Distinctly Digital Forever?

Tubes will probably get you there.  I would get a tubed DAC and consider pairing it with a really gauzy sounding tubed amplifier such as Prima Luna.  Be aware that not all tubed components will give that big mellifluous sound- I use a Cary SLP 3 which expands the soundstage but still has a low noise floor and lots of detail.  Prima Luna, however emphasize the traditional tube virtues, and can be very warm and enveloping.  It can be a very addictive sound.  It is to full fat for me, but like a piece of tiramisu a very special occasional treat, and since our listening ideals differ you might find it to your liking.

  One other thought—do the latest FM tuners accept digital inputs-essentially offering pre amp capability?  If they did then that might be worth exploring 

Prima Luna is one that I have considered, but not yet auditioned. However, my problem is not with FM or TT, it's with streaming. Tuner needs no digital inputs -- in fact, needs no inputs period. Tuner is a pure output device that runs straight to tube preamp, 100% analog. Now, digital DACS -- those are very much in play, and since streaming is 80-90% of my listening, the Prima Luna + tube DAC might well be of help there too. So PL 400 is definitely on the short list, thanks.