WC,
It is interesting that the Lux C900 preamp plus the M900 amp is a directly competitive package to the Dag integrated, although at a much cheaper price. First, the preamp has tone controls, like the Dag. Second, the power of 150 watts into 8 ohms keeps doubling to 1200 into 1, similar to Dag. Both packages would be excellent for the Neos in the HF, although the dynamics of your music tend to be more in the lower freq where you would probably want more power. For now, it would be informative to first get the Lux preamp only, since your finances are tight. I just don't want to have to see you sell the Dag just to be able to afford more trials. The Dag may ultimately be a keeper. So you could use the Lux preamp into the Dag, to see how the tonality and other characteristics compare. First, keep the tone controls flat, to see the inherent characters of each preamp section. Then try the Lux treble at the maximum 5:00 position to compare to the Dag's max treble. The design of the tone controls and the range will probably be the biggest factor in the difference between the Dag and Lux. For example, you might prefer the Lux for its more extended HF at 3:00 compared to the Dag with just a slight +1 or +2. Then you might prefer the Dag at +4 compared to the Lux at 1:00. This will be a real dog fight since both units reportedly have similar tonal character. But the Lux preamp will give you an opportunity to try more powerful amps. Right now, there is no flat (without tone controls) preamp plus power amp that will give the needed HF boost to the Neos. Transparency is not as important as tonal balance, so I feel that some EQ is needed. You have also observed this with the Neo, although every speaker benefits from EQ.
Of course, the total Lux package in a compelling value, but only if the sound is preferable to the Dag. That can only be determined by hearing both excellent packages side by side. This will be a real dog fight. If your finances don't permit this, you will get a good idea of the differences by just getting the Lux preamp. In general, power amps have the same character as preamps from the same designer. I have a hunch that the Dag is more neutral. It would be informative to get RIAA's opinion on Dag versus ARC, so don't get rid of the Dag because it really may the best thing out there for you. Also, I feel there is no absolute requirement to get the preamp and amp from the same company. As long as the input impedance of the power amp is greater than 10X the output impedance of the preamp, you can mix and match for great results. So you may prefer the Lux preamp with the power amp of your choice, and that might be the ultimate way to go.
It is interesting that the Lux C900 preamp plus the M900 amp is a directly competitive package to the Dag integrated, although at a much cheaper price. First, the preamp has tone controls, like the Dag. Second, the power of 150 watts into 8 ohms keeps doubling to 1200 into 1, similar to Dag. Both packages would be excellent for the Neos in the HF, although the dynamics of your music tend to be more in the lower freq where you would probably want more power. For now, it would be informative to first get the Lux preamp only, since your finances are tight. I just don't want to have to see you sell the Dag just to be able to afford more trials. The Dag may ultimately be a keeper. So you could use the Lux preamp into the Dag, to see how the tonality and other characteristics compare. First, keep the tone controls flat, to see the inherent characters of each preamp section. Then try the Lux treble at the maximum 5:00 position to compare to the Dag's max treble. The design of the tone controls and the range will probably be the biggest factor in the difference between the Dag and Lux. For example, you might prefer the Lux for its more extended HF at 3:00 compared to the Dag with just a slight +1 or +2. Then you might prefer the Dag at +4 compared to the Lux at 1:00. This will be a real dog fight since both units reportedly have similar tonal character. But the Lux preamp will give you an opportunity to try more powerful amps. Right now, there is no flat (without tone controls) preamp plus power amp that will give the needed HF boost to the Neos. Transparency is not as important as tonal balance, so I feel that some EQ is needed. You have also observed this with the Neo, although every speaker benefits from EQ.
Of course, the total Lux package in a compelling value, but only if the sound is preferable to the Dag. That can only be determined by hearing both excellent packages side by side. This will be a real dog fight. If your finances don't permit this, you will get a good idea of the differences by just getting the Lux preamp. In general, power amps have the same character as preamps from the same designer. I have a hunch that the Dag is more neutral. It would be informative to get RIAA's opinion on Dag versus ARC, so don't get rid of the Dag because it really may the best thing out there for you. Also, I feel there is no absolute requirement to get the preamp and amp from the same company. As long as the input impedance of the power amp is greater than 10X the output impedance of the preamp, you can mix and match for great results. So you may prefer the Lux preamp with the power amp of your choice, and that might be the ultimate way to go.