Let me toss in a suggestion for the exaSound e32 MkII. Granted, you'd have to piece it together with a streamer, but exaSound is offering a package with their DAC, their Sigma Streamer and a Teddy Pardo supply (highly recommended) for $3399. 30 day risk free trial. I've owned the DS DAC since it was in beta testing, and agree with the OP's thoughts on its sound. My friend has a similar system but wanted a less expensive DAC, He chose the e32 MkII with the Pardo supply (doesn't have the Sigma Streamer). My opinion is his digital is quite nice. I consider a great budget alternative to my DS.
Affordable alternativ to the PS Audio DirectStream DAC
I have borrowed a DirectStream DAC from my dealer very nice of him because he knows that I can't afford it (:
I have to say it is everything I have ever wanted from a streamer/dac. Music just pouring out of my speakers, real sweet music.
Voices just sounds so real, everything is in place, there are details but not in your face. I just love it. This is like music should sound.
I am using it with a PrimaLuna HP integrated. Very nice combo.
The DirectStream DAC junior is discontinuing and I can't get my hands on a used one.
If you have heard the DirectStream DAC and know of another dac sounding as musical -- let me know
I have to say it is everything I have ever wanted from a streamer/dac. Music just pouring out of my speakers, real sweet music.
Voices just sounds so real, everything is in place, there are details but not in your face. I just love it. This is like music should sound.
I am using it with a PrimaLuna HP integrated. Very nice combo.
The DirectStream DAC junior is discontinuing and I can't get my hands on a used one.
If you have heard the DirectStream DAC and know of another dac sounding as musical -- let me know