First off: Like speakers, I wouldn't purchase a DAC that I haven't gotten a chance to audition first, either at your local high-end audio shop (you may even want to travel abroad to audition different units), or at home in your own audio system. Second: you're shortchanging yourself by insisting on a $7500 budget for new only. You should be more open to buying used in order to maximize your dollar and open up the certainty that you will be able to purchase a higher-end, higher performing DAC for your $7500 than you would for the same money new. Happy listening.