I was in the same situation as you. I am recently sold a superb BAT VK-42SE pre-amp because I decided to use a DAC with a digital volume control as a pre-amp. I decided to keep the signal path simpler.
My current office system, is a KEF LS50 speakers and the following. a FM Tuner that I use regularly (for KCRW from Santa Monica, CA). At the moment I have a Benchmark DAC2 with my Magnum Dynalab FM Tumer connected to 1 of 2 available analog inputs on the DAC. The rest of the inputs are all digital. I USB from the PC to the DAC and another coaxial from the PC (Jule sound card). The USB is for the ROON/Tidal music server. The coaxial is for things like YouTube and such from the internet.
The Benchmark DAC2 is superb, the sound is clear, fatigue free, and just plain enjoyable, I do not miss the BAT pre-amp at all. I am waiting to get the Benchmark AHB2 amp to pair with this DAC. The noise floor on this combination is supposed to be the lowest of any amps you will currently find AT ANY PRICE. I think the BAT sound was a little fuller sounding in my system, but I am not sure if it was the correct sound. It was enjoyable as heck and I loved it but the current setup I have is also amazing and simpler.
I also need to get a second bigger system for another room and I will do a similar setup as the office. I was looking at the following:
1) Devialet (to keep things even simpler, DAC + pre-amp + amp all in one)
2) PS Audio Direct Stream DAC
3) Resonessence Labs Invicta DAC
4) Another Benchmark DAC2 + AHB2 amp
I have heard 2, 3, 4 (minus the amp). I was all excited about the Devialet but after a lot of online research I got the impression that Devialet is not as responsive to their users as the other 3 companies. Things like the wifi connectivity issues on the Devialet and the Devialet user feedback from the online forum turned me off. The other 3 are just DACs with digital volume control and they sound just incredible.
#3, is a sleeper, just a beautiful sound on that DAC. #2, the PS Audio DS is very intriguing and I like the fact that PS Audio seems like such a progressive audio company. They listen to customers and are continually improving the DAC (for free). The Benchmark + AHB2 may win out just based on reviews I have read.
There are a lot of good DACs out there (my suggestion is the 3 I have listed) and I think that in the $2-5K price range you will get a DAC that will make you forget the need for a analog pre-amp.
