EMM Labs XDS1 V3 Reference CD/SACD Player and DAC
Reference CD/SACD player with MDAT technology and discrete dual differential DACs delivers Ed Meitner’s legendary expertise in a complete audio hub.
I own Bliss Hifi, a high-end audio boutique and, and this EMM Labs XDS1 V3 is in on consignment on behalf of one of my local clients. He was the single owner of this unit, which is in excellent, near-mint cosmetic and functional condition. The unit is up to spec and was serviced in 2024 to be updated to the V3 version, which included the installation of a completely new drive mechanism.
The unit comes with a remote control. The manual is available as a soft copy online, and I can send a PDF after purchase. The original box is not available, but we will pack this item securely for safe and secure shipping.
Check my stellar feedback and buy with confidence. This listing includes free insured shipping anywhere to CONUS. Payment by PayPal F&F, Venmo Gift, bank transfer, cash or check is preferred. I will also accept credit card payments or PayPal with purchase protection or, but both methods incur a 3.1% fee.
More on the XDS1:
The XDS1 Reference CD/SACD Player/Converter delivers digital audio reproduction at its absolute pinnacle. Designed by legendary digital audio pioneer Ed Meitner, who helped develop the SACD format itself, the XDS1 represents a radical departure from conventional digital design, featuring proprietary MDAT (Meitner Digital Audio Translator) technology that upsamples all audio to 2xDSD frequency of 5.6MHz while preserving phase, frequency, and dynamic integrity. Unlike manufacturers who rely on off-the-shelf chipsets, EMM Labs has developed their own discrete, dual differential DAC circuitry in-house, combined with revolutionary MFAST jitter elimination technology and a Class A output stage using only discrete components. The result is an astonishingly clean, agile sound with supreme naturalistic reproduction that reviewers consistently describe as possibly the finest SACD player available.
Beyond its exceptional disc playback capabilities, the XDS1 serves as a complete digital audio hub and reference-grade standalone DAC for the most demanding systems. It offers comprehensive connectivity with AES/EBU, Toslink, coaxial, and USB Audio digital inputs, plus both XLR (5V) and RCA (2.5V) analog outputs, along with AES/EBU and proprietary EMM OptiLink digital outputs for maximum system flexibility. The USB input supports DSD streaming, while firmware updates via USB ensure future-proof performance. Housed in a precision-machined, 37.4-pound chassis with dedicated power supply sections and built around a proven Esoteric transport mechanism, the XDS1 has earned consistent praise from reviewers for making listeners rediscover their entire music collections, delivering the kind of engaging, musical sound that keeps you listening for hours. At $25,000, it represents the culmination of decades of digital audio expertise.
Happy to answer any questions. Thanks for your consideration.
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Visit us for a listening session and free consultation
You are cordially invited to experience Bliss. We are located in Minnetonka, MN on the Deephaven border. We accommodate visits by appointment only and give you our complete attention when you are here. You should expect to have the opportunity to listen to a reference-level system and being engaged in discussion so we learn how to best help guide you further along your journey.
Hours: By appointment only
Call: 612-234-5850