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

Showing 2 responses by rjs5

For over a month I had the opportunity to compare both the Audio Note M-8 and M-10 tube preamps with the DCC2 preamp in my system. I consistently preferred the "liveness" and musicality of the tubed preamps over the DCC2 preamp, which was also excellent. I chose to use the "extra" preamp. However, if you compare the costs and space, I could make the argument and be happy with using the DCC2 as my preamp.

Reg
I have the DCC2/CDSD as a digital source. About 6 months ago, I compared the preamp of the DCC2 to my tubed preamp, AudioNote M-10. At that time, I preferred the M-10 (more soundspace, air, weight.) When I posted my observation, it was suggested that the DCC2 preamp was not broken and perhaps it was not a fair comparison. For the last 3 months I have been without my M-10 (being modified by AN.) Thus I have using and very much enjoying the DCC2 as a preamp exclusively. With time, the staging improved and the music developed more weight. I recently got my M-10 back and put it back into my system. To my ears, IMS, the M-10 was still much more preferable with the same comparative observations. However, I really enjoy the DCC2 preamp and would be happy to use it. BTW, my amps are 45 SETs with my speakers actively biamped.