YOu currently have a very neutral tube preamp in the SF2, so I wouldn't be too weary of using a tube dac section. That stated, swapping out tubes in your preamp may be more forward in getting the sound characteristics you like.
As for a DAC or CD combo? $2,000, no problem, do you mind having money left over?
My experience with tube dacs has been positive. I have a CAL Audio Aria in a bedroom system which is tubed and I have demod the Cal 24/96 Alpha dac and a friends Sonic Frontiers CD1 (for sale now) all very nice pieces, but I'd rather point you to a real gem that's solid state
THe EVS Millenium II Dac at $1050 has the most neutral sound and incredible detail. Ric at tweakaudio.com is a real pleasure to deal with and offers a 30 day money back guarantee. His DAC upsamples and has a hearty power supply. He sells at wholesale prices and really has a passion for developing high end audio at reasonable prices. I'm still burning mine in, so I'll hold back on my comments, but have been very impressed so far. Check out the reviews at audioreview.com or do a search here or at audioasylum
Transport? A Cal Audio Labs Delta is an excellent choice and can be had used for around $400
there's still plenty of money left over for the connecting cables and some new cds
As for a DAC or CD combo? $2,000, no problem, do you mind having money left over?
My experience with tube dacs has been positive. I have a CAL Audio Aria in a bedroom system which is tubed and I have demod the Cal 24/96 Alpha dac and a friends Sonic Frontiers CD1 (for sale now) all very nice pieces, but I'd rather point you to a real gem that's solid state
THe EVS Millenium II Dac at $1050 has the most neutral sound and incredible detail. Ric at tweakaudio.com is a real pleasure to deal with and offers a 30 day money back guarantee. His DAC upsamples and has a hearty power supply. He sells at wholesale prices and really has a passion for developing high end audio at reasonable prices. I'm still burning mine in, so I'll hold back on my comments, but have been very impressed so far. Check out the reviews at audioreview.com or do a search here or at audioasylum
Transport? A Cal Audio Labs Delta is an excellent choice and can be had used for around $400
there's still plenty of money left over for the connecting cables and some new cds