I asking for suggestions in choosing a pre-amp [that won't "break the bank".

randy-11

what do I want it to do?  I'm not that sophisticated, but I believe one of the main results of a pre-amp is to sound as though "it is not even in the system".

remote control? Not really needed; less is more?

DAC built in?  Well, this is where I could also use a little help.  At the end of the process of buying a pre-amp; I wonder if I will want or need a DAC.  I wonder if most people add a DAC, it seems like they do.

Of course, the system that I am building is far from the prowess of many audiogon member's systems.  I really just want it to sound as good as possible with my budget that I can afford.  I am not the type of person who needs to keep upgrading my system every so often.

Thank you for your help and I do appreciate everyone's time and comments.  I'm certainly receiving a great deal of information from which I can research a decent/affordable buying decision.

Here's a bit of a sound review of those new Shiit products.

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/rmaf2016/rmaf2016_schiit.htm

Cheers George

@foghorn1 ,

hi, it is very important to let us know what characteristics of sound or taste you prefer, and what genre of music that you listen to ?
Every DAC/Preamp perform differently with their unique strengths... some music gear may sound more richer\vivid in tone ,others may have better smooth extension but lacking in bass etc... certain brands (maybe due to their house sound) maybe more suited for solo \vocal while others maybe better at chamber music so on so forth....
i guess by the end of this thread, almost all the brands in the HiFi scene will get mentioned if you did not express your preference clearly 
Regards, 
-phil

if it is not in the system it won't change the sound

control functionality refers to the ability to change inputs, "buffer" things, alter sound via tone control, invert phase and etc.

a straight wire with gain is not always practical