Preamp DAC for my Thiel 7.2 ML333

A d/a with a healthy output (3 volts +) - I saw an Audio Alchemy DTI Pro + DDE 3.0 combination on sale on audiogon just today, those are pretty darn good products and a bargain at $600 used. Those driving a placette passive preamp (about $1400 in its simplet configuration - 2 inputs and a superb passive volume control + remote) is the best sound for the money and they are at the standard of the ml+thiel.

Tacs - Thanks for your input. I'm not so sure about passive preamps. Having spent a lot of money on the ML+Thiel and Transparent Reference cable, I don't think I want the passive preamp to be the weak link in the system. How about a used BAT VK-5i ($1800)? How does a $4000 used ML380S compare to other preamps (tube or SS) in that price range? Are tubes really better then solid state?

Tai, I'd go with the used BAT-5i in your situation, I think that would work really well with the other gear. Instead of the older Audio Alchemy gear, I'd go with either a Bel Canto DAC-1 (or 1.1), or a Perpetual Technologies P-3A with the ModWright $300 Signature modification by Dan Wright. To my ears the Signature mod made more difference than adding the P-1A; though both are worthwhile.