As to your PAV needing an upgrade. Don't assume running a source into a DAC will make a great improvement or difference. It depends on the DAC converters in the source. It may or may not give you that much bang for the buck.
Should you have money to burn and want to enhance your system an option may be looking into a music server. Be it a stand alone or computer based. They can really be fun and have you listening to more of your music than ever. If computer based will indeed need a DAC. There are of course many ways to go.
As you seem to like the Emotiva line, why not consider their UMC-200 pre amp, run just in the stereo mode. It having a built in DAC with the ability to go to surround sound should you desire with a very attractive price.
Many options along with the ones you list, from tube pre amps to room treatments. Hey, it is all a hobby have fun.
Should you have money to burn and want to enhance your system an option may be looking into a music server. Be it a stand alone or computer based. They can really be fun and have you listening to more of your music than ever. If computer based will indeed need a DAC. There are of course many ways to go.
As you seem to like the Emotiva line, why not consider their UMC-200 pre amp, run just in the stereo mode. It having a built in DAC with the ability to go to surround sound should you desire with a very attractive price.
Many options along with the ones you list, from tube pre amps to room treatments. Hey, it is all a hobby have fun.