I like the DAC in my pre-pro for two channel music a lot, I think you may be barking up the wrong tree for what you are looking for. For a more simple (less cables) way to go, consider a cd player or DAC with a high quality volume control direct to your tube amp. If less cables is a lesser goal than acoustical music and vocal reproduction..then I would switch out the tubed pre-amp and insert the Bent NOH passive pre-amp. I had this passive in my system for about a year and sold it to a guy that replaced a tubed pre-amp with it..his amp is tube along with his cd player and remain in his system. He reported the he was very, very happy with this new setup. Your amp/room size/and speakers may be just the ticket for one of these two types of setups and I think you will find acoustic and vocals to be world class.
P.S. I only sold the Bent passive to swing fast cash for a pair of MINT speakers I had been searching out for a very long time. This has forced me to use my pre-pro's DAC for two channel as it is much better than the one in my player.
Dave
P.S. I only sold the Bent passive to swing fast cash for a pair of MINT speakers I had been searching out for a very long time. This has forced me to use my pre-pro's DAC for two channel as it is much better than the one in my player.
Dave