EMM DCC2 vs Hi End Preamps

In my system, the DCC2, connected directly to an Atma-Sphere MA-2 was distinctly inferior to the Atma-Sphere MP-1 MkII, which had more body, structure and soundstaging; in comparison, the DCC2 sounded a little bright, thin and clinical, and was, to 2 listeners, a no-contest. Of course, it could be the synergy between 2 Atma-Sphere components, and I kept the MP-1, despite the obvious advantage of having 2 less boxes and a lot more dollars.

the DCC2 is an excellent preamp and 'the best' digital source (partnered with the CDSD) i have heard (equal to my DAC6/CDSD) when used as a stand alone DAC.

that said, in my system i prefer my Placette passive RVC. earlier this spring i had the DCC2 in my system for a month to compare with the Placette and the DAC6. i loved it's versitality and the way it integrated with my vinyl setup.....very slick and well thought out. i thought in my system that it gave up an element of naturalness and immediacy to the Placette and was (only in comparison to the Placette) slightly 'mechanical' sounding. i think part of the problem was that my cables (Valhalla and Opus) are so neutral that they will expose any 'character' of gear.....particularly a ss 'sound'. if i was using a slightly more forgiving cable my perceptions may have been different.

i would rate the DCC2 pre slightly better than my Levinson #32 of a few years back.....which was no slouch.

i agree wholeheartedly with Hooper's perspective on the pending DarTZeel preamp and that is the direction i expect to go too. it was 'killer' at CES.

Personally think even if u end using just DCC2 as a DAC still worth the purchase along with CDSD as your digital front end....then u can starting using it as a preamp too, while experimenting with others to see what u prefer...at least that was my thinking...assuming you are sticking to 2 channel obviously...I currently use the DCC2 as a premap as well in my set up. I have not started top experiment with a sep preamp as of yet as I am very pleased with the DCC2 (transparent, smooth, neutral) and instead exploring upgrading something else (my power amps).

I just wanted to add an observation that I didn't make in my first post. The general feeling, judging by these posts, is that the DCC2 lacks body and texture compared to the best stand-alone preamps, be they tube or SS. In my experience comparing the pre section DCC2 to other preamps, however, I've generally found that the added "body" that some preamps have over the DCC2 comes at the expense of transparency and clarity. Personally, I've not heard a preamp (save the DarTZeel) that has the clarity of the DCC2. That's my experience, FWIW. I guess, like anything else in this hobby, it comes down to personal preference.

Thanks for nailing it HOOPER. That's why I sold my NAGRA PL-L