Add a external DAC, buy EAR Acute or go PC`?

Huh, PC audio would be my last choice. A used dac is what I would do. Like a Levinson--they show up here sometimes.

Hi ..I went to a modded squeezebox and haven't looked back...Its a close call as to whether the internal dac or an outboard dac is better. I have tried several moderately price DACs. They all change the sound but it is entirely subjective as to whether its for the better. Right now I am usning a Channel Island DAc with matching ps and I like it very much

Gut_man,
If you buy an EAR Acute you will be able to sell your preamp (assuming you have no other components that need it). The Acute has a tube output stage with an analog volume control making a preamp un-necessary. So sell your CDP and preamp and buy the Acute! Any money left over, buy music. This suggestion is assuming you have many CDs and aren't interested in SACDs.
PS: I've heard the Acutes are back ordered because of demand, however I may be wrong on this.

Thanks for your response. I think (and have done so a lot lately on this subject) i have narrowed my choices down to the EAR Acute or the Audio Note DAC 2.1 signature kit. I have a very highly regarded vinyl rig with two arms and two pickups. I absolutely need a separate pre. But the Acute will give me a remote controlled volume when playing digital. A nice benefit, as i use a EAR 864 pre without remote volume control. I have an idea that my EMC 1 player will be a better transport than the Acute, and the Audio Note kit, would preserve my "lust" for tubes in the DA conversion and in the analogue circuit. I have only one big con to the Audio Note kit. I am not a skilled DIY. I can make my own cables and solder rough connections, but a circuit board make me sweat. I have friends who are skilled enough to help, but they have family and other things to do than building audio components for me. I guess i could try the building process and hope for a therapeutic effect :) Has anyone listened to these two alternatives? Or have any of you fellow audiophiles tried the combination Electrocompaniet EMC as transport with the Audio Note DAC 2.1 kit??