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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

Showing 4 responses by exlibris

exlibris
438 posts
 
Springbok10,
I wonder if the MP-1 mkII sounds so much better than the DCC2 into your Atma-Sphere amps simply because there is much better synergy between the two Atma-Sphere products, and/or because there is poor synergy between the DCC2 and your amps?

I'm speculating, but maybe your Atma-Sphere amps present too difficult a load to your DCC2? I know that your MP-1 mkII has been designed to drive amps with low impedances.

Have you listened to both the DCC2 and MP-1 into amps other than your Atma-Spheres?
exlibris
438 posts
 
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
438 posts
 
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.
exlibris
438 posts
 
Well, I found a preamp that is -considerably- better than the DCC2 in -every- respect.
The Wyetech Labs Opal.
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