Anybody tried EMM DCC2 into preamp?

I've tried the DCC2 pre section against a number of separate preamps--most of them tubed--including some from Audio Research, BAT, CAT, Atma-Sphere, and a couple of others, and in each case, the tubed units had a little more of that "body" that tubes are famous for, but I always went back to the DCC2 for its superior transparency and clarity. The DCC2 is one of the most neutral and revealing components I've ever heard, and I can see why some people might want to add some tube warmth and color to that sound, but personally I like it the way it is. To each, his/her own, I guess. FWIW, the only preamp that I consider clearly superior to the DCC2 is the upcoming DarTZeel pre (release hopefully in late September), which I heard at CES. That thing is downright staggering and will likely set a benchmark to which most preamps will aspire.

This thread...I think has less to do with DCC2 as a preamp per se but rather tube vs solid state. Would it not be more relevant to compare the DCC2 to SS preamps? How would it do agst Pass Labs, Levinson, Boulder etc? At least if these ss amps do not improve the sound materially vs using the DCC2 as both dac and preamp, we've at least eliminated one angel...and then its about tube vs SS again

So far I'd have to agree with Hooper. I tried CAT and Hovland but heard no benefit. I haven't tried Aesthetix or Atma-Sphere, however.
Other than the DarTZeel and the CTC; I'd be surprised if there was a better SS preamp on the market (now if I could only find a big SS amp that I like...)

Exlibris. Try a Gryphon Encore. 500 watts per side.
I'm running through my DCC 2 to the Gryphon. The only other ss pre amp I own is the Pass x2.5. The DCC 2 is better in my opinion.

Frankg,
Thank you; the Gryphon Encore is high on my list of SS amps to try. I'm also looking at the Accustic Arts Amp III. It puts 1,000 watts per channel into 4 ohms, just like the Encore.