I'm a former QX5/20 owner and probably about to go back. I have auditioned a fair amount of under 18k DAC's. For my money the line of demarcation (when price vs return gets too small) for DAC's is under 9k.
DAC's like anything else are very system dependent. Every time I've made even small changes to the electrical (new cords, conditioner upgrade and moving the dedicated outlets in the room so I could utilize them) it made a huge difference. Most know this about digital, but it's rarely spoken about on the board's, so I thought I'd bring that up.
I have come down to two options. Auralic and Ayre. Auralic is great, because you can make upgrades with add on components if you wish at a later date. I love the pairing of Ayre with Vandersteen's, so I know it plays well in my system. I would give both these companies a look as they also support their gear and will often give upgrade paths in mid product life to extend the product.
I'm sure you will be happy with any purchase you make. Good luck.
ps, are you in CT?
DAC's like anything else are very system dependent. Every time I've made even small changes to the electrical (new cords, conditioner upgrade and moving the dedicated outlets in the room so I could utilize them) it made a huge difference. Most know this about digital, but it's rarely spoken about on the board's, so I thought I'd bring that up.
I have come down to two options. Auralic and Ayre. Auralic is great, because you can make upgrades with add on components if you wish at a later date. I love the pairing of Ayre with Vandersteen's, so I know it plays well in my system. I would give both these companies a look as they also support their gear and will often give upgrade paths in mid product life to extend the product.
I'm sure you will be happy with any purchase you make. Good luck.
ps, are you in CT?