Preamp or DAC

Thank you for your input. Interesting thoughts. I had always believed the preamp mad a difference in whatever system I had at the time. I have tried eliminating the preamp and it has not sounded quite right to me. However, I have not tried it with a Dac the caliber of pretty much any of the Lampis. 

@zlone by the way could you tell me your favorite of the preamps you tried please. Thanks. Looks like Pass 12 maybe?

If you decide on upgrading the preamp, look into Backert Labs. The Rhythm 1.4 is in your price range and it is fantastic. 
if you decide to upgrade DAC, I have a Lampizator. I just demoed 4 other DACs and have decided to stay with and upgrade to another Lampi. But if I did t want a vol control, I would be choosing the Aqua La Scala DAC that was so engaging. 

But also, the idea of splitting your budget into both pre and DAC could still lead to an upgrade in sonic performance. 

I’d start with the preamp for the biggest absolute level of improvement, and the Spatial Audio Raven (Sachs/Olson design), Aric Motherload, and Backert Rhumba Extreme would all be great choices and believe all three offer a trial period, which is huge especially at this level.  Best of luck.

by the way could you tell me your favorite of the preamps you tried please. Thanks. Looks like Pass 12 maybe

Yes, correct, the Pass XP-12 is my favorite to date. I will stick with this one for awhile.