DAC/Streamer/PreAmp

Hi, I can only speak for the DCS Bartok (non-Apex)as someone has mentioned. I was becoming disillusioned with separates because you constantly upgrade with increasingly underwhelming results. I borrowed my friend's Bartok and it lifted my system to a new level completely. I bought it off him! - he then purchased the Rossini. I am very happy with it and it matches the rest of my system in price and performance. 

I only listen to Qobuz, rest of my kit is; PS Audio BHK 300's monos, Kef Reference 5 speakers and I too have a pair of S812 subs.

I must add though that the Bartok does not have any RCA inputs 

Hope this helps, good luck Mark

I add my voice to the separate crowd.  You have enough budget for a great preamp, DAC, and streamer.  Streaming is still evolving, and if you want to upgrade as things change you don’t want to be tied into other components that you don’t want to change.  Saving space doesn’t seem to be a consideration because you are planning to go to mono block amps.  I would get a tubed preamp

I like the concept of a one box solution as well (footprint, simplicity)

• Linn Hub edition DSM…lots of options for DAC as well as phone stage 
• Moon 791 even has a phon stage

Ine box reduces system matching as well as reduces interconnects, power cables, etc. 

I prefer to simplify when possible - though it does compromise future flexibility. Therefore I would use a well respected manufacturer who supports their products beyond when they are no longer sold. 

Following, and curious to know the groups feelings on the Bluesound Vault 2i.

While it “may” need an outboard DAC, it streams most anything, it connects to your NAS for your library, it rips your CD collection and stores 2tb of music in multiple file formats, including FLAC, operates at a bit depth of 16-24, with a sampling rate of 32-192khz. S/N ratio of 110db, and operates on Microsoft and Apple OS’s, and integrates with most any play platform. A Bluetooth interface.

Seems it ticks all my boxes for a $1300 price tag.

Seems that I could now easily convert my 1500 CD collection to FLAC files.

Am I missing much in considering this?

@dmaddox77 

Technics SLG700M2 (SACD Player+DAC+Streamer combo unit)

Their remastering feature, etc in this unit tends to beat out the separate dacs and streamers ( in execution of sonics) on all kinds of recordings for your budget..plus you get a very nice SACD player with it.

Price = $3500

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_133SLG7M2S/Technics-SLG700M2-Silver.html

Schiit Kara preamp 

Price = $700

https://www.schiit.com/products/kara

Schiit Tyr Monoblocks times 2

Price: $3200

https://www.schiit.com/products/tyr

Subtotal = $8400

Budget = $20, 000

Balance = $11,600

Buy Borresen X3 speakers, Price = $11,000

Get rid of Focal Soupra. Use recouped cash to buy as many 'official studio master' hires albums from Qobuz as possible. Download files and put them on your nas for permanent ownership. Streaming the actual hires files from a nas is the highest fidelity of listening possible. Use the regular Tidal, Qobuz, etc just to discover music.