Recently, I have switched my use for DP-777 to function purely as a pre-amp in my chain and use a Sabre 9018 based DAC for the front end. I started out just trying out of curiosity how it would sound as a pre-amp with a more detailed but harsher Sabre based dac in front. I was totally floored by the sound. I couldn't believe how much the sound improved. With the DP-777 as the pre-amp, it retains all the magic it previously had as the DAC which are mainly liquid and natural mid, big soundstage and sharp imaging. On top of that, with the more detailed and cleaner sound of Sabre-based DAC, the end result seemed to have combined the best of both worlds. After trying out with my old modded Eastern Electric Minimax DAC and achieved the great results, I immediately bought a new dual 9018 Sabre chip DAC to use together with the DP-777. As ridiculous as it may sound, it is tough to go back to just using DP-777 as the DAC alone in my chain. Last note, despite adding another component in my chain, the sound has never sounded as transparent as what I hear now. I am not sure if others will hear the same as me, but just thought of sharing my finding. I guess there is no harm trying if you happen to have another DAC around