I think the way to go is Asynchronous USB. At $500, the Halide HD is a new Class A Stereophile recommended component. Today I picked up the newly rated class B AudioQuest Dragonfly, and am having loads of fun with it. The Stereophile review compared it directly with the Halide, which was judged to be superior in smoothness, musicality, and especially imaging. Even so, at $250 the Dragonfly is a kick in the pants.
