The problem is that a HDMI capable Pre/Pro which has the same caliber DAC as the benchmark and Bel canto pre cannot be had for $2500.
You currently own say $2K worth of 2 channel DAC / Preamp in two boxes, and you want to buy a single box that does the same on 8 channels, and has a bunch of other features (some of which you won't be using), for the same money. The implication is you will be taking a hit in sound quality.
You could consider these alternatives: keep the DAC and preamp, buy a used integra 9.8 for $1000 for HDMI and MCH duties, and run the Integra through the Bel Canto preamp in bypass mode. More boxes instead of less, but better end result.
Get a used Krel 7.1 for 1,500 (which has no HDMI). The analog Pre and DAC in the Krel is probably competitive with what you have now. You would have to run MCH Blu Ray over the analog inputs in the Krel.
Something has to give.
You currently own say $2K worth of 2 channel DAC / Preamp in two boxes, and you want to buy a single box that does the same on 8 channels, and has a bunch of other features (some of which you won't be using), for the same money. The implication is you will be taking a hit in sound quality.
You could consider these alternatives: keep the DAC and preamp, buy a used integra 9.8 for $1000 for HDMI and MCH duties, and run the Integra through the Bel Canto preamp in bypass mode. More boxes instead of less, but better end result.
Get a used Krel 7.1 for 1,500 (which has no HDMI). The analog Pre and DAC in the Krel is probably competitive with what you have now. You would have to run MCH Blu Ray over the analog inputs in the Krel.
Something has to give.