Need recommendation for preamp/dac.

I can only give you generic advice, You sound like you want a tube pre amp. A quiet one at that. There are so many it really doesn't make sense to say only this or that one will do. You should find a dealer or dealers who have a few to get the particular voice each one has. I am afraid that is the best I can tell you. A trade show may help but I get overwhelmed at them.

I'm using a Dspeaker Antimode Dual Core 2.0 as a preamp, dac, and room correction device. I run my 2.2 speaker system by using an XLR-RCA (DNM HFTN) cable for my 2 channel amp and the RCA Outs are run to my subs. The Dual Core has USB input for your MacBook and Optical input for your DVR. Remote volume and built in room correction also. There has been a lot of buzz around the Dual Core and some heavy hitter reviewers have given it very favorable reviews.
The Dual Core can also be run from a 12v linear or 12 battery power supply. I have mine on a 12v battery PS and have had a few friends comment that it sounds much better and more analog that way. The sound stage opens way up, music appears from a very dark background, and has more top end air.

Do a search and check out the reviews. :-)

Good luck,

http://www.dspeaker.com/

http://www.simplifiaudio.com/

an interesting choice would be the dspeaker antimode 2.0 dac with room correction usb and toslink inputs variable output might be able to test drive a new one

Two that come to mind are Wyred 4sound dac2, and Waia121. I own the W4S use it as preamp and its awesome.

Two that come to mind are Wyred 4sound dac2, and Waia121. I own the W4S use it as preamp and its awesome.