DAC vs. Preamp

If you go the route of a DAC plus Preamp, what is your projected budget for both?

I have a Bel Canto Pre2 that i bought on Audiogon to start with. I’m not sure how it will match with the rest but it will be fun trying. I would probably go with the Parasound J2 for continuity sake and it gets really great reviews. I guess I’m more stuck on the Dac part. Maybe up to $2000 for the DAC.

With that rig, your budget and that you were into vinyl, Id look at a Lampizator Amber or up the budget a bit and look for a used Level 4 Lampi. 

I'd highly recommend you check out the Ayre QB-9.  The downside is it's USB only, which is fine for your Mac - but if you want to use if to something like your cable box, it's not going to do anything for you.

Another budget option that I've used for years and still really impressed by is the Micromega MyDAC.  A steal at around $250 brand new.  It's a very impressive unit.

I agree with Atmasphere, I've tried to live without a line stage and never found it to be as good as with a good LS.

Congrats on the JC1's... I've also owned them for many years and am very happy with them.

Thanks everybody that has answered. I'm going to go with a preamp and get the DAC. I'll check on all suggests. Has anyone used the Exogal Comet. its gotten some good reviews.