Meitner
EMM Labs & Meitner Audio DACs, Streamers & Digital Audio
EMM Labs and Meitner Audio represent decades of Canadian digital-audio engineering led by designer Ed Meitner. From reference-level digital-to-analog conversion to integrated DACs with network streaming and volume control, both brands focus on extracting exceptional performance from digital music without relying on conventional off-the-shelf conversion architectures.
At the reference level, EMM Labs develops proprietary discrete DAC technology, digital processing, clocking, analog output stages and power supplies for uncompromising high-end systems. Meitner Audio brings technologies derived from EMM Labs into streamlined components designed to make advanced digital playback accessible to a wider range of high-performance systems.
EMM Labs Reference Digital Audio
EMM Labs has deep roots in professional and high-end digital audio and takes an unusually comprehensive approach to digital conversion.
Rather than building its flagship converters around mass-market DAC chips, EMM Labs develops its own proprietary discrete D-to-A conversion architecture.
Current reference converters such as the DA2i and DV2i employ EMM Labs' next-generation MDAC2™ dual-differential discrete converters, operating internally at 16xDSD/DSD1024, together with the company's MDAT2™ digital signal processing.
This gives EMM Labs direct control over the conversion process instead of designing the component around a third-party DAC platform.
MDAC2™ Discrete D/A Conversion
At the center of current EMM Labs and Meitner digital products is the company's MDAC2™ architecture.
MDAC2 uses proprietary, fully discrete single-bit D/A converters rather than conventional integrated DAC chips. Incoming digital audio is processed by EMM Labs' MDAT2™ — Meitner Digital Audio Translator — technology before conversion.
MDAT2 performs real-time processing and upconversion, working together with the discrete DAC architecture to create a complete digital playback system developed by EMM Labs itself.
MFAST™ & MCLK™ Clocking Technology
Digital timing is another major focus of EMM Labs engineering.
MFAST™ is the company's high-speed frequency acquisition technology, designed to acquire the incoming digital signal while minimizing the influence of source-related jitter.
EMM Labs then uses its proprietary MCLK™ asynchronous clocking architecture to control conversion timing internally.
Current-generation products such as the DA2i, DV2i and Meitner MA3i incorporate the latest MCLK3™ implementation.
Together, these technologies allow the DAC to establish its own carefully controlled digital timing environment rather than depending entirely on the quality of the clock contained in the connected source.
EMM Labs DA2i
The EMM Labs DA2i is the company's flagship stereo D/A converter.
It combines the latest MDAC2™ discrete 16xDSD conversion architecture with MDAT2™ processing, MFAST™, MCLK3™ asynchronous clocking and a newly designed Class A analog output stage.
The DA2i also integrates network streaming, allowing a reference digital front end to handle both traditional digital sources and modern network-based music playback from a single component.
For systems using a dedicated high-end preamplifier, the DA2i represents EMM Labs' reference approach to digital-to-analog conversion.
EMM Labs DV2i
The EMM Labs DV2i builds on the DA2i architecture while incorporating EMM Labs' advanced VControl™ high-resolution volume system.
VControl is designed to provide a wide attenuation range without conventional digital re-quantization or loss of resolution.
This means the DV2i can function not only as a reference DAC and network source but also as the digital control center of a minimalist high-end system, with the ability to connect directly to a suitable power amplifier.
For listeners building an exceptionally simple digital system, that combination can eliminate an additional preamplifier from the signal path.
Integrated High-Resolution Streaming
Modern EMM Labs and Meitner components combine sophisticated conversion with integrated network audio.
Current streaming-capable models support platforms and technologies including Roon, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and DLNA/UPnP, depending on the product.
High-resolution playback support extends to PCM, DSD, 2xDSD and DXD through supported inputs.
This allows a single EMM Labs or Meitner component to serve as both the network music source and the digital-to-analog converter rather than requiring separate streamer and DAC chassis.
Meitner Audio MA3i
The Meitner Audio MA3i is one of the clearest examples of technology flowing from EMM Labs' reference products into the Meitner range.
The MA3i incorporates a next-generation 16xDSD MDAC2™ DAC architecture, updated MDAT2™ processing, MFAST™, MCLK3™ asynchronous clocking and the latest VControl™ volume system derived from the EMM Labs DV2i.
It also incorporates an advanced network streamer with high-resolution streaming support.
The result is an unusually complete digital front end combining DAC, streamer and high-resolution volume control in a single chassis.
For a streamlined high-end system, the MA3i can be connected to a conventional preamplifier or used with its integrated volume control as part of a more minimalist system architecture.
Digital Inputs for Complete HiFi Systems
EMM Labs and Meitner components are designed to accommodate a wide range of digital sources.
Depending on the model, connectivity includes AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK, USB Audio, Ethernet/network streaming and EMM Optilink.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs make integration possible with a wide variety of high-end preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers.
This flexibility allows an EMM Labs or Meitner DAC to become the digital hub for streaming, computers, music servers, CD transports and other digital sources.
Designed & Manufactured in Canada
EMM Labs and Meitner Audio products are designed and manufactured in Canada.
The company's higher-level designs incorporate proprietary technologies extending well beyond the DAC itself, including custom digital processing, clocking, power supplies, analog circuitry and even specialized circuit-board construction.
This vertical approach to digital engineering is an important part of what distinguishes EMM Labs from manufacturers that primarily integrate commercially available DAC and processing platforms.
EMM Labs & Meitner Audio at The Grid HiFi
At The Grid HiFi in Houston, Texas, we offer EMM Labs and Meitner Audio for high-performance digital music systems ranging from sophisticated integrated digital front ends to reference-level two-channel installations.
Our team can help determine whether an EMM Labs DAC or Meitner Audio DAC/streamer is the right match for your system and configure it with the appropriate music server, network infrastructure, preamplifier, amplification, loudspeakers, cabling and power management.
Whether you're building a streamlined system around the Meitner MA3i or moving into reference digital playback with the EMM Labs DA2i or DV2i, The Grid HiFi can design the complete digital signal chain around your system and listening goals.
EMM Labs & Meitner Audio DACs, Streamers & Digital Audio
EMM Labs and Meitner Audio represent decades of Canadian digital-audio engineering led by designer Ed Meitner. From reference-level digital-to-analog conversion to integrated DACs with network streaming and volume control, both brands focus on extracting exceptional performance from digital music without relying on conventional off-the-shelf conversion architectures.
At the reference level, EMM Labs develops proprietary discrete DAC technology, digital processing, clocking, analog output stages and power supplies for uncompromising high-end systems. Meitner Audio brings technologies derived from EMM Labs into streamlined components designed to make advanced digital playback accessible to a wider range of high-performance systems.
EMM Labs Reference Digital Audio
EMM Labs has deep roots in professional and high-end digital audio and takes an unusually comprehensive approach to digital conversion.
Rather than building its flagship converters around mass-market DAC chips, EMM Labs develops its own proprietary discrete D-to-A conversion architecture.
Current reference converters such as the DA2i and DV2i employ EMM Labs' next-generation MDAC2™ dual-differential discrete converters, operating internally at 16xDSD/DSD1024, together with the company's MDAT2™ digital signal processing.
This gives EMM Labs direct control over the conversion process instead of designing the component around a third-party DAC platform.
MDAC2™ Discrete D/A Conversion
At the center of current EMM Labs and Meitner digital products is the company's MDAC2™ architecture.
MDAC2 uses proprietary, fully discrete single-bit D/A converters rather than conventional integrated DAC chips. Incoming digital audio is processed by EMM Labs' MDAT2™ — Meitner Digital Audio Translator — technology before conversion.
MDAT2 performs real-time processing and upconversion, working together with the discrete DAC architecture to create a complete digital playback system developed by EMM Labs itself.
MFAST™ & MCLK™ Clocking Technology
Digital timing is another major focus of EMM Labs engineering.
MFAST™ is the company's high-speed frequency acquisition technology, designed to acquire the incoming digital signal while minimizing the influence of source-related jitter.
EMM Labs then uses its proprietary MCLK™ asynchronous clocking architecture to control conversion timing internally.
Current-generation products such as the DA2i, DV2i and Meitner MA3i incorporate the latest MCLK3™ implementation.
Together, these technologies allow the DAC to establish its own carefully controlled digital timing environment rather than depending entirely on the quality of the clock contained in the connected source.
EMM Labs DA2i
The EMM Labs DA2i is the company's flagship stereo D/A converter.
It combines the latest MDAC2™ discrete 16xDSD conversion architecture with MDAT2™ processing, MFAST™, MCLK3™ asynchronous clocking and a newly designed Class A analog output stage.
The DA2i also integrates network streaming, allowing a reference digital front end to handle both traditional digital sources and modern network-based music playback from a single component.
For systems using a dedicated high-end preamplifier, the DA2i represents EMM Labs' reference approach to digital-to-analog conversion.
EMM Labs DV2i
The EMM Labs DV2i builds on the DA2i architecture while incorporating EMM Labs' advanced VControl™ high-resolution volume system.
VControl is designed to provide a wide attenuation range without conventional digital re-quantization or loss of resolution.
This means the DV2i can function not only as a reference DAC and network source but also as the digital control center of a minimalist high-end system, with the ability to connect directly to a suitable power amplifier.
For listeners building an exceptionally simple digital system, that combination can eliminate an additional preamplifier from the signal path.
Integrated High-Resolution Streaming
Modern EMM Labs and Meitner components combine sophisticated conversion with integrated network audio.
Current streaming-capable models support platforms and technologies including Roon, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Spotify Connect and DLNA/UPnP, depending on the product.
High-resolution playback support extends to PCM, DSD, 2xDSD and DXD through supported inputs.
This allows a single EMM Labs or Meitner component to serve as both the network music source and the digital-to-analog converter rather than requiring separate streamer and DAC chassis.
Meitner Audio MA3i
The Meitner Audio MA3i is one of the clearest examples of technology flowing from EMM Labs' reference products into the Meitner range.
The MA3i incorporates a next-generation 16xDSD MDAC2™ DAC architecture, updated MDAT2™ processing, MFAST™, MCLK3™ asynchronous clocking and the latest VControl™ volume system derived from the EMM Labs DV2i.
It also incorporates an advanced network streamer with high-resolution streaming support.
The result is an unusually complete digital front end combining DAC, streamer and high-resolution volume control in a single chassis.
For a streamlined high-end system, the MA3i can be connected to a conventional preamplifier or used with its integrated volume control as part of a more minimalist system architecture.
Digital Inputs for Complete HiFi Systems
EMM Labs and Meitner components are designed to accommodate a wide range of digital sources.
Depending on the model, connectivity includes AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK, USB Audio, Ethernet/network streaming and EMM Optilink.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs make integration possible with a wide variety of high-end preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers.
This flexibility allows an EMM Labs or Meitner DAC to become the digital hub for streaming, computers, music servers, CD transports and other digital sources.
Designed & Manufactured in Canada
EMM Labs and Meitner Audio products are designed and manufactured in Canada.
The company's higher-level designs incorporate proprietary technologies extending well beyond the DAC itself, including custom digital processing, clocking, power supplies, analog circuitry and even specialized circuit-board construction.
This vertical approach to digital engineering is an important part of what distinguishes EMM Labs from manufacturers that primarily integrate commercially available DAC and processing platforms.
EMM Labs & Meitner Audio at The Grid HiFi
At The Grid HiFi in Houston, Texas, we offer EMM Labs and Meitner Audio for high-performance digital music systems ranging from sophisticated integrated digital front ends to reference-level two-channel installations.
Our team can help determine whether an EMM Labs DAC or Meitner Audio DAC/streamer is the right match for your system and configure it with the appropriate music server, network infrastructure, preamplifier, amplification, loudspeakers, cabling and power management.
Whether you're building a streamlined system around the Meitner MA3i or moving into reference digital playback with the EMM Labs DA2i or DV2i, The Grid HiFi can design the complete digital signal chain around your system and listening goals.
2 products
FAQs
What brands do you carry?
We're authorised dealers for Focal, Naim, Goldmund, Bryston, T+A, Audio Research, Klipsch, NAD, PrimaLuna, VPI, Meze Audio, IsoAcoustics, Marantz, and more. The full list is under Shop by Brand.
Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?
Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.
Do you price match?
Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.
Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?
Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.
I'm not sure what I need. Where do I start?
Call us at (713) 218-8120, email info@gridhifi.com, or visit the showroom. Our advisers will talk through your space, how you use it, and what you want to achieve — with no obligation. The showroom lets you hear systems before any decisions are made.