EMM Labs DV2i Integrated D/A Converter: A Masterclass in Digital Excellence

When the conversation turns to the masters of the digital domain, the Canadian firm EMM Labs inevitably commands the spotlight. At its heart is the legendary Ed Meitner, a pivotal figure in the birth of the Super Audio CD (SACD). Working in close concert with Sony and Philips, Ed and his team at EMM Labs forged the next generation of digital playback, becoming the first to develop and manufacture multi-channel DSD systems. While the company's roots are firmly planted in digital innovation, its expertise has since branched out to encompass world-class preamplifiers and power amplifiers.

Though physical media has largely given way to the era of streaming, the DSD format remains a cornerstone of high-resolution audio. It’s no surprise, then, that the world’s most respected recording studios and music labels—especially those dedicated to SACD and DSD production—continue to rely on EMM Labs. Their client roster reads like a who's who of audio excellence: Abbey Road Studios, Andrea Bocelli, Chesky Records, Diana Krall, EMI, Linn Records, Philips SACD, SONY Music, Universal Music, and countless others.

Within its chassis, the DV2i integrates a state-of-the-art network streaming system, fed by its own isolated power supply. It offers native support for DSD, xDSD, and DXD files, along with full MQA decoding. For seamless integration into any modern ecosystem, it is Roon Ready and supports Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and vTuner.

The magic of real-time signal processing is handled by the new MDAT2™ DSP, which works in synergy with the 16xDSD DACs to preserve the purest signal integrity. Jitter is effectively a non-issue, thanks to EMM’s enhanced MFAST™ frequency acquisition protocol and the asynchronous MCLK3™ clocking system. Powering this entire assembly is EMM Labs' exclusive high-efficiency switching power supply, ensuring stable, pristine current so that every component operates at its absolute peak. Designed, tested, and hand-assembled entirely at their facility in Canada, the DV2i is a testament to an unwavering commitment to quality.

The Listening Sessions

EMM Labs' reputation in the digital sphere is long and storied. Their profound understanding of digital audio file processing has earned them reverence in the world of D/A converters. We recall an interview years ago where one of their engineers lucidly explained the principles and sonic benefits of digital upsampling, leaving us deeply impressed by their expertise and with unshakable confidence in their products. The DV2i builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, the 2019 DV2, by integrating a comprehensive networking module, opening the door to the world of high-fidelity streaming.

For our evaluation, the DV2i was placed at the helm of a system comprised of the magnificent Harbeth 40.3XD loudspeakers and a PrimaLuna EVO 400 tube integrated amplifier, fitted with KT170 power tubes.

A Soundstage of Unblemished Clarity and First-Class Musicality

With Janine Jansen’s vibrant interpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, the system led by the DV2i delivered a violin performance of exquisite beauty and resolute strength. The timbre was gorgeous and fluid, imbued with a gentle, springtime warmth, yet the leading edges of notes were rendered with crystalline resolution and substance. A clean, three-dimensional soundstage materialized in the room, presenting the orchestra and soloist with unwavering stability in their placement and dynamics. There was a profound sense of peaceful authority, a meticulous yet effortless portrayal of musical detail. Everything felt natural and poised, cloaking the performance in an aura of nobility and grace. The system masterfully conveyed the dramatic shifts of the seasons, revealing a transparent and finely textured sound, rich with moisture and beauty.

Vocals of Substance and Startling Vitality

Turning to Chie Ayado's album To You, the system captured the singer's powerful, soulful essence with breathtaking balance and emotional pull. While the combination of Harbeth speakers and a vacuum tube amplifier is already a potent recipe for midrange magic, the DV2i elevated the experience to another level. As Ayado’s voice swelled with power, we heard not just force, but a wealth of micro-detail and a palpable sonic density that gave her rich tone its character. The DV2i’s contribution—its resolving power, soundstage integrity, and timbral transparency—brought a crucial equilibrium to the sound.

One never doubts an EMM Labs product's ability to decode high-resolution formats; that is their signature strength. The true marvel is the sheer naturalness and density of the resulting sound. It was incredibly transparent and devoid of fatigue, yet possessed a vitality that felt almost analog. It’s clear why EMM Labs emphasizes the importance of their analog circuitry; their mastery extends far beyond the digital ones and zeros.

A Fluid, Dense, and Effortless Presentation

On Gregory Porter’s "Hey Laura," the music flowed with an unforced, natural ease. The bass was presented with exceptional density and weight, blooming into the room with a controlled, flowing energy. It was like watching a dark cloud drift across the sky—deep and substantial, yet moving with a quiet, unobtrusive grace. As the piano chords were struck, the low frequencies layered and swelled like rich, dense foam. The brass section was strikingly vivid, its brilliant tone soaring without a hint of harshness, the physical effort of the players almost visible. A wealth of air and detail around each note created a dynamic, lively feel. Porter’s voice itself was bathed in a special warmth, emerging from the mix with a clean, (mellow and rich) character that was both focused and utterly captivating.

This captivating quality continued with John Legend's "All of Me." The piano sounded clean and articulate, painting a solid, three-dimensional image in the intimate space before us. Each note was a fully formed, glistening pearl, a delight to hear without ever becoming sharp or aggressive. A subtle, satisfying weight at the end of each note’s decay added to the sense of realism. Legend’s vocal performance was simply exquisite. In softer passages, his voice was edged with a delicate airiness while remaining perfectly clear. As he applied more force, his voice projected with power and strength, yet never lost its intelligent, soulful beauty. The DV2i wrapped his potent, nuanced vocal lines in the pearlescent notes of the piano, creating a truly mesmerizing experience.

Revealing the Essence of the Music

Finally, with James Blunt’s "You’re Beautiful," the instrumental performance was again a joy. The texture of the acoustic guitar, the vibrant bounce of the strings, and the clear articulation of the fingerwork were rendered with startling life. You could hear the crisp initial pluck followed by the resonant elasticity of the string. This interplay of bright attack and deep, sonorous decay created a wonderful contrast, making the lively passages feel more energetic and the somber moments more profound.

Blunt's voice was presented with the same focused, cohesive feel. The delicate emotion in his gentle phrasing was palpable, and as he shifted into his signature falsetto, the tone remained round and full-bodied, never becoming thin or brittle. It was rich with emotional color, showcasing the DV2i’s ability to render every facet of a performance with equal aplomb—from the softest whisper to the most powerful crescendo. It was a complete and deeply satisfying portrayal, restoring the song’s raw, heartfelt intimacy.

In the end, the EMM Labs DV2i proves itself to be more than just a decoder of digital information. It is a true musical instrument, an alchemist that transforms bits and bytes into a sound that is whole, complete, and profoundly human.