Integrateds with DAC?

Several very good DACs have sufficient gain and quality of volume control, along with impedance profiles to interface with amplifiers directly, precluding the need for a preamp. If you don't need extra source connectivity, consider a good amplifier and DAC combination. The Bel Cantos you mention are a good example. They become very cost-efficient when you eliminate the pre-amp.

Tact M2150 or S2150 ... true bargains on the used market. There is also a newer, smaller veriosn of the Tact but I am not sure of the model #

Jeff

Thanks everybody! Some suggestions I'd not thought of.

I like the suggestion of powered monitors, but I have the speakers I'll likely use.

Sadly, the Music Hall Mambo does not do USB, because one came up today at a nice price, and I'd have grabbed it.

John

John, lack of a USB port generally isn't much of a problem. There are plenty of USB to S/PDIF converters out there. I use the Hagerman HagUsb (or something like that) in my office system, which uses the Mambo. I also have a Squeezebox in the office that connects via coax digital input, but the computer connects USB --> Hagerman adapter --> Toslink connection. That way I can listen to either the Squeezebox or directly from the computer, my choice.

The USB to S/PDIF adapters are inexpensive and, at least in my experience, work great. I can't tell the difference between hooking my Mac's mini-Toslink port to the Toslink input of the Mambo vs USB to Toslink. In fact, it makes a better connection as the connector is never falling out like it did with the mini-Toslink port.

Michael

Thanks Michael. That's good to know.

John