Using a streamer to DAC to power amp, should I insert an integrated

Well, budget on a preamp (which is all I have left to purchase) is in the $1500 range give or take.  I want to keep the R2R/class A like the Hestia or Hades.  I’ve read nothing but glowing reviews on the Hestia, except one where the reviewer said that the highs roll off.  I just want the preamp to remain faithful to source DAC, which as I’ve mentioned is the Denafrips Pontus II 12 anv. 

Congratulations. Tell us how it goes.

Well, I kind of went in a different direction.  The Burson Dac was having issues with Hi Res Audio fed by the Eversolo.  Lot of popping and clicking.  So I decided to solve that problem first and bought a Denafrips Pontus II 12 Anniversary.  I figured it would have a similar R2R sound and it’s actually a little bit better.  More importantly, it handles the hi res music like a champ.

For power, I decided to try and get a significant wattage bump by going down the class D path with an Audiophonic’s HPA S400ET.  It will likely be transparent like the Rotel while providing more power, less weight and heat.

The Pontus II Dac is burning in now and Amplifier will be here in a week or so.  Next step is a Musicians Monoceros preamp or a Denafrips Hestia (I think they are both made by Denafrips).  Another R2R in the chain and a good way to bring in my Oppo SACD player while providing some volume protection in case the streamer resets to full volume (it happened once and luckily it didn’t blow anything on the JBL L112’s).

I would agree that an integrated amplifier would be a good choice. If you are interested in very good sound quality then one with only an amp and preamp. An integrated all in one is unlikely to sound great unless it is something like a Linn.

Contemporary NAD and Rotel integrated amps are good cost effective brands… made to sound good instead of compete on features and functions you do not need.

Yes, I would replace the amplifier with a modern Integrated. 

What is budget?

Thanks for the honest feedback. 👍

Sorry, but all your stuff is way dated.  Do yourself a favor and go listen to some equipment from this century.  Everything you’re thinking about is a sideways move so if you enjoy what you’re hearing just enjoy it for what it is unless you wanna commit to really better sound.  Commit to real improvements or just stick with what you got.  Don’t mean to be mean, but it is what it is.

Keep the Rotel. Changing to the Audiolab is a sideways move.