EMM MTRX2 Monos Home Evaluation

[JoeN]

Our listening test went well today. The amps excelled at everything we threw at them. The sound continues to be clear and dynamic. There’s excellent synergy with Magico speakers.

Going back to vinyl tomorrow.

[JoeN]

Today we will be testing the MTRX2s with some more vinyl. What does the amp sound like at low volumes? What does it sound like at higher volumes?, etc.

So far the resolution and dynamics have been top shelf. The Magico bass abilities really shine thru with such a quality amp. And the mids and highs are to die for. These amps exhibit tight control over the speakers while at the same time sounding musical and clean. Everything is so clear. When the music ceases for a moment, you hear absolutely nothing. The blackest backgrounds - "The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between." (Mozart). Without this type of silence there is no real rhythm. The MTRX2s exhibit all the rhythm in any recording ….

I’m wondering if Shunyata can make some special 30A Omega Power Cables? They may put this already excellent sounding system on yet another level. I know when the 30A breakers go in that will change things as well.

Beginning the morning with some Julie London….

[JoeN]

The Vinyl and MTRx2 journey continues. A few more fun albums.

[JoeN]

Vinyl is magnificent. I enjoy having different carts. The two I’m using now are the Airtight Opus1 and the MSL Signature Platinum. They are both excellent.

Though at times I may play the same album, the various carts give the feeling of being at two great but different venues. I’m going to have to experiment with some other carts in the future.

The EMM trio (Pre, DA2v2 DAC, and TX2 Transport) and the EMM MTRX2s are awesome together. System synergy is perfect (for us). This said, at a later date I’m thinking of trying the EMM DS-EQ1 Optical Equalizer with a DS Audio Grand Master Cart. Because of the performance of his other products, I’m convinced that Meitner has produced yet another master piece with his EQ1. My only concern is with the reports that DS Grand Master “carts” (not Meitner’s EQ) break easily and are expensive to repair.

We’ve played a lot of 33s so now we’re going thru some 45s. Some pics below of a few of them.

[JoeN]

Tomorrow these amps unfortunately go back to EMM. So, today is my last day of listening. Today is all about fun music to remember the amps by. I’ll be playing May tracks I’ve already sampled and many other new ones. Fun music to remember the amps by.

An electrician will come by later today to give me a price on running new wire. Installing this and a Shunayta Altaira Signal Ground system will improve the sound even more, but it’s already too amazing for words.

Later today I’ll be giving my final evaluation which includes the pros and cons of the amps (as I see and hear them).

[joey_v]

I have been following this thread.
Very cool.
Are you going to buy the Emm monos?

[JoeN]

Originally Posted by joey_v

I have been following this thread.
Very cool.
Are you going to buy the Emm monos?

Not sure yet. They are excellent for sure, however, I still have to listen to some others amps - VAC and Soulution are on the list. WesterminsterLab REI and some Constellations may be also - not sure yet.

Also Pass remains on my list as well. There’s an exceptional synergy between them and the Magico M3s.

Thanks for following. I’ll be posting my final thoughts later today.

[JoeN]

Some last words in what I’m hearing,

EMM products are sleeping giant slayers. They are something very, very special - exceptional. They are well-designed functional pieces of art.

The EMMs drive the Magicos M3s (rated at 500w ea.) with absolutely no effort at all. They reveal everything. They have a smoothness and balance I haven’t heard (yet) in some other high-end amps. Similar to the Pass amps they have a tube-like dimensionality, but they are more detailed and pronounced.

The soundstage is three-dimensional, full and exceptional. A new level of stratospheric enjoyment. The separation of the instruments is quit evident; a halo of energy around each one in the performance. The sound image is densely packed with detail, that’s crisp, pure, clean, and involving. The system conveys the subtlest spatial cues. There’s layer upon layer upon layer of emotionally rich sound.

The sound is natural, real, and genuine. Authentic! A reach out and touch me experience. On female vocals you can hear the subtlest inflections of the notes and lyrics. Ah, the absolute beauty of a delicate but commanding human voice. You can hear the piano keys with a crispness and purity. The upper octaves are tremendous. Violins have never sounded so eloquent; velvety strings, a richness and warmth with phenomenal detail. You haven’t heard Joshua Bell, Nicola Benedetti, Sarah Chang, or Julia Fischer until you have heard them thru MTRX3s and Magico M3s. Stunning!

There’s no coloration. However, there’s beautiful high resolution. This isn’t a clinical sound, but an emotionally involving one. It’s wonderfully analytical - yes detailed, but so very musical. It’s immensely enjoyable. As Berlin sings, ‘Take My Breath Away.”

There’s a more refined grip on the bass that isn’t present with many other amps, including Pass. Don’t get me wrong, the Pass are very good (and their synergy with the Magicos excellent), but the EMMs are just unsurpassed so far to my ear. Magicos have plenty of bass! They aren’t not boomy, but blissful. With the proper amps ( and everything else, the whole chain matters) definite slam when the music requires it.

The midrange detail is absolutely stunning. Shelby Lynn’s “Just A Little Lovin’” is so engaging. WOW!!! On soft rock, the edge of the electric bass guitar is visceral. There are rich timbres thru-out. Drum attacks make me jump at times - surprisingly real and startlingly. Chris Botti on his trumpet playing “Ave Maria” is breathtaking. And Richard Elliot and Paul Taylor on Sax is just “burnin’.”

Overall the EMMs are more neutral and accurate than the Pass. As with EMM’s exceptional DAC, there are just layers and layers and layers of marvelous wondrous musical detail. Warmth, smoothness, and dynamics. There’s no noticeable noise or distortion. Everything is so clear! You get the feeling that there is limitless power reserves. There is a dynamic ease unlike any other amp I’ve heard. There is a definite leap in sound from the Pass to the EMM - a Grand Canyon leap.

These amps need to be heard to be fully appreciated.

Pros:

1. Musical
2. Emotionally Engaging
3. Pure Rich Authoritative Sound
4. Excellent Power (including reserve power)
5. Tube-Like “Perfection”
6. Venue-Like Performance
7. Unforgettable Highs
8. Excellent Mids
9. Exquisite Bass
10. Unbelievable resolution
11. Tremendous Soundstage
12. Beautiful Fit & Finish

Cons:

1. Heavy (180 lbs ea.)
2. Huge
3. Special Electrical Setup - manual says, “For maximum power each MTRX2 should be configured and installed on its own dedicated 230-240VAC circuit.”
4. While you can turn off the blue lights during listening, you can’t turn off the red lights (which means “off”). You can turn them off using the circuit breaker on the back of the amp, but that means they are no longer in stand-by mode. So they will take longer to get their Magic back.

These are some tremendously resolving amps. Their synergy in our system is the best we’ve heard to date. We still have some other amps to try. So we should know something in the next few months. Along with Pass, the EMMs are on our list.

[bart]

Joe, great write-up!
I'm looking forward to read more about your journey into the ultra high end amps!

[JoeN]

Originally Posted by bart

Joe, great write-up!
I'm looking forward to read more about your journey into the ultra high end amps!

Thanks for your kind words Bart. I really appreciate it.