The RME ADI-2 DAC is fantastic DAC. The Steady Clock is measured in Femtoseconds. You find this in the top of the line DAC's. Bought mine about 3 weeks ago and really upgraded the SQ of my Universal player and Bluesound node. Can can compete w/any DAC at twice it's price. RME is a 20 year old German Pro Audio company w/a solid reputation. This is their first audio product for home audio. Check out their website and the June issue of Sound on Sound excellent review.
DAC choice
I admit it, I am a bit lost on the topic of DACs. I have a Rotel RB-1590 amp and some B&W 804S speakers. I like my CD transport so far, although I doubt its DAC compares to a more dedicated one. I do not think the amp or speakers are bottlenecks in sound quality, but am not sure I am getting the best out of my music, and I would like to get into more digital. I am trying to decide between getting the Rotel RC-1590 preamp with its DAC or a different DAC/preamp. I would welcome advice on preamp/DACs for $2,000 or less.