I think a better solution for same or less money would be a used Muse Model 9 signature (I think there is currently a dutch auction going on for 5 of them on this site from Hello Simply Music) I bought a Muse Model 296 from them at an auction a month or so ago - this DAC is very similar to the Model 9 sig. These Muse units are truly phenomenal and quite underpriced on the used circuit, to my ears they easily beat everything short perhaps of the Audio Aero capitole and then it's a matter of taste (I think the dCS combo sounds better, but after all its $16K or something obscene like that). The other players you are looking at are very good, but the Muse has a palpability to the sound that is amazing, one feels the instruments in the room with you.
