2. digital
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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
gladstone
296 posts
 
Much of the magic is in the power supplies as well... And it may not just be tubed preamps, I hear there's a little darting Dartzeel on the way as well...
jjwa
69 posts
 
Thom_y. A tubed DCC2, as you suggest, could be magical.

The merits of an AUXILIARY tubed preamp connected to the DCC2 over an INTEGRATED SS preamp-dac (and all the benifits it should logically bestow) is the essence of this thread.

A review of many of the AUDIOGON "virtual systems" indicate an absence of an independant preamp and it would be interesting to hear the opinion from some of these owners
thom_y
195 posts
 
Jjwa,

You have a good point There are many listed as using the DCC2 direct and presumably they are very happy with the results ... it would be great to hear input from those using the DCC2 direct into their amps (also Switchmans direct into their amps).
jjwa
69 posts
 
Right on. Even Mr.EMM himself from the land of OZ connects directly. You would think that he of all people would have a few xtra preamps lying around to fiddle with....maybe he's trying to save electricity to pay for those behmoth speakers of his.
fsarc
148 posts
 
Any updates on this thread? Has anyone else tried the DCC2 in a high quality preamp?

How would the preamp section of the DCC2 compare say against the VTL 7.5 or ARC Ref 3? Or the new CAT preamp? I want a fully balanced preamp if there are any other contenders I missed (I know I have).

I've been nothing but smiles since adding my VAC Phi 220 monos and their sound quality is tempting me to try the VAC Phi 2.0 Master Controller as my preamp and use the DCC2 strictly as a dac. Or try one of the aforementioned preamps. I feel the only *possible* source of component improvement would be trying a separate state of the art preamp. I would be adding another set of interconnects and passing the signal through an additional component. A step backwards perhaps? I'm going to try to get a loaner on one the preamps mentioned and give a listen.
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