At a crossroads (possibly)

[cjf]

On 11/12/2020 at 2:41 PM, paulr said:

Arcam IRDAC->Linn Kairn Pro preamp

Hello, not sure if you would consider this option or not but I suspect that you would find a pretty big bump in SQ if you were willing to drop both items quoted above and replace them with a DAC/PRE combo device like the Benchmark DAC3.

 

You would shorten your signal path by a few boxes and gain the ability to build further from there if you so choose. The Benchmark would bring Balanced XLR Output connection options for future Amp upgrades, allow for several additional digital Inputs and has a digital output which can be used to feed yet another digital device later if you wanted.

 

You could use the Line Level RCA Outputs to feed your existing Amp which would be volume controlled by either the Benchmark or you can use the digital volume control found within jRiver (which it excellent) and run the Benchmark in Vol control bypass mode (ie..wide open).

 

I only mention this option because it appears you may be willing to spend up to £2500 and it sounds like you might be a fan of a minimalist type setup.