Preamp/DAC Suggestions

@soix sorry about that. I should have specified i was looking for solid state. Thanks for taking the time to offer your recommendations. I'm definitely going to check out that Pontus II DAC. Maybe that with the Odyssey @atblackbag20 recommends. I'll go tubes in my office system for sure. 

Looking for something that will give me a really quiet background and more soundstage.

I owned a Bryston BP6 and it offers these qualities in spades and could save you $$$. I wrote a review on Soundstage and bought the review sample if you want more info.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/equipment/bryston_bp6_cseries.htm

Here’s one available — they don’t specify if it comes with the remote but that can be purchased from Bryston if needed

https://hifi-sound.com/products/bryston-bp6-999

I think running this with a Pontus ll with their DDC and using an i2s connection would be well under budget and be a huge improvement.  Best of luck.

Folks using DACs with volume controls as the best solution are far between. To do this and have great sound is very expensive and requires extreme knowledge and dedication to do it. In todays world, putting together a DAC and connecting it to an amp ends up with a flat / analytical, non- musical presentation. Most folks that do it, go back to using a preamp. Unless you have lots of money and expertise, get a great preamp…. audio Research, Conrad Johnson, or VAC… then, revisit the issue in 20 years.

I just saw this combo the other day don't hesitate if its available

I had all 3, but sold the amp due to my big ass room, but the dac/pre + PS5 is top shelf

Audio Alchemy DDP-1/PS-5 and DPA-1 all in $2500 and likely some wiggle room

Rose 150b.....it is a fantastic streamer, dac, preamp, and a used unit can be had in the 4k - 4.5k range.  Good luck.