Funny that this started with a question about a preamp and everybody is now talking about DACs!
We doubt there is anything wrong with the Denon. We used a 2900 for years and it performed very well, and will certainly be a stout transport if you decide to get a DAC in the future.
If you want, let us know where you are located and maybe we are close enough to bring you a lightly used Rhumba preamp for an audition in your system. We can sell it for $1900. There is no DAC in it but we think you'll find that the improvement of the quality in the preamp will be so significant that you will be "done". Retail price was $3000, this unit was sent to us for upgrades and the client unfortunately passed away. We have completed the upgrades and volunteered to sell it for his widow, the full amount will go to her.
We doubt there is anything wrong with the Denon. We used a 2900 for years and it performed very well, and will certainly be a stout transport if you decide to get a DAC in the future.
If you want, let us know where you are located and maybe we are close enough to bring you a lightly used Rhumba preamp for an audition in your system. We can sell it for $1900. There is no DAC in it but we think you'll find that the improvement of the quality in the preamp will be so significant that you will be "done". Retail price was $3000, this unit was sent to us for upgrades and the client unfortunately passed away. We have completed the upgrades and volunteered to sell it for his widow, the full amount will go to her.