Schiit Freya plus (Tube) Preamp into McIntosh (SS) C53 preamp?

Just get a good tube preamp if that’s what you’re after.  Something like the Spatial Audio Raven or Aric Audio Motherload XL are excellent, and both offer trial periods so low risk to try in your system.  Putting a budget tube pre in your system is not a good idea IMHO. 

I have a mac C2700 tube preamp with the DAC2 board and its quite good, but a Chord Dave showed where its laking as it should for the money. The Chord Qutest gives you a good chunck of the Daves sound so i'm betting its a sound sig thing at this piont between the qutest and DAC2. Either is fine but eventualy your going to want to upgrade from either.

The DAC2 board is quite good as you mentioned but a $2500 DAC will be an upgrade in most cases. Mind you the DAC2 board gives you way more flexability, and easy TV integration if thats a needed thing. 

I would not run two preamps if you want tube sound to try, get a tube buffer and stick it in between the pream and power amp.

Or sell the C53 and get a C2600/2700/2800 etc. 

Thanks. I appreciate comments. I’m trying and had hoped to improve the sound. 
  I’ve had some good tube amps, in all Cary offered to the Dennis Had Firebottle. 
   I’m into streaming now, my CDs collect dust. I gave away (3) banana boxes of classic 70’s vinyl in 2014 to Thrift store along with my PL7 Technics turntable. I regret it. Maybe I have to decide on selling either preamps: my Schiit Freya + or the MC C53 … hmmm Chord Dave may not be a big jump up from the Qutest. I love the Qutest distinction abilities in details and moving instruments into soundstage realms. 

I picked up a Dave used for $8500 Can$ so they are out there, and like you said not a whole lot of a stretch mind you the TT is probably the sweet spot in the line and 90% what a Dave gives. 

That said i sold the Dave to help pay for a house buy last fall so i'm back to the C2700 DAC2 boad. Its a great internal DAC for the money. I'm also considering an upgrade but don't really want to spend Dave money again. we will see if one comes up again. 

I'm looknig at the LTA Tube DAC that also maybe your way to get tubes and a great reviewed DAC, i've not heard one yet.