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Anybody tried EMM DCC2 into preamp?

I use an Esoteric DV-50 as CDP. I love the Atma-Sphere MP-1/MA 2.2 (mod) combination/synergy and would hate to give up the MP-1, but want the best possible digital source, which is clearly the EMM DCC2 (+ transport).
I know that this unit functions as a preamp too and could make my MP-1 redundant. Has anyone used the DCC2 with a high quality preamp, eg Atma-Sphere, Aesthetix, etc instead of just straight into the amp, which is obviously more logical? Is there any chance that the synergy of the Atma-Sphere preamp/amp will even improve the sound of the DCC2 (+ EMM transport)? Anybody done that yet?
springbok10
jjwa
69 posts
 

JTINN will tell you that I told him the same thing with my DCC2 and NAGRA PL-L tube preamp.

That is until I let the DCC2 break in and got the CDSD.

I agree that tubes gave slightly more of that "air" but at the expense of pure transparency,detail and precision.

After A-B'ing many times it was clear to me that I preferred the accuracy of the DCC2 and was happy to recently cash in on my NAGRA & xtra VALHALLA IC.
jjwa
69 posts
 

Oh, I forgot to mention that I am using a tube amp in the mix ARC VT100 MKIII. The mix to me is just right.
fsarc
148 posts
 
I'm with Jjwa on this one. I thought my Aesthetix Calypso was much better than the DCC2 as a preamp..........until the DCC2 broke-in and I added the CDSD. The DCC2 with the CDSD is anything but thin or veiled. It took quite a long time to open up, but when it did it is marvelous. I decided to add tubes in my power amplification stage in the form of the VAC Phi 220 monoblocks.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Not in my house, not in my system, unless you consider about 500 hours on the DCC2 not broken in.
jjwa
69 posts
 
Springbok10,
I cannot dispute your claim as I have experienced the same myself, with my tube preamp.

Are you using the CDSD transport? If not you may find that it's a whole different equation.
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