Best DAC/preamp for under $2K?

I have heard the Mtech. I prefer the belcanto dacs.

so what did you end up getting?

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.

Have you considered hegel? The hd25 or hd20 are both outstanding.

I am also looking at the BMC puredac and was wondering if anyone has any feedback to contribute too.