Audiophilepure

https://www.stereophile.com/content/emm-labs-da2i-da-processor

Setup was a snap. I placed the unit on the top shelf of my rack and supported it with the same Wilson Audio Pedestals I use under my reference DAC system and other components. Then I attached the input, output, and power cables and fired it up. Instead of using the supplied Kimber power cable (footnote 7), I used the same power cable I use with my reference. I also stuck exclusively with the DA2i’s XLR (balanced) outputs, because the D’Agostino Relentless preamp in my reference system only accepts balanced.

From cold, EMM Labs recommends keeping the unit on for 3-4 days before listening. It isn’t necessary to run signal through it during this period, they say. Because first impressions make an outsized impact, I waited a good four days before listening. I compared the DA2i to the much more expensive, three-piece Vivaldi Apex system, my reference. It took me just a minute or two to easily switch between them by moving a single USB cable and pair of XLR cables between the two DACs.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/emm-labs-da2i-da-processor

The DA2i enables you to stream from an outboard server—I connected the Innuos Statement Next-Gen music server via USB, which allowed me to play recordings stored on its internal drive, my NAS (which is located in my office in the main house), and the servers of streaming services Qobuz and Tidal—or to use Roon, mConnect, or other playback software to operate the DA2i’s internal streamer. I stuck to Roon at the request of the folks at EMM Labs, but the manual devotes nine pages to mConnect.

Turning to the back panel, the D90 III Discrete offers everything you’d expect from a high-end DAC, with connectivity that covers a wide range of setups. All of the unit’s inputs and outputs are located on the rear panel. The D90 III Discrete has unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs. The inputs are USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES, and IIS. The quality of the connectors is great, as you would expect from Topping. The sockets feel rigid and durable without any wobble. For added convenience, you also get 12V trigger I&O.

Overall, the D90 III Discrete feels like a solid and reliable DAC. The sturdy materials, rich I/O options, and user-friendly layout make it a solid option in the market. That said, I can’t help but feel that Topping missed an opportunity to update the design to match their newer, more aggressive monoblock aesthetic. This feels particularly relevant considering their new flagship D900, which uses a similar PSRM module but doubles the 16-phase design to 32-phase for even greater performance and sports a more modern and premium look. While this decision might be a way to differentiate the two products, I would have preferred a sleeker, more contemporary iteration for the D90 III Discrete.

Every one of my reviews starts with a straightforward yet profoundly simple premise: “If it’s interesting to me, it’ll be interesting to you”, with my pedantic brain focusing on the concentration of quality while keeping the enthusiasm unbottled.

Regardless of technology, novel ideas, or price tag, many modern DACs can still sound harsh and one-dimensional. This is often closely associated with streamlined manufacturing, which Abendrot escapes by all means, drawing its design choices from an impressive track record working with some of the most renowned studios worldwide.

Regular readers of my reviews will be aware that my listening reference is, first of all, live music, and that my experience is that analog reproduction using a first-class turntable, cartridge and phono stage generally does the best job of recreating the illusion of live music in one’s listening room.  My experience with Redbook CD is that the format from the last fifteen years or so can give satisfaction, particularly with pop music and jazz, but that they lack the air and micro-detail in orchestral and other classical music contexts.  Even with pop and jazz, analog can sound warmer and more natural and relaxed.  The amount of difference we hear between Redbook and analog can be very system dependent and certainly less noticeable on a less resolving system.  The DSD/SACD formats changed the digital game to a fair degree, but I generally still prefer analog.  Looking ahead, I will say that the EMM Labs DA2i has advanced the state of the format noticeably.