I have never heard the Copland unit so for me it is difficult to compare to the DEQX preamp unit. Remember I'm an engineer so I do not have subjective feelings for tube gear such as the Copland.

My digital sources are a Denon DVD/CD player, Directv receiver, or an Integra CD player so digital signals go directly into the DEQX without extra conversion to analog and then back to digital. I can route analog sources--FM tuner or Nakamichi cassette deck in my case into the DEQX and then have its ADC to do its thing. But my goal is to minimize the analog paths and do as much processing in the digital world as possible. The DEQX then uses its DAC to provide output analog signals to my multichannel power amp. Bottom line is fewer interconnects and minimial signal conversions along the way.

The DEQX preamp version does the 6 channel digital world volume control, input selection between two digital sources or two analog sources, and EQ with remote control which to me is worth the difference vs. their standard unit. You can also easily select between various calibration profiles with the remote. Take a look at the features and such on the DEQX site and decide which unit would work best for your situation.

Jim