Kitty, I have compared the P-A3 and the MSB Link Dac II in the same system using a Sony 9000ES DVD/SACD player as a transport. I actually perferred the MSB over the P-A3 in our tests. The MSB seemed to be a little smoother. I will get to listen the MSB link Dac III very soon with the upsampling card. The P-A3 is a very nice DAC though and your mileage may vary. It is also important to note that the MSB had alot more hours on it than the P-3A. BTW both of these DACs smoked the DACs in the Sony for regular CD playback. Here is a link to a review at the Secrets site. It compares the Bel Canto, MSB, and mentions the P-3A for reference. Good luck.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_1/dac-comparison-1-2001.html
Jerry
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_1/dac-comparison-1-2001.html
Jerry