I've also used Sennheiser MKH8020s through the DAV (what's that mic have, 10dBA self noise?) ... so it ain't that I'm using noisy mics.
When compared to my Benchmark pres, I don't hear any audible difference in noise coming through as compared to the DAV. Hell, I don't hear any noise at all. All I hear is a qualitative difference ... Benchmark more transparent, DAV slightly more rounded.
The acoustic sources I record, which range from full-blown orchestras and pipe organs to soft solo woodwind and guitar stuff, usually dictate gain settings of between 30-40 dB for my SDCs. I'll admit to never running the DAV (or the Benchmark) up over 45 dB or so, so I don't really have anything to say about their noise output at that level. Maybe pumping up a ribbon thru it will expose some noise, but then you are using the wrong tool for the job ... get a TRP!
