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Am I on the right path to look for a dac to serve as a preamp? I recently downsized my home theater system to a 2-channel video system. This system is in the living room and functions for listening to music & watching tv/movies. I currently use a Parasound Halo A21 amp and NAD M15 processor to drive a pair of Infinity Kappa 400 tower speakers. I use Audirvana from a macbook pro and the Meridian Explorer as a DAC. My thoughts are that I no longer have a need for a HT processor and I would like to maximize my 2-channel performance. All my music is digital. Although I have contemplated vinyl, I just have never gotten into it and probably won't due to the ease of digital. I've been currently looking at the NAD M51 to replace my M15. Ideally I would like to go USB from the macbook pro into the dac/preamp. Would the NAD M51 be the best option? I also noticed it doesn't support DSD, which I don't have any files in this format, but if it is as incredible as everyone states would I be missing an opportunity to go for the NAD M51? Another idea: I currently use a midrange blu-ray player. I've thought about getting the Oppo 105d to serve this function, but I have heard mixed reviews on people using it directly into a power amp. Also my budget is about $2000 but would be more than happy to spend less. Thanks for your input!

Hi Iloves13a, Can you elaborate more with your experience with the KEF LS50 and X300 speakers? I too am looking for versatile nearfield/midfield speakers for an office. I don't have the luxury to demo either. I've read great things about the LS50 and am just trying to understand your decision to switch to the X300s. The X300s look like a great option, but I'm concerned about the limitations of a built-in DAC. My situation: I can either go for active or passive speakers. If I go passive I can power them with either the Parasound Halo A21 or A23 (both of which I already own). I've read that the LS50 responds very well to improvements in amplification, so most likely will use my A21. I've briefly demoed the Focal CMS65 and was impressed. I like how it would be a very clean/minimal setup and is front-ported so they have greater flexibility in room placement. If I go active I would probably pickup the CMS65 or CMS50. Any thoughts or ideas from members are much appreciated.