"but then also thought that my cheapie DAC might need upgrading."
Actually, the XDA1 Emotiva dac is very good. I had one in my system for a year and replaced it with the 1,000.00 Wyred4Sound dac1. There is a difference for the better with the Wyred dac, but not very much better. I could have easily lived with the Emotiva. Replacing the dac won't give you very much bang for the buck. I would also look into a tube integrated and would lean towards the Prima Luna or Mystere integrated.
Actually, the XDA1 Emotiva dac is very good. I had one in my system for a year and replaced it with the 1,000.00 Wyred4Sound dac1. There is a difference for the better with the Wyred dac, but not very much better. I could have easily lived with the Emotiva. Replacing the dac won't give you very much bang for the buck. I would also look into a tube integrated and would lean towards the Prima Luna or Mystere integrated.