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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
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.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Jjwa,
The CDSD didn't change the equation - the 3 transports used were: DV-50, CAL Delta and CDSD.
The CDSD did change the sound to a smoother, more silky, incredibly refined, almost Flawless presentation, but it still was measurably, palpably fuller, richer and more full-bodied through the preamp. No question, no doubt, confirmed by another listener. It is not something you have to "try" to hear - it was that obvious.
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Springbok10- What amp(s) are you using? If ss, your findings do not surprise me; also what cables are you using? I think there is more to this then just CDSD/DCC2- the rest of the system will greatly influence what you prefer.

It also seems hard to determine just how good the preamp section of the DCC2 is when using it with transports. To me the fair way of doing this comparison would be to use the DCC2 solely as a preamp compared to other preamps- it has analog inputs and can be used as just a preamp.
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