I owned an EMC-1UP for about two years and really enjoyed it and it worked perfectly. I had some extra funds and since my system only had one source I decided to sell my VK50SE preamp and EMC and try the direct route. I purchased the Audio Aero Capitol 2 and could not be happier. The sound is much more liquid, very analog sounding which is what I was looking for. I think the Capitol is a much better sounding player in my system, but it also costs more. I also had the Wadia 861 in the system as well and although the Wadia was good---great detail, I thought once again the capitol had a more analog sound and a much better sound stage.