DAC question, help!

@b_limo LOL Great points!!! I was just wondering because I had seen other posts about DAC updates etc. Whatever int amp I end up getting, I would like to hold onto it for 10 years or so. My old Denon lasted over 2 decades. Just trying to get as much info as I can before i make a big purchase. I looked at Cary Audio's SS amp which looks nice but no phono stage or headphone jack. Bummer.

@bluorion,
I think Parasound is great gear! It is built well and sounds very good!
Peachtree is great as well!  You might want to look at a Nova 300.  
Hegel is another one to take a look at.  Built well and sounds great!  Similar to Parasound in build quality with just a different flavor in sound.

If you could find a good deal,  in addition to stretching your budget a little, a used Anthem STR would be nice.

Look at “Kinki Studio EX-M1” too.  Check reviews on it!  You can pick these up for $2K used...


Maybe a integrated tube amp from Prima Luna?  Tubes are sexy (the glow at night is cool) and they have a unique flavor.  “Rolling Tubes” is fun and allows you to easily change up the sound of your rig and you could have 3 different sets, each with their own strengths.  
There’s a PrimaLuna Dialogue One for $2200...  it has auto biasing and you can use 5-6 different types of tubes.  You can switch between triode and ultra linear as well 👍.  Pair this with a nice outboard dac and a pair of Tektons and you’ll be happy!

If it were me, and I was happy of the sound coming from my CDP using it's internal DAC I would look for a integrated that does not contain a DAC. Greater choices out there.  

If it were me, and I was happy of the sound coming from my CDP using it's internal DAC I would look for a integrated that does not contain a DAC. Greater choices out there.