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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
jjwa
69 posts
 
Gladstone, interesting suggestion. What is the sound effect of a TUBED AMP with solid state preamp compared to a TUBED PREAMP with solid state amp? or both tubed?
gladstone
296 posts
 
In this case, I don't know, though FMPND's use of the tubed Tenor amp suggests that the Meitner preamp can be improved upon even when used with a tubed amp. The biggest things I noticed with a tubed preamp were: greatly increased dynamics and slam, more bloom and body, much bigger soundstage, and more detail. The Meitner seems lean, and somewhat astringent in the treble region.
tahiti
2 posts
 
The pristine clarity and neutrality seems compromised with the use of an alternate (tubed) preamp IMS.
gladstone
296 posts
 
I'm not sure that's true. I'll have to do further listening, but there does seem to be more detail using a tubed preamp, which was counter to what I expected. I, too, assumed that an extra interconnect and preamp would degrade, not improve, the signal, which is why I didn't even bother trying a tubed preamp for about 9 months. When I did, I was shocked at the improvement. We're not talking about small changes. There's a majestic quality with the tubes that's absent otherwise.
thom_y
195 posts
 
Gladstone,

Upsetting to hear your observations are similar to Sprinkbok. Certainly, Springbok's equipment is up for this challenge and it is upsetting to hear his A-S monsters still sound better with the tubed pre. Just curious what your associated equipment is to make this observation.

I am also curious have similar observations been made with the Switchman ?

Given these similar observations, it will be interesting to see who is the first to look into modifying the DCC2 with tubes (if possible).
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