Best DAC to also use as a preamp

I'm thinking of selling my Cary tube pre and investing the extra money in a higher quality DAC that I could direct connect with my solid state amp. I'd say below $5K new or used. Thanks!

larrybou06-01-2014 4:01pm

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audioengr Details Discussions Posts This discussion 3,282 posts 06-02-2014 at 02:46am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete http://www.audiostream.com/content/empirical-audio-overdrive-se-usb-dacpre steve N. Empirical Audio
arh Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 366 posts 06-02-2014 at 04:36am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The preamp version of the Mytek stereo 192 DSD Dac Alan
jedinite24 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,502 posts 06-02-2014 at 04:15am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete My vote is for the Easter Electic MiniMax DAC that has been fully modified. In the stock form I find it to be enjoyable but others have stated if you swap opamps and roll various tubes you can get improved sonic performance.
dreadhead Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 353 posts 06-01-2014 at 11:59pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Benchmark Pre1 Used around $900.
gfroman Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 134 posts 06-02-2014 at 01:10pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It's not within your budget, but I am loving my Esoteric D-02 used as a DA/Preamp direct to the Ayre MXR mono amps!

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