My $.02; go cheap and/or used for right now and wait for the consensus to develop around some of the newer products and technologies.
PS Audio's new Ultra DAC has the potential to be a game changer with it's ability to handle any and all resolutions and it's use of I2S interface. If I remember correctly, they said it would be around $2,000 at the RMAF. I listened to the MusicStream at the show too, but the room was so overwhelming I couldn't give a good evaluation of it (trying to show off the Dodd amps and LS9 monster speakers, they had the volume way too loud).
My favorite USB DAC of the show by far was the asynchronous Cosecant by Wavelength. It sounded practically jitter free and I just melted into the chair listening to it. I could have stayed for hours. The price tag is about the same as teh MusicStream (~~$3,500 U.S.).
For the record, I currently have a PS Audio DAC 3 with the Cullen Circuts Level 3 mod. A nice unit and great 'bang for the buck' ($1,000 plus $600 mod), but not on par with the three above.
PS Audio's new Ultra DAC has the potential to be a game changer with it's ability to handle any and all resolutions and it's use of I2S interface. If I remember correctly, they said it would be around $2,000 at the RMAF. I listened to the MusicStream at the show too, but the room was so overwhelming I couldn't give a good evaluation of it (trying to show off the Dodd amps and LS9 monster speakers, they had the volume way too loud).
My favorite USB DAC of the show by far was the asynchronous Cosecant by Wavelength. It sounded practically jitter free and I just melted into the chair listening to it. I could have stayed for hours. The price tag is about the same as teh MusicStream (~~$3,500 U.S.).
For the record, I currently have a PS Audio DAC 3 with the Cullen Circuts Level 3 mod. A nice unit and great 'bang for the buck' ($1,000 plus $600 mod), but not on par with the three above.