RCA from DAC to preamp then XLR preamp to amps - Is there a "problem" with this?

No, not in itself.  However, if the components offer all four of the possible connection configurations (RCA or XLR at each of the two interfaces), which would prove to be preferable will depend on the designs of the specific components, and perhaps also on listener preference.

Regards,
-- Al
 

Thanks Al. I just ordered the MSB Analog DAC and it has both RCA/XLR outputs, but the DAC is supposed to be optimized for single ended - I guess. I'm running all balanced IC's with my current DAC. I wouldn't mind spending the money to get a short pair of good quality RCA's for the DAC to the preamp, but I really didn't want to have to buy another pair of quality, longer RCA's to go to the amps - if I could avoid it. I just wanted to make sure that there was nothing fundamentally wrong with mixing the two (RCA/XLR). I certainly understand that there are a lot of variables - listener preference obviously a big one - so I will undoubtedly be trying a variety of combinations. Thank you for taking your time to respond to my question Al.