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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
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.
jjwa
69 posts
 
Springbok10,
I'm with you %100 on your assesement of the two listening situtations and am glad to have you authenticate my own experience.
Which is the more accurate is what I had to decide for myself.
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Tireguy,
System:
Atma-Sphere 2.2 Modified by Jena labs with 7 driver tubes, re-wired Jena wires (when Jena was an AS service center) and RCA black base Drivers
Atma-Sphere MP-1 Mk II with upgraded caddock resistors preamp
Kharma CRM 3.2
Stealth Indra XLR DCC2 to preamp
PAD Dominus preamp-amp
PAD Dominus S/C
PCs: Electraglide Ultra Khan Rev 2 to DCC2, Electraglide Mini-Khan to preamp, Voodoo Silver Dragon to CDSD, Michael Wolff gain cords(4) to amps
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Jjwa,
I've often had equivocal experiences in Audio, where you really have to sit in the sweet-spot and carefully listen for subtle innuendos of timbre, tone, soundstaging and musical impact - of critical analysis to compare components. I've done this dozens of times with interconnects, CDPs and P/Cs. Sometimes it's very close - more brilliant & sweeter highs, softer, flabbier bass, leaner midrange - but this was a no-brainer to these ears in this system in this room. Just night and day. I am categoric about this statement.
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