monarchy DAC-pre vs. benchmark DAC-pre

Douglas:

Thanks!
As for the system, it is a system in evolution. I have 2 pairs of speakers and will keep the ones I like best after I have played them a bit (B&W 805 nautilus and Harbeth M30). I am deciding about integrated vs. keeping a proceed BPA I have sitting around barely used, vs swapping the proceed for a different 2ch amp... the possibilities are endless.

I would say the outlines of the 2 most likely systems are:

1. CD player - integrated (LFD, Red Wine, Ayre, Naim, Cayin, Rogue, Prima Luna, others are being considered) - M30 (vs. 805s)

vs.

2. various sources - dac/pre - Proceed BPA (or swap to other good amp) - M30 (vs 805)

The most cost-effective is likely #2, and the idea of a music server sounds pretty good. I think I would like to settle on the general outline - ie: #1 vs #2, and then fill in the blanks. I am just learning about tubes and DACs, hence my questions. Once I settle on the outline, I will take a plunge, basically, and see how it works. And yes,money is an issue, but I do not have a set budget. Most bang for the buck.

Id wish monarchy would make a tube dac without the pre amp.....

I can tel you that when I found a guy that knows Monarchy products well ,himself being semi retired and a true engineer that also worked for Theta digital he transformed my dac-24 , DIP-48/96 to a standard that you would have to spend at least $6k just to come close ,I have had many complements tere is a lot of potentual there
if you truly know circuit engineering ,not just a modder
part stuffer as I call them and very few have true degrees!