Best DAC/preamp for under $2K?

Bigkidz. How much under $2k? Also how much over $2k does it sound? And does it blow one's mind in a good way?

Here is an alternative that I'm considering.

As I've read various forum threads over the years, I've learned to appreciate the comments made by a few who seem to know their stuff. And I've also noticed that there are a few topics that these folks all agree on. One of them is room acoustics; getting control of the room environment can have a HUGE benefit on the sound quality of our listening experience.

That said, a decent pre-pro which includes a room EQ might actually sound better than an expensive DAC/pre with no room treatments.

Now, I'll put up my shield and hope none of the arrows from the "true" audiophiles get through.

Try the NAD M51.

I had a NAD m51 in my system and compared it with the DAC in an original apple TV.....no difference what so ever none

For under 2k the conductor USB dac/pre is a great alternative. You can swap dac modules to your liking.