonable choice for me. I am looking into in-room conditioners... given your experience, have you used any of these that you would highly recomend?

phatboy April 16, 2004 06:06