The progress in technology in CD reproduction has mostly been in reverse, better specs, worse sound. I usually use a DAC from 1992, there are better ones now, but not for under $10,000. While I am having it recapped I am using a MF V-DAC, which you can get for $299 from Audio Advisor on 30 day trial. Look no further, will do everything you need and beat more expensive ones like the Benchmark in tests.
'Bargain' upsampling DACs vs. classic high-end
Building a music server outputting digital on spdif via Xonar Essence card; this is for a second-home 'party' system (Dynaudio Speakers). I moved my Theta Gen V balanced dac up there many years ago; it has always been a very musical device. It is, however, more than 15 years old. I'm wondering if a current 'bargain' upsampling DAC like the Cambridge DacMagic could offer better sound given progress in technology and the fact that the Theta only does 44.1. Anyone have any ear-experience to offer?