My Benchmark DAC3 also has Home Theater Bypass it is very useful - you can listen to the DAC powering the main front stereo speakers directly (via a power amp) for optimal stereo music sound and then switch to your lower quality 7.1 system with its DSP preamp (I use Onkyo Pr-Sc5509) for a movie or concert with the DAC in bypass mode (the D to A being done by the DSP for all speakers and with the DAC providing analog unity gain to just the front stereo speakers)
The DAC 3 was released late last year - so it meets your criteria of a recent DAC. It measures better performance than anything else on the market but whether it sounds right for you is only something your ears can decide.
The DAC 3 was released late last year - so it meets your criteria of a recent DAC. It measures better performance than anything else on the market but whether it sounds right for you is only something your ears can decide.