Best DAC to also use as a preamp

The preamp version of the Mytek stereo 192 DSD Dac
Alan

My vote is for the Easter Electic MiniMax DAC that has been fully modified. In the stock form I find it to be enjoyable but others have stated if you swap opamps and roll various tubes you can get improved sonic performance.

Benchmark Pre1
Used around $900.

It's not within your budget, but I am loving my Esoteric D-02 used as a
DA/Preamp direct to the Ayre MXR mono amps!

I am leaning towards trying BEnchmark. Bel Canto is another strong contender. I would also have interest in the usual high value Japanese lines for this these days, like Yamaha for example.

I am particularly interested to hear what others might think about this topic and what some of the pricier and more esoteric options out there might bring to the table, Empirical Audio being one example in particular.

I do think for high end digital in particular that integrated preamp/DAC products in particular can offer a lot of quality and value, as well as products that integrate amp and even speakers in some cases, like Dynaudio Xeo, beyond. I think this (quality/value/integration) is the future direction of high end audio for the most part.