2026 April Lab Report: Axpona, USA & Hifi+ Review

2026 April Lab Report: Axpona, USA & Hifi+ Review

Our April Feature: AudioShield Distribution

Supporting Our Customers Across the United States

We’re proud to work closely with AudioShield Distribution, who represent EMM Labs and Meitner Audio across the United States.

Based in Holmdel, New Jersey, AudioShield focuses on high-end, high-performance audio equipment, working with a carefully selected group of luxury audiophile brands. They partner with specialized hi-fi retailers coast to coast helping ensure our components are properly presented and supported at the dealer level.

You’ll also find AudioShield actively involved in the North American show circuit, with regular appearances at AXPONA, Capital Audio Fest, and CanJam, where they build out full systems and offer dedicated listening sessions.

One of the things we value most about working with AudioShield is their hands-on approach, unmatched level of customer care, and attention to detail throughout the process.

For customers in the U.S., AudioShield provides access to the full EMM Labs and Meitner lineup. John McGurk leads this effort, handling everything from providing in-home demos across the country, coordinating the EMM Labs upgrade program, and supporting the extensive dealer network in the USA.

John works closely with the EMM Labs team throughout the year and stays aligned with the latest developments. He’s a trusted part of our global network and someone we rely on to represent the brand at a high level across the United States. Our work in the U.S. is built on long-standing relationships that we value deeply.

AudioShield Premier Dealers

AudioShield’s Premier Dealers are selected partners who present full EMM Labs systems, carefully put together to demonstrate what our components can achieve in a well-executed listening space.

Bending Wave USA

Hifi One

Onest Audio

AXPONA 2026 | Chicago, April 10–12

Schaumburg Convention Center

We are excited to be returning to AXPONA 2026 at the Schaumburg Convention Center and look forward to connecting with many of you in Chicago. This year, EMM Labs will be featured in two active listening rooms alongside a group of valued partners, each offering a chance to experience our systems in thoughtfully assembled environments.

Nirvana B Room 

In partnership with AudioShield Distribution, Raidho Acoustics, and Kimber Kable, this room presents a full reference system built around the complete EMM Labs flagship line of electronics. This marks our first collaboration with Raidho in North America, and we’re looking forward to exploring this new pairing in a live listening environment.

Featured components include the TXi CD transport, MTRX2 V2 amplifiers, our brand new PREi preamplifier, DS-EQ1 V2 optical equalizer, and our flagship DA2i DAC. 

Room 1142

This system, presented with EnKlein, Hifi One, and AudioShield Distribution, offers a more streamlined configuration centered around our new PREi preamplifier, our TXi CD transport, and our flagship DA2i. The setup demonstrates the flexibility of the EMM Labs platform across different system scales and listening environments. 

Don’t miss our special Cocktail party in Room 1142 on Friday at 5:00pm, details below:

EMM Labs DA2i Reviewed by hi-fi+ Magazine

We’re pleased to share a recent review of the EMM Labs DA2i, published by hi-fi+ Magazine. In this piece, Eric Neff takes a closer look at our flagship DAC, exploring both its technical foundation and its performance in a real-world system.

From its proprietary discrete 16xDSD architecture to its latest MCLK3 clocking system, the DA2i reflects decades of in-house development. More importantly, the review speaks to what matters most in listening.

“I have never experienced this level of sonic satisfaction from other higher-priced DACs. The DA2i delivers a completeness that many audiophiles ascribe to vinyl.”

The full review touches on the DA2i’s clarity, depth, and ability to present music with a sense of space and realism that brings recordings to life, even at standard resolutions.

We extend our thanks to hi-fi+ Magazine for the thoughtful and detailed evaluation.

Read the review

CAN JAM!

Thank you to everyone who visited the Audioshield booth at CanJam this March.

The team spent the day exploring the headphone space and connecting with a new audience. Our Meitner MA3i was on demonstration, giving listeners the opportunity to experience a range of headphone pairings and system setups.

Keeping Your System Current: EMM Labs & Meitner Audio Upgrades

At EMM Labs and Meitner Audio, our upgrade programs are designed to extend the life of your investment while bringing your system in line with our latest developments. As new technologies are introduced, existing products can be elevated to reflect those advancements, ensuring your system continues to perform at a high level for years to come.

 An upgrade is not simply a parts replacement. Each unit that comes through our facility is carefully inspected by our team, giving us the opportunity to look inside, assess overall condition, and address anything that may impact long-term reliability. It’s a process that combines technical improvement with preventative care.

 For customers in the United States, all upgrades are completed at our facility in Canada. While this adds a layer of logistics, it also ensures that every unit receives the same level of attention and consistency that we apply across all of our products.

 AudioShield Distribution plays a key role in making this process straightforward. John McGurk manages the shipping and coordination, helping navigate cross-border logistics, including tariffs and documentation, so that the process remains as smooth as possible from start to finish.

 Once the unit arrives at our facility, the upgrade process typically takes approximately ten days. Throughout this time, you remain connected to the process, with clear communication and support at each stage.

 Beyond performance improvements, upgrades also help maintain the long-term value of your equipment. They support product longevity, keep your system aligned with current technology, and ensure that your investment continues to deliver at the level you expect.

*EMM Labs and Meitner Audio upgrades are available worldwide, however the process and timelines may differ.

 Learn more.

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