ys audio doesnt suck.
I've been reading a lot of great things about the Dared preamp. class A.
minimal design..., roll the tubes and apparently the thing is a monster.
$450 new, <$300 used. hot item right now though, and used ones dont come up often or last very long.
I'm sort of in the same boat Trey. I need a front end in a bad way.
I'm leaning towards the Cambridge Audio 740c (CD player w/built in DAC for external digi feeds) and the Dared w/nice tubes. that should be just the ticket. Smooth transport, DAC for the computer library access..., viola.
then I also have a dedicated transport for music that is not being beaten by my children loading up Aladin and lady in the tramp over and over (and not gently).