Currently have a Zen that I almost exclusively use as a DAC/Pre. I’ll throw a new pair of cans/IEMS on there just to see how they sound, but generally speaking it’s my SP200 doing amp duty, with the occasional use of my BassX A100 or my SP100. I just leave my Zen on variable, because the volume knob is far superior to that of my SMSL amps, and it let’s me step the output up and down with the Power Match button, and I can add the Bass Boost to any amp. I use all these features all the time, and love it. Heck, I even use the MQA functionality of it. My question is this, is the EL II DAC a notable upgrade when considering the features of the Zen? What about just DAC to DAC features not considered? I never see myself spending more than $300 on a DAC, at least not until I have Aeolus on my desk, and probably the A90. Your thoughts are appreciated