Good pre-amp wjth dac recommendation.

[scotty67]

Thinking of going down the pre/power route and to cut down on boxes by using a pre with onboard dac.
New or 2nd hand up to say £2k.

Is this a mistake and still best to keep it all separate?

Eg, an all Audiolab set up with 8300cdq plus monos would be least expensive option new but would it sound good driving Usher 8571 mk2's?

Would it be best to mix and match or keep to same manufacturer.

Toyed with having valve pre and transistor powers.

Lots of options - too many!

Interested in opinions and experiences.

[struth]

The vena 2 in pe can be used as a pre and has a good dac among other things. It's how I use mine. Remote too and a decent phono stage.. Oh and blutooth

[ReggieB]

I've recently gone in the same direction and am very pleased with the result. My solution was a PS Audio Stella Gain Cell (https://www.psaudio.com/stellar-gain-cell/)

[scotty67]

I've recently gone in the same direction and am very pleased with the result. My solution was a PS Audio Stella Gain Cell (https://www.psaudio.com/stellar-gain-cell/)

I had looked at the PS but read a technical review which slated it. Put me off it even though some good reviews out there.