EMM DCC2 vs Hi End Preamps

David; as i understand it, the DarT pre WILL have a remote.....at least for volume attenuation.....it will also include a killer phono stage.

as the DAC6 has no preamp.....where you referring to a DCC2 or the Switchman as the emmlabs preamp you used? (i recall you had a Switchman).

btw, how's the new room doing?

Hi Mike,
I waqs referring to the DAC6/switchman combo.I just bought an Aesthetix Io for phono. I have high hopes for this combo. The room is almost ready. I can move down in a week or so. I'm currently in Northern Wiwconsin for the next week on vacation, so it's working out well. I will post pics when it's completely set up.

David

Mike--as good as Dartzeel combo may be, it's still not tubes. The solidstate will give you certain things, but not what tubes can accomplish.
I would submit you need tubes either at amp end or preamp.

Gladstone; i like tubes as much as the next guy.....but i don't want a 'tubey' sound.....i want the 'breath of life' that tubes typically bring.....but without colorations that impose their signature.

you did not hear the DarTZeel pre/bi-amp combo at CES.....this was in direct comparison to a known quantity.....the emmlabs Switchman III. the Dart combo did the 'breath of life' thing and then some.

until i hear it in my room i can't make any 'ultimate' statement......but my strong expectations are that it will out-tube tubes.

YMMV.

I think you might be surprised by the clarity of the Messenger, but that's another story. I'll be eager to hear your impressions of the Dartzeel--the battery power supply is a great feature.