You cannot pick a components by measurements alone. Price has nothing to do with sound quality. You have not mentioned what type of sound you prefer so every recommendation here is completely useless. Do you like a tube sound or SS sound and do you know why they sound different?
Most products use less expensive parts no matter what the price. Parts make sound quality. Power supplies are where you should start first. Computer grade PS capacitors or Nichicon Supers? Bradly resistors or Takman, Amtrans or Audio Note. V-Capacitors? If not then you get what you pay for.
As far as a DAC without a preamp, I would suggest that method until you find a preamp that helps your system sound better to your own ears.
You do not mention a price range. So without that, I cannot assist you.
Happy Listening.