For something different, consider a Bel Canto DAC3 as DAC + preamp, feeding directly a NuForce amp. This is what I have, and no one would accuse the combo of being anything less than top-flight in terms of transparency and neutrality. Of course, there are those who will accuse it of being "too" transparent, dry, analytical, what have you. It does ride the edge pretty close, but IMHO it is supremely listenable. So far it's the closest I've gotten to my goal of neutrality while still being musical.