My friend in the current RMAF that just passed, i heard the Hegel H80 Integrated Amplifier (75wpc,built in dac with two optical input,two spdif input,usb) - i can tell you for its price i think 1800-1900 def under 2k) it was a unbelievable combination for a all in one solution..it drove a pair of Magico S1 to unbelievable bliss..another option is for you to get EvoDac from M2Tech (but i didn't see them at the show) but my cousin has this for similar use like yours (has one optical input,one spdif input) but i dont know anything more about this probably its good to google, but has very good reputation and is cheap.
Upgrade from original HRT Music Streamer II
I'm currently enjoying streaming a ton of great music from MOG.com via an original HRT Music Streamer II (red trapezoid shape) into my system. I'm thinking of upgrading to a newer DAC, one which can also handle digital optical inputs from a widescreen Sony TV and DVD player. I may also want to "experiment" with patching my Rotel RCD-1072 deck through this new DAC as well. Since most of my "true listening pleasure" still comes from LP's and CD's, I want to keep to a $300 budget for my "extra" computer listening and TV/DVD watching. My main choices seem to be the Emotiva XDA-2 (currently on sale direct from Emotiva for $249) or the Musical Fidelity V-DAC 90. What are your thoughts ? And as a second question,..... will a new DAC give me a worthwhile musical enjoyment improvement form my Rotel, or is the Rotel deck pretty perfect just the way it is ? I'd appreciate any comments and thoughts directly answering my question or even somehow related to it. Thanks a lot, and Happy Holidays !