Couldn't agree more as to the Muse Pre-Amp as being as good a choice as you could hope to make. I understand the stand alone display and power supply is well worth the extra bucks, I've heard of a number of people who went for this option and were delighted they did so. I would agree $1,500- $1,700 would be a great price, I saw one in that range on Audiogon Auction just in the past week or so which you might want to check out. Wanted to say to "tsquared" as well, since you already have the Muse 5 Transport you should BY ALL MEANS pick up the Muse Two Plus Dac so you can take advantage of playing thru the I2S connections common to the two units. You'll need to pick up a Muse 13W3 Cable for the hook-up as well but - "WOW"-, it's really something. As a matter of fact I understand Kevin Halverson even designed the Model Five Transport with the Two Plus Dac in mind. Take a minute and check out a review on the Model Five on the soundstage web site and you'll find the Five was used in this very combination. I believe as a Owner of the Muse Five Transport you'll be able to really relate to the reviewers commentary and conclusions. You can find it at: www.soundstage.com/revequip/duvall02.htm
Comments on the Muse Model 3
I have been really impressed by the quality of the Muse gear I have heard so far (very little unfortunately) despite the reasonable prices (which will definitely keep me as a customer). I haven't heard, or possibly more accurate to say "not heard" the Model 3. I want to have a stereo/HT combo whereby the processor has a bypass so I can send a signal from my transport either to the processor (for DVD) or to a dedicated stereo preamp (for CD). Any comments would be helpful. Regards