DA2i_ManualV1.6
DA2i_ManualV1.6
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Table of Contents 002 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Welcome 001
Table of Contents 002
Safety Instructions 004
Warranty 005
DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER 006
Features & Specifications 007
Front Panel & Functions 009
Back Panel & Functions 010
Operation - Main Screen 012
Operation - Menu Functions 013
Operation - Inputs & Connections 014
Operation - EMM Optilink Connection 015
Operation - USB Audio 016
Operation - Operation DSD, DXD & MQA® Audio 017
Network & Streaming - Connecting to the Network 019
Network & Streaming - mConnect Control App 020
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Table of Contents 003 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Network & Streaming - mConnect Control App - File Playback & Control 021
Network & Streaming - mConnect Control App - Sync, Volume & Mute Functions 022
Network & Streaming - mConnect Control App - Making a Playlist 023
Network & Streaming - mConnect Control App - Streaming Services 025
Network & Streaming - mConnect Control App - Setup & Information 027
Network & Streaming - Roon Setup 029
Infrared Remote Control 030
Infrared Remote Control 031
Care & Maintenance 032
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Safety Instructions 004 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Safety Instructions
Prior to Installing your new EMM Labs product please read the following safety
instructions:
• Read and follow all instructions
• Keep these instructions
• Do not use or install product near any sources of water, rain and/or moisture
• Clean using only a dry cloth
• Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• Refer all servicing to approved service personnel
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat
• Do not install product outdoors or in direct sunlight
• Leave at least 10cm or 4 inches around product to ensure proper ventilation
• Do not place product near strong electrical or magnetic radiation/emissions
or near a power amplifier
This EMM Labs product must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection (grounding pin). All EMM Labs products must be connected to a
mains socket or outlet, with a protective earthing connection (grounding pin).
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO WATER OR MOISTURE.
EEC: This product has been designed and tested to comply with the
limits set out in EN55032:2022, EN55035:2018, and EN 62368-1:2014
(electrical safety).
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Warranty 005 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Warranty
EMM Labs warrants the DA2i against defects in material and workmanship under normal
use and service for a period of time specified by the product’s serial number from the date
of first delivery to the owner. The warranty time period is 3 years.
Warranty is limited to the original owner and is non-transferable. EMM Labs will pay for
return shipping charges back to the owner when the product is sent to EMM Labs within
the first 90 days after purchase (US and Canada end-users only). Otherwise, owner will be
responsible for all shipping charges to and from EMM Labs.
For all warranty claims, a copy of the original invoice must accompany the product.
Opening the product or modifying it in any way by the owner, including but not limited
to cryogenic treatment, will void any warranty.
Please contact EMM Labs ([email protected]) for RMA number and shipping
instructions before shipping any product to EMM Labs.
EMM Labs products are sold worldwide through authorized dealers with restricted
territories. EMM Labs product purchased from any non-authorized dealers or from
dealers selling outside their authorized territory will automatically void product
warranty.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER 006 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
The DA2i represents our updated flagship 16xDSD/DSD1024 stereo D/A converter—a
significant evolutionary leap in our line of award-winning, critically acclaimed high-end
converter systems.
With its newly integrated streaming system, Ed’s next-generation 16xDSD/DSD1024
DACs, and our innovative EMM proprietary power system, the DA2i is poised to elevate
your audio experience. Additionally, the DA2i’s digital input system has undergone
meticulous updates, featuring source and power isolation for both USB and network
connections. Now, USB Audio and networking support DSD, 2xDSD, DXD, and MQA®
technology, enabling seamless playback of high-resolution audio files. Prepare to immerse
yourself in sound like never before—the DA2i awaits!
The DA2i has:
• Ed Meitner’s next generation proprietary discrete Dual Differential
16xDSD/DSD1024 DACs along with its new class A analog outputs
• Latest generation 16xDSD Meitner Digital Audio Translator (MDAT2™) DSP
• Updated enhanced MFAST™ signal acquisition and jitter-free performance
• Latest generation MCLK3™ proprietary master clock
• Updated source and power isolation for both USB and Network interface
• 2xDSD, DXD (352/384kHz), MQA® and ROON over USB and Network
• Exclusive aerospace-grade ceramic circuit boards
• Latest generation EMM Labs proprietary power supply system
• RS232 port for future software upgrades
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Features & Specifications 007 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Features & Specifications 008 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
System Control:
• Infrared remote
• RS-232 serial port
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Front Panel & Functions 009 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
USB DSD128 �
MUTE POLARITY MENU ◄ INPUT ►
�
�
�
1. Display
2. Touch Buttons
3. Infrared Remote Sensor
4. Standby/Power-Save Button: Toggles the operation between on and standby mode.
The remote and all front panel functions are inactive in standby mode
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Back Panel & Functions 010 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
�
1. Product model and serial number indicator: Warranty void if model/serial number
indicator is not attached to unit, missing or damaged whereby serial number cannot
be seen.
2. Main power switch and power inlet
3. Voltage Indicator: Indicates working voltage of the DA2i. Only use with indicated
line voltage.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Back Panel & Functions 011 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
All inputs support up to 24bit, 192kHz and DSD. USB Audio, network and USB media
additionally support DXD and DSD/DSD64 and 2xDSD/DSD128 streaming.
6. System:
• RS232 Remote and Service Port for diagnostics and firmware upgrades
• Network systems reset
7. Analog Outputs:
• Left and Right Balanced (XLR) Connectors
• Left and Right Un-Balanced (RCA) Connectors
• Output Line Level with 0dBfs signal on AES/EBU input (High/Low):
■ XLR outputs: 7.0/5.0V (+19.1/16.2dBu)
■ RCA outputs: 3.5/2.5V ((+13.1/10.2dBu)
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Operation 012 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Operation MUTE
The main screen shows input and sample rate information from all the DA2i’s inputs. It
allows allows the end user to change the following settings:
Mute : Mute the DA2i by pressing the touch button directly below the “MUTE” POLARITY
function on the display. When muted the display will show “MUTED” and
be highlighted USB
MUTE POL INV MENU
DSD128
◄ INPUT ►
Polarity : Toggles the analog output polarity by pressing the touch button directly
below the “POLARITY” function on the display. When inverted the display
will show “POL INV” and be highlighted. This function is performed in the
digital domain
Menu : Engage the “MENU” function by pressing the touch button directly below MENU
it. A new sub-menu will display the 4 menu functions (details next page):
• DISPLAY - Display brightness settings USB DSD128
MUTE POLARITY MENU ◄ INPUT ►
• SCREEN SAVER - Screen saver settings
• FACTORY RESET - Resets the DA2i to factory default
• RESET NETWORK - Resets the network settings to factory default
Press “ENTER” to change a setting, “EXIT” to go back to the main screen
MENU DETAILS
◄ ► : Use the back “◄” and forward “►” touch buttons on the main screen to
toggle or scroll through and select one of the DA2i’s inputs BRIGHTNESS SCREEN
SAVER
FACTORY
RESET
RESET
NETWORK
ENTER EXIT ◄ ►
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Operation 013 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Operation BRIGHTNESS
Screen brightness
Is High
Menu Functions
CHANGE EXIT DISP.OFF
Brightness : The “BRIGHTNESS” function allows the end user to set the brightness
of the display. Using the “CHANGE” touch button, brightness can
be set between “High” and “Low”. There is also an option to turn the
display off using the “DISP. OFF” option. In display off mode, the SCREEN SAVER
center touch button indicator will still be lit showing that the DA2i is Screen Saver
Enabled
still on
Screen Saver : The screen saver engages after 2 minutes of inactivity. It dims the CHANGE EXIT
screen for 3 seconds, then turns the screen off. Engaging the remote or
touch buttons, returns screen brightness to its’ previous state. It is
disabled when the display off mode is engaged. This function stops
the OLED display from burn-in issues when the DA2i is left on for a FACTORY RESET
switch) while the network system is resetting the network connection. RESET EXIT
Doing so may damage the network interface
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Operation 014 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
The main screen shows the current input that is being used and sample rate. The sample
rate is shown, when a valid digital audio stream is detected. If there is nothing connected
or an invalid audio stream, “NO LOCK” is displayed. Along with the sample rate, the
type of MQA® stream is also displayed. The DA2i has a host of digital inputs: USB
EMM : EMM Optilink input. Proprietary EMM Labs ST glass optical connection to
an EMM Labs CD/SACD transport or player eg. TX2, TSDX, XDS1 etc.
USB STUDIO
352.8kHz
USB : USB Audio connection supports up to 24bit 192kHz PCM, DXD 352 and
384kHz, DSD64 and DSD128 (2xDSD) and MQA® using USB 2.0 cables
NET : Network (RJ45) connection supports up to 24bit 192kHz PCM, DXD 352
and 384kHz, DSD64 and DSD128 (2xDSD) and MQA®. Track information, NETWORK
if available will be shown at the top of the display Track information shown here
AES : Balanced digital interface supports up to 24bit 192kHz PCM and DSD via NET STREAM DSD128
XLR 110Ω digital cables MUTE POLARITY MENU ◄ INPUT ►
COAX : COAX S/PDIF interface which supports up to 24bit 192kHz PCM and DSD
via RCA 75Ω digital cables
TOS : TOSLINK optical interface supports up to 24bit 192kHz PCM and DSD via
TOSLINK optical interface AES “NO LOCK”
Connect the source digital outputs to the appropriate DA2i digital inputs and select the AES NO LOCK
appropriate input using the input toggle/scroll back (◄) or forward (►) touch buttons. MUTE POLARITY MENU ◄ INPUT ►
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Operation 015 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Operation
TX2/TSDX/XDS1 DA2i
For the TX2/TSDX/XDS1/TSD1 connect the EMM Optilink cable from the to the DA2i.
For the TSD1, along with the EMM Optilink cable connection, the External Clock switch
must be set to internal.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Operation 016 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Operation
USB Audio
1. Use only an appropriate well-shielded certified USB 2.0* cable to connect from any
USB digital audio source component’s (computer, laptop, media player etc.) output
to the DA2is’ USB Audio input (not the USB Media port).
2. The DA2i’s USB Audio interface uses the B-type USB connector similar to
connectors used on printers. Please see image below:
3. Select the USB Audio input using the input selector touch buttons or remote.
4. For the latest Windows 10/11 and MAC OSX systems, no drivers are needed.
*Not using proper USB 2 or higher certified cables will cause audio issues between digital
source and the DA2i.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Operation 017 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Operation
4. Every media player will have specific installation and setup procedures for enabling
DSD, DXD and MQA® file streaming. Please consult its specific software manual to
properly enable these features.
5. Some software/hardware manufacturers also provide quick start and software setup
guides.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Operation 018 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Operation
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 019 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Network Cable
mConnect Control
app Mobile/Tablet for
Playback and Control
Network Switch/Router
2. Select the “NET” input on the DA2i either using the remote or the front panel
input touch buttons.
3. You can also install a USB flash drive (FAT32 or NTFS formatted) by
attaching it to the DA2i’s USB Media input port for direct audio file playback.
4. Download and install mConnect Control app for mobile Android or IOS. For mConnect Control
Mobile and tablet/iPad app
tablets and to use the landscape interface install the mConnect Control HD
app. The mobile device or tablet must be connected on the same network as the
DA2i. Do not install the mConnect Player Lite, mConnect Player (paid app) or
mConnect Player HD.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 020 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Internet
EMM-DA2i Streaming
Services
� � � Cloud
Storage
Local phone
tablet storage,
USB Media,
UPNP/DLNA
network storage
mConnect startup Select DA2i from “Play to” DA2i selected Browser Page
2. Start the mConnect Control app, press the “Play to” button on the bottom right.
Select the device with the EMM icon or named “EMM_DA2i”.
3. Select and press the “Browser” button. You can then then select:
• “Internet Music” streaming music services eg. Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify
• “Cloud” play files from online storage services eg. Dropbox or OneDrive
• “Local Server” play files from local storage (mobile/tablet), USB drive
connected to the DA2i, detected DLNA/UPnP enabled network storage
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 021 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Repeat Shuffle
1. In our example we select tracks from the “Local Server” which show audio files on
the mobile/tablet device, USB storage connected to the DA2i or any DLNA/UPnP
enabled storage on the network.
My Music
� � � Playback
controls
Local
storage
EMM-DA2i Server
USB
storage
Playback
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 022 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
mConnect Control App - Sync, Volume (DV2i only) & Mute Features
1. Once playback is initiated using the mConnect app, the DA2i/DV2i will sync and
automatically switch to the “NET” (network) input. Prior stored volume settings
will be used, or the initial factory default volume setting will be set.
2. Please see mConnect interface pictures to the right:
• Mute control button (outlined in red), mutes and un-mutes the DA2i/DV2i
Coarse
• Coarse volume control (outlined in green). Please note: Coarse volume touch
volume
control is touch/click based. Accidentally setting the volume to maximum or DV2i only
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 023 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
� �
“All Song” page Create new playlist Select and “ADD TO”
2. The display will show the file selection option to the left of the audio files list.
Select the tracks and press the “Add To” button to add tracks to the specific playlist.
3. You can also add tracks to a specific playlist using “Artist”, “Album”, by using
the folder option and/or using search functions.
4. Multiple playlists, pre-selected favorite folders and device specific playlists can be
created pressing “Favorites” button and accessing the favorites and playlist
functions.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 024 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Add
tracks
Playlist
specific
function
� � �
5. In the “Favourites” page select “MY PLAYLISTS” tab and locate a specific playlist
and press the function button to the right of the playlist. Press “PLAY” to start
playback.
6. From this function list you can also edit playlist name or remove/delete the playlist.
7. If you select a playlist you will be able to see its contents. Use add tracks function,
“+” button located at the top right of the display to add tracks to the specific selected
playlist.
8. To the left of the add tracks function is the remove/edit playlist function. This allows
for the removal of specific tracks in the playlist.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 025 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
� � � �
2. Once logged in you can browse, search and playback files like normal.
3. Other streaming services like Qobuz, Deezer and the online storage services like
DropBox and OneDrive are accessed the same way using the mConnect app.
4. Spotify uses its own app to stream audio to the DA2i/DV2i. Within Spotify select
�
the “Connect to device” page and select the DA2i/DV2i from the list. See Spotify EMM-DA2i
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 026 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
1. vTuner is a free radio streaming service included with the DA2i/DV2i streamer.
No account nor subscription is required to use stream radio stations.
EMM-DA2i
� � � �
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 027 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
1. Access the DA2i/DV2i’s device setup for detailed network information, change the
DA2i/DV2i’s network name, set a static IP or to update the DA2i/DV2i’s firmware.
EMM-DA2i EMM-DA2i
DA2i
Changing
the network
name
Setting a
�
static IP
Firmware
update
Device settings
2. DA2i/DV2i has a pre-assigned default factory set network name, in this case it is
“EMM_DA2i”. You can change this by selecting the “Device Name Change”
option.
3. Set a static IP for the DA2i/DV2i by pressing the cog on right of the “LAN IP”
setting.
4. If a firmware update is available you will be notified at the bottom of the page,
and you can just press this option to update.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 028 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
5. Selecting the info icon, top right side of player, shows device information
including IP address, firmware version and gap-less playback option.
EMM-DA2i
DA2i/DV2i
information
EMM-DA2i
DA2i
192.xxx.xx.xxx
IP, firmware and
“Gapless” option
Device setup
6. Using the “Gapless” option button, you can turn gap-less playback on or off.
Default is on where there is no gap between tracks.
7. You can use this feature to quickly check that the mConnect Control/HD app is
connected to the EMM Labs DA2i/DV2i, and if the DA2i/DV2i is properly
connected to your network.
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Network & Streaming 029 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Roon Setup
The DA2i/DV2i Integrated D/A Converter is Roon Ready and can be setup as a Roon
Endpoint. To start you will need the following:
1. A Roon account. If you don’t have an account please subscribe their service from
their website:
https://roonlabs.com/
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Infrared Remote Control 030 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Polarity : Toggles the analog output polarity. This function is performed in the
digital domain. When engaged the display will show “POL INV” and
it will be highlighted
Display : Toggles the front panel display text brightness settings on the DA2i
Input Buttons :
• EMM : Selects the EMM Optilink input
• USB : Selects the USB Audio input
• AES : Selects the AES/EBU input, balanced digital XLR
• COAX : Selects SPDIF input, unbalanced COAX/RCA
• TOS : Selects SPDIF input, TOSLINK optical
• NET : Selects network input, RJ45
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Infrared Remote Control 031 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
The remote control provides combined functions for both the DA2i (Green), associated
EMM Labs TX2 transport (Red) and some EMM Labs pre-amp functions (Orange).
DAC
DAC : Toggles the preset display brightness settings in DA2i
Input Buttons :
• EMM : Selects the EMM Optilink input
• PC : Selects the USB Audio input
• AES : Selects the AES/EBU input, balanced digital XLR TRANSPORT
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Care & Maintenance 032 DA2i STEREO D/A CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
Check out our website for more information about EMM Labs. Register your product,
download manuals and support information. Learn about our up-coming products, along
with product news, the latest reviews and upcoming product updates.
Scan the QR code below or go to: https://www.emmlabs.com
© 2024 EMM Labs, All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.