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.
