DACS - Need Advice

I sell Theta, Krell, Audio Research, Bell canto, Wadia, Classe, Rega, Creek, Aragon/Acurus, and Sony (super Aud)where I currently work. There are a lot of very musical DAC's out there, but have you tried Some of the inexpensive DVD player's out there? Some of them are pretty darn good for the money! Dynamic contrast (parts quality) is a little lacking, but this can be cleaned up by using one of those "CD Blacklight's" from Audio Prisms! If that doesn't do it for you (and my DVD, in my oppinion, is better than some of the other CD players mentioned by others), try one of the Theta's (Pro Prime IIA or Pro Gen IIA) Have fun!

Although somewhat dated now I suppose, I can highly recommend the Muse Model Two. It can be had used for about $700. used, and was rated Stereophile high Class B for a long time. When new, it was an over achiever, and is still a darn good DAC. Very smooth, very neutral, very musical. It only has BNC inputs, but you can get high quality BNC to coaxial adapters from Muse. Also, this DAC can be upgraded to 24/96 (and some other options) if desired. It is very well built.

For used price for a little over $1000, Krell makes a very good entry level transport/dac player 250cd. I have a very high end system, easy $40k+, and this CD player is not the weak link.

I agree with the Bel Canto Dac One. When broken in it is such a great Dac. Very Detailed, very relaxed and I know this isn't an audiophile term but the top end is just pretty.

Strongly recommend the MSB Link w/ the Channel Islands Audio modification and the Monolithic Sounds HC2 power supply. Reviews on all three can be found at Soundstage.com. Complete set-up will only set you back $850.00 and leave you w/ $150.00 for a cable. Price is for new items not used. This is one phenomenal combination that should be given some serious consideration. Another review is available in Stereophile vol.22/1.