Upgrade to McIntosh

I have a c2700-275 combo and its quite nice. I'd definitely move up to the c22 or c2700 over the c8 unless you really like that look.

dac2 board is quite good for the money as well. ARC in the dac 2 board is also very handy if you have a TV in the same room. the options on the c2700 make it the best preamp I've used for options and flexibility.

The 275 runs hot.

both need better tubes then the JJ's ( i believe they are JJ's) MAC supplies as OEM tubes not bad for new tubes but lacking in so many ways. almost every negative I've read above for the mac tube gear can be related to those tubes IMO.  

Wolfgang………. Yes many of us buy online. I usually stick with a couple bigger ones. Tube store. Tube depot. Are two I’ve used often enough with no disappointment from either. 

I really like the DAC2 board in my C2700, I also have my TV in the same room and the ARC input is a godsent for integration of the TV into my audio system. As for if its better then the DAC1 board I cannot say but everything i read says is an upgrade.

I would not hesitate in getting a MAC per-amp with the DAC2 board if you have digital in your system. It was better then the Schiit Gumby multi bit DAC I was using prior ( $1300usd) and better then the Aurender A10 internal DAC i have now. Its quite lively sounding and has good detail and sounds like music, i found the Aurender A10's DAC to be quite dark sounding in comparison. the Schiit DAC is a great value for the money though but not quite up to the DAC 2 board specialty when taking into effect the ARC integration and inputs available.