$6k for DAC/Pre/Power Amp for Audio Note ANE/LX

Yes, I would start with the preamp. I am not suggesting that you spend your entire $6k budget on that component, unless it makes sense. It might make sense if you expect to have more budget in the foreseeable future, if not, you may have to scale your purchase. My point was that you should make the changes one step at a time, so that you can get a feel for the impacts of each component as you add it to the system. Keep in mind that the first upscale preamp you buy may not be your last, and you may have to try a few to get one that best fits your system. I am on my fifth, but pretty satisfied. Best to go used for the sake of economy.

A lot of recommendations for tube preamps, and I don’t disagree with that path. However, make sure it fits your lifestyle. My gear is on all the time and sometimes plays all day. For that reason, I have not ventured into tubes, though I did have a Schiit Freya that gave me the option use them.

Be sure to allow some budget for decent interconnects, they will make a difference as you get into better gear. Acoustic Zen and the newcomer Veritas, are both reasonable and decent.

AN gear is a little different animal from most other HiFi gear.  Their integrated amps will beat the pants off most other separates you can buy for comparable prices. Start with a Level One AN integrated amp.  The Oto is wonderful if you can find one in your price range.  The Cobra is not far behind it and has a built in DAC which sounds very good btw. Most with AN speakers will tell you they sound better with AN electronics and wire anyway.  Then if you’re ready to upgrade look at Level 2 and 3 AN components.  I say if because with the Oto you might be happy for quite a while and it will give you some time to upgrade your source components.

One other thing, with those speakers stick with single ended tube amps, which is actually Level 2 for the Oto.  Also the AN silver cables. They’re pricey but worth it in an AN system.

How old are your speakers assuming you purchased preowned?

I have not heard the Synthesis gear but @larryi and @waltersalas use them and I highly respect their ears. With that said, the OTO Phono SE Signature is a pretty safe bet and can be your end game, especially coming from NAD (no offense intended). You may not require a phono stage but you might someday. In addition, the phono version has a single 12au7 tube in the circuit along with the pair of 12ax7’s and quad of el84’s. Can be tube rolled to suit your taste although it sounds lovely with cruddy stock tubes, so there’s that. It is also optimized for a 6ohm load (matching your speakers) and the transformers in the SE Signature are exceptional. Just a lovely amplifier.

A word of caution, buying preowned Audio Note requires the buyer to research the given item so that you can ensure you get the latest version as Audio Note doesn’t change model numbers, they just incorporate running changes.

You CAN get an Audio Note OTO Phono SE Signature preowned AND a Bluesound Node Icon for your stated budget. That would be a crazy good combo. The upgrade path from there would be (in order) Audio Note biwire LX speaker cables, Audio Note LX or ISIS interconnects and then an upgrade to the Node ICON streamer/dac. This would be crazy good…

I also LOVE the Leben CS300xs and it responds a little better to tube rolling. A word of caution though, the Switchcraft input jacks require great care as they are a terrific sounding albeit mildy delicate jack. Use Switchcraft termintated interconnects….

@ghasley - what’s your thought about the AN Soro? It’s on the upper range. I’ve also looked at the Leben, but I haven’t been able to listen to one. 

@marco1 - why SE vs push-pull?

All - I’m appreciating the input here.