The LPS doesn't do much at all for the streamer section IMHO. Since the external DAC will be in play instead of internal, Master upgrades to the A6 internal DAC and analog stage won't matter. And again since those sections of the A6 won't be in use the LPS won't contribute to any sonic gains.
I think the A6 is the obvious value leader but IF the goal is to REPLACE an outboard DAC -AND- REPLACE a preamp, the A8 makes a lot of sense..... assuming it has a great sounding DAC and preamp. Everything I've read says the A6 is 'bright', A6 Master is 'less bright', and the A8 is even 'less bright'. But they all seem to lean toward the bright sid
e which is the opposite of what I prefer.
So a plain A6 with warmer DAC might be the way to go.
