Importance of Amplifier versus Preamp?

B_limo, thank you kindly. Regarding DACs, as you may have seen the OP doesn't have a separate DAC per se. He has the built-in DAC function of his CDP, and a DAC function that is provided in his vintage Sony preamp. I had suggested earlier in the thread that it might be worthwhile to compare sonics between the CDP's analog outputs and connection of the CDP's digital output to the Sony's digital input via a digital cable.

Regarding the purchase of a separate DAC component in the price range you mentioned, it's hard to say. A concern I would have, though, is that whatever benefit that DAC may potentially be able to provide might be limited by some combination of the jitter, electrical noise, and impedance inaccuracy of the CDP's digital output. A lot of people here and elsewhere have reported that digital transports often seem to make more of a difference than DACs.

Best regards,
-- Al

In old vintage days we didn't even know what preamp was. The amplifier had both in one. When both components sound good as one, that's called a 'Bull's Eye' no matter how important/or not or cool/or not they both are.

"A lot of people here and elsewhere have reported that digital transports often seem to make more of a difference than DACs."

In the words of the famous secret agent/audiophile Maxwell Smart:

" I find that hard to believe!"

Not that people report it, more so that it is in fact a true assertion.

I'm sure significant differences with sources to DAC are possible. So you never know. My experiences using various good quality (not necessarily expensive and in good working order)source devices with various DACs in recent years though are not consistent with that assertion though. FWIW. But hey, I am just one sample set. I'm sure it happens.

Preamps tend to screw up a system's sound more so than amps (unless you have a really cheap non-hifi amplifier).

You simply can not build a great sounding system without a really nice preamp.

If you are building a system from scratch and only have so much money to spend, I would recommend spending the money on the preamp and make a good selection for an inexpensive yet good, sound amplifier & small speakers. You'll be much more satisfied with the results.

Or, just buy a nice Integrated amp and your problem is solved : )

Yup. if I was starting over from scratch and had 5K to spend
my 1st purchase would be the best 3K integrated I could find.