The OP is using an integrated so in order to get tubes into a preamp stage she will need a completely new approach to what she already had. Also, while I am a believer in streaming and do it 99% of the time, there still is a small performance difference between a streamer and a CD transport, where the transport just has more dynamics. I've had several people confirm this and I've experienced it myself.
I can also guarantee you that besting that AMR with a transport + DAC for the same money will be an almost impossible feat. Even streaming you have to have a good transport in front to make it work with some excellent cables in between.
I can also guarantee you that besting that AMR with a transport + DAC for the same money will be an almost impossible feat. Even streaming you have to have a good transport in front to make it work with some excellent cables in between.