Best DAC/preamp for under $2K?

I'm looking for a DAC that also has a high quality preamp function for going direct to the amp. The BMC and Benchmark are two I'm aware of - are there other better options out there for around $2K?

larrybou04-29-2014 2:57pm

Showing 3 responses by larrybou

larrybou OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 130 posts 04-30-2014 at 06:35am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete How good are they as preamps?
larrybou OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 130 posts 05-03-2014 at 02:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Is there anything up to $2500 that's substantially better? The wyred4sound SE? Also you mention the m2Tech Young DSD. One review I read said the upper octaves were extremely enhanced and detailed, another said the sound was on the warm side sacrificing a bit of detail and control but very musical. Has anyone heard the m2Tech?
larrybou OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 130 posts 06-29-2014 at 10:36pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Still haven't gotten anything. My system is still in flux, so I'm waiting to get the rest of the system in place before I top it off with the right DAC. I'm leaning towards the Hugo but maybe I'll end up with a warmer tube staged DAC depending on the rest of the system. I recently heard the SOTM DAC and Pre all in one. With a warmer sounding amp it sounded pretty darned good used as a preamp and DAC which justified the $3K, but just as a DAC there are no doubt better $3K units out there.

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