ERC-4 vs ERC-3 (Specs)

[trhunnicutt]

Used to be a proud owner of the ERC-3, but had to get rid of it due to a downsizing last year. Looking to purchase the ERC-4, but am curious about the Specs of the new machine.

Specifically, S/NR and Crosstalk are no longer listed for the ERC-4.

ERC-3 (Specs):

S/N Ratio:

104db unbalanced,

110db balanced.

THD:

< 0.002% @ 1 kHz.

< 0.015% (20 Hz – 20 kHz).

IMD (SMPTE 4:1):< 0.005>#/span###

Crosstalk:< 92 dB @ 1kHz

. . . versus . . .

ERC-4 (Specs):

Total Harmonic Distortion: THD < 0.0015% @ 1 kHz. THD < 0.01% (20 Hz – 20 kHz).

IM Distortion (SMPTE 4:1): <0.005%.

THD+N (Red Book CD source): < 95 dB (A weighted).

Phase Deviation: < 0.8 degrees (20 Hz – 20 kHz).

. . .

Any further details specifically on the missing specifications would be greatly appreciated.

Love everything else about the ERC-4 (new layout, features, etc).

Thanks,
Tom

[wobbledog1]

Don't worry about the specs to much. The erc-4 is much nicer sounding than the erc-3 player. The dac in it is better and the transport is to. If you liked the erc-3 you'll really like the erc-4 player.

[gsand]

ERC-4 does not decode HDCD like the ERC-3 did and does not have a 12v trigger like the ERC-3 did.
Maybe Emotiva can explain why?

[garbulky]

Apr 7, 2021 7:23:30 GMT -5 wobbledog1 said:

Don't worry about the specs to much. The erc-4 is much nicer sounding than the erc-3 player. The dac in it is better and the transport is to. If you liked the erc-3 you'll really like the erc-4 player.

What’s the dac? Isnt it the same ad1955 as on the etc-3?
What’s better about the transport?

[gdhal]

Uh, I'll throw a fly in the ointment here, given that I have the ERC 3 for sale, as posted in another thread.

The specs as listed on the website and/or manual can be incorrect. And in the case of the ERC 3 , it in fact *was* incorrect as listed on their website.

This goes back many years ago. I spoke to Lonnie, and he was kind enough to have it straightened out.

Any disbelievers are welcome to contact me, and I can forward you said email correspondence.

My job is to shed light, and not to master.

[gdhal]

While I can be mistaken, it's my understanding that the only difference in practical terms between the ERC 4 and the ERC 3 is that there's more options in the ERC 4 to transport from a digital perspective. Again, I'm not entirely sure in this regard, but confident enough to post.

[gdhal]

Forget the specs. I remember a phriend of mine letting me know that the ERC-4 DOES NOT play gapless. Also noticed/posted by someone else in another thread in this forum. IMO the lack of gapless playback disqualifies the ERC-4 as being an audiophile-grade component. YMMV.

[routlaw]

I have owned both the ERC-3 and still own the ERC-4. Its true the ERC-4 does not allow for gapless playback which is a deal breaker for some if you have enough disc that require this attribute. It also does not decode HDCD, so again if you have a lot of those types of disc it could be an issue. Regarding the internal DAC chip its my understanding both players utilize the Analog Devices 1955 if memory serves me correct. All that out of the way at least in my system to my ears the ERC-4 sounds better than the ERC-3 not withstanding the implementation of HDCD, and the transport is quieter to some degree than the ERC-3 which was a big complaint regarding that player. ERC-4 is subjectively nicer looking especially with the center mounted drawer-transport and a few other items. The remote is hands down the best in the industry although there are no back lights which troubles some people but not me. As far as the utilization of the internal DAC via Coax or Optical they certainly work well enough but for what ever reason never seem to sound as good as playing disc directly. To my way of thinking Emotiva missed an great opportunity here by not including an excellent USB input, why they chose not to will always be a non sensical mystery to me. As far as all of the other specs go I wouldn't worry much if at all about that.

FWIW I also own an Oppo 203 and again to my ears in my system the ERC-4 sounds better either as a transport or stand alone player, and I have been very careful at level matching when comparing the two. Its worth noting the output of the Oppo 203 has more gain than the balanced outputs of the ERC-4. However the 203's transport is still quieter than that of the ERC-4 and depending on your system and how you have it setup this could be a slight issue.

In conclusion my take is Emotive took a couple of steps forward and one backward or at the least sideways with the ERC-4. Its a fine player but could and should have been even greater with just a few more attentions to the small things. How much emphasis one puts on those small things mentioned above might sway a decision one way or the other.

[richtx6]

I'm still happy with my ERC 2 which I've owned since 2009, Have gotten rid of all the other EMO gear, Just didn't sound good. XPA1's were loud but harsh. Give me a good old Harman Kardon Citation 16 and 17 with my DQ-10's and I'm all good.

[garbulky]

Aug 16, 2022 17:20:30 GMT -5 richtx6 said:

I'm still happy with my ERC 2 which I've owned since 2009, Have gotten rid of all the other EMO gear, Just didn't sound good. XPA1's were loud but harsh. Give me a good old Harman Kardon Citation 16 and 17 with my DQ-10's and I'm all good.

Interesting. Not doubting your impressions. It's very rare that I hear negatives about the XPA-1. I was curious what you used to drive them (preamp? Dac?)