Have you looked into a Monarchy M24 or the newer model the NM24? These are DAC/preamps with tube output stage. It also has a set of single ended inputs for another source so you could connect your phonostage to it. I don't recall what an AN DAC 2.1 kit costs and I think that is an excellent DAC, but maybe you would like the convenience the Monarchy offers.
Add a external DAC, buy EAR Acute or go PC`?
I am wondering what to to right now. I have put my Electrocompaniet EMC1up up for sale. I love the design and the build quality of this player, but want to upgrade my digital front end. My options is; Keep my EMC 1 and add an external DAC (i will not have the funding to buy a state of the art DAC then), sell it and go for a EAR Acute player witch will match my EAR 864 and 890 amp set both in looks and i presume in sound, or convert to PC-audio and use the funds from the sale of my EMC1 and go for a Audio Note 2.1 signature DAC or evtn a used EMM Labs DAC6. Theese are my alternatives. Any suggestions of what i should do?