Add a external DAC, buy EAR Acute or go PC`?

Gut_man,
If you buy an EAR Acute you will be able to sell your preamp (assuming you have no other components that need it). The Acute has a tube output stage with an analog volume control making a preamp un-necessary. So sell your CDP and preamp and buy the Acute! Any money left over, buy music. This suggestion is assuming you have many CDs and aren't interested in SACDs.
PS: I've heard the Acutes are back ordered because of demand, however I may be wrong on this.

Thanks for your response. I think (and have done so a lot lately on this subject) i have narrowed my choices down to the EAR Acute or the Audio Note DAC 2.1 signature kit. I have a very highly regarded vinyl rig with two arms and two pickups. I absolutely need a separate pre. But the Acute will give me a remote controlled volume when playing digital. A nice benefit, as i use a EAR 864 pre without remote volume control. I have an idea that my EMC 1 player will be a better transport than the Acute, and the Audio Note kit, would preserve my "lust" for tubes in the DA conversion and in the analogue circuit. I have only one big con to the Audio Note kit. I am not a skilled DIY. I can make my own cables and solder rough connections, but a circuit board make me sweat. I have friends who are skilled enough to help, but they have family and other things to do than building audio components for me. I guess i could try the building process and hope for a therapeutic effect :) Has anyone listened to these two alternatives? Or have any of you fellow audiophiles tried the combination Electrocompaniet EMC as transport with the Audio Note DAC 2.1 kit??

Have you looked into a Monarchy M24 or the newer model the NM24? These are DAC/preamps with tube output stage. It also has a set of single ended inputs for another source so you could connect your phonostage to it. I don't recall what an AN DAC 2.1 kit costs and I think that is an excellent DAC, but maybe you would like the convenience the Monarchy offers.

I now own the EAR Acute and have previously owned another
formidable CDP w/ volume control. FWIW, I almost always prefer
going through a good preamp. It may not me as simple as
just bypassing your preamp and going direct to achieve the
sound that is better for you. The Acute is a good player, but
you should at least try it through your 864 IMHO.

you probably know this already but if you buy the EMM to use with your pc you won't get the SACD function of the EMM Labs.