The Lumin D2 offers LEEDH and is a little over 2 grand. You can find a used one with an S-Booster for under that #. With the upgraded power supply it’s an absolute steel at that price relative to performance and features. Lumin offers one of the best volume solutions, DAC to amp but to echo others comments, my experience is a good Pre has always sounded better, I had the D2 with S-booster. Went the separates route, streamer & tube R2R DAC. Wouldn’t hesitate to buy another Lumin. Their build quality and commitment to sound quality above all else in there design, implementation is extremely tough to beat. The T2 is a bargain used or demo’d with the T3 having launched. Good luck,
DACs that do well without a preamp
I am looking for a DAC to feed my DNA-1 gold power amp directly, streaming Qobuz or Tidal from a Bluesound Vault. Budget is $1-2K; would consider used, if worthwhile. Current contenders are Benchmark 3 HGC, Brooklyn DAC+, Gustard x26 pro, Holo Spring 3, Musetec 004 and Pontus ii. Looking for clean, detailed, uncolored sound that "lifts the veil". What are the qualities I should look for to drive an amp well, without a pre?