I would recommend the Schiit Mani as well. I had the Emotiva XPS-1 before getting the Mani and the Mani definitely has a wider soundstage, more separation and better dynamics overall. The Mani is a great preamp for the money.
some people have reported having issues with the Mani picking up RF, which is an issue I haven't run into.
some people have reported having issues with the Mani picking up RF, which is an issue I haven't run into.