DACs With Killer Built-In Preamps

Grannyring,
It`s interesting reading your post from 4/02/13 and then reading Tmorosk`s post on 4/03/13(5 of 6 listeners returning to an active linestage after a period of time). Long term evaluation impressions are valuable,the ear/brain can be fooled over the short term sometimes.I don`t doubt for a second that your sound is better with the Dude back in your system.Thanks for sharing this experience.
Charles,

BMC Audio's PureDAC looks real promising. Its volume control seems similar to what Audioengr is referring to.

@ charles1dad, are you thinking about going back to a active pre-amp?, cheers.

I've never abandoned active linestages, I find them indispensable.
Regards,

I have the AMR 77 right now and did remove my Ayon pre from the signal chain. The AMR pre delivered a smoother and more detailed sound top to bottom. It made the Ayon pre sound colored and slow.

However, I'm saving for the Empirical Overdrive. What I heard from it last year at RMAF was impressive, and people I trust have said it's THE dac to beat.