Anybody tried EMM DCC2 into preamp?

Clumsily phrased. What I meant was, has anyone compared the preamp in the DCC2 with their pre-existing preamp or specifically, the MP-1? I hope to compare it myself. (one day..............)
Or, alternatively, how good is the preamp in the DCC2?

I have tried the DCC2 alone, into the amps with 3 different transports - it didn't matter which - on all 3 occasions, the DCC2 into the amp, compared with the DCC2 into the tubed preamp was night and day, apples and oranges, not even close to subtle. Enormous difference! Comparatively, the DCC2 as a preamp was cold, but mostly lean and without heft and body in the midrange compared to the preamp. I was anticipating selling my preamp and expensive i/cs when I got the DCC2, but no way!
With the Atma-Sphere MP-1, it sounds glorious, full-bodied, obviously the best sound I have heard through my system. But take away the preamp, and it is too thin and lean.
Obviously, my frame of reference may be different, because I have used the AS amps and preamps for about 7 months and am used to the spacious, dynamic, full-bodied sound, with a DV-50 and EMM DCC2 as DACs. But the DCC2 as preamp is not within shouting distance in terms of overall sound presentation, to these ears (and my wife's - who was eagerly anticipating the revenue from a set of Indra XLRs and AS MP-1 once I sold them)- she went upstairs to the sound of the DCC2 into the amp and came down an hour later after the MP-1 was in the system and said "That's beautiful! What did you do?" Actually, it wasn't me, it was Ralph..........
Maybe Mr Meitner needs some tubes in his output stage or else take away the preamp and sell cheaper.
But I'm not knocking the DCC2 - great, great digital source.
Best I've heard. But even better with a top-class tubed preamp.

Not in my house, not in my system, unless you consider about 500 hours on the DCC2 not broken in.

Jjwa,
The CDSD didn't change the equation - the 3 transports used were: DV-50, CAL Delta and CDSD.
The CDSD did change the sound to a smoother, more silky, incredibly refined, almost Flawless presentation, but it still was measurably, palpably fuller, richer and more full-bodied through the preamp. No question, no doubt, confirmed by another listener. It is not something you have to "try" to hear - it was that obvious.

Tireguy,
System:
Atma-Sphere 2.2 Modified by Jena labs with 7 driver tubes, re-wired Jena wires (when Jena was an AS service center) and RCA black base Drivers
Atma-Sphere MP-1 Mk II with upgraded caddock resistors preamp
Kharma CRM 3.2
Stealth Indra XLR DCC2 to preamp
PAD Dominus preamp-amp
PAD Dominus S/C
PCs: Electraglide Ultra Khan Rev 2 to DCC2, Electraglide Mini-Khan to preamp, Voodoo Silver Dragon to CDSD, Michael Wolff gain cords(4) to amps

Jjwa,
I've often had equivocal experiences in Audio, where you really have to sit in the sweet-spot and carefully listen for subtle innuendos of timbre, tone, soundstaging and musical impact - of critical analysis to compare components. I've done this dozens of times with interconnects, CDPs and P/Cs. Sometimes it's very close - more brilliant & sweeter highs, softer, flabbier bass, leaner midrange - but this was a no-brainer to these ears in this system in this room. Just night and day. I am categoric about this statement.

By the way, don't let my posts in any way detract from the amazing clarity, finesse, low-level detail and silky richness that the EMM combination imparts to the music. And there's no background noise. Eerily quiet.It's quite stunning. Just more so through the Atma-sphere preamp.................

Gladstone, glad to hear you share my ears:)
Thom_y, your post is very perceptive. I believe that the DCC2 is in serious need of tubes. I'm sure one of the modders will have a go if he can get his mitts on one! But who wants to donate his DCC2? Not I!! And I'm sure Mr Meitner isn't about to enter the tube domain............If I was a modder, I'd buy a DCC2 and do it and have the best DAC ever. But then, I don't know what that would entail. Maybe one of the techies in A'gon can tell us?