Opinions of the EMM DCC2 SE

Hi

What problems with the sound are you experiencing with your Hovland?

I found the emmlabs dcc2 se was an impressive line stage that was almost as good as the audio research ref 3 when paired with my dartzeel amplifier. I sold it only because I wanted the dartzeel preamplifier which has a special synergy with the dartzeel amplifier which in combination outshines the emmlabs preamp handily.

Michael

I have to agree with Radioheadokplayer. I too own the DCC 2SE but wondered if I could do better pre-amp wise so I bought a Ref. 3 to try out. Real close. Ref. 3 a hair better but sold it as it wasn't THAT much better. The Ref.3 is very neutral for a tubed unit. It all depends on what you want and of course what the rest of your system consists of.
The pre-amp section in the DCC 2 is basically the same as the EMM Switchman which is used in many recording studios. I also owned the switchman 3 and is one of the best SOLID STATE pre-amps. You can beat it but will have to spend alot of $$ to do so.

Frank

Thanks for your responses, all most helpful.

Goatwuss, your question regarding "problems" with the sound of my Hovland is most salient. It is a great preamp falling sonically somewhere between a Jadis JP 80 MC and an ARC Ref 3. As French_fries has noted, its noise-floor has currently become an issue since I began using YG speakers whose accuracy, neutrality and transparency I now find the benchmark to which I want my other components to adhere.

For me it has become the reverse Ivor Tiefenbrun syndrome. To my surprise I have found that the extraordinary accuracy of YG speakers is best complemented by equally accurate components rather than "compensatory" romantic alternatives.

Not that I mind "euphonics", but think I'm moving beyond that.
But I do intend to add more digital sources to my system.

The Boulder 1012 preamp with integral phono stage and DAC also interests me and I would be appreciative of opinions of that unit as well.

For the record, I am now running YG Anat Reference II Studios which have surely ignited this not unwelcome dilemma.