Burson 160D vs "others"

OK thanks.Sounds like I would have to spend some serious $ to better it. But I guess as time marches on the price/performance will ratio will make it more appealing.

You made a very solid, sensible choice. Listen to it for a couple of years and build a sonic baseline in your brain. Then, if you decide to buy something else, you will have a reference to compare it with so you're not just shooting in the dark. Enjoy your DAC.

I tried one last year in place of my stock Sony XA5400ES, and found I preferred the sound of the Sony all around. I was really hoping the Burson would fit the bill, for I liked the versatility of it's variable pre-amp output and USB inputs. I gave it lots of time to break in, tried 2 different transports to it, various cables (USB and RCA), different music programs on the computer etc. The USB inputs sounded best, but I was a bit disapointed overall.
The new Benchmark DAC 2 looks very interesting, and adds a very good sounding remote pre-amp volume output as well.

Good against stuff in its price range - possibly even the best. But out of its depth against more expensive stuff.

Thanks
Bill