I'm with Sean on this one. I've been using an EVS Millennium DAC 1(the original version--trading up for the DAC II soon) and have been absolutely amazed at the openness, transparency, dynamics, tonality, etc. that this piece provides. It made my MSB Link(with Dusty Vawter upgrades) sound veiled and slow by comparison, and I can't imagine listening without this DAC in my system. Only problem is you may have to wait a little while to get a DAC II, although I know Ric is in the process of ramping up production so may not be as much as an issue. Definately worth the wait, and like Sean said there's an honest 30-day money back guarantee, but I seriously doubt you'd use it once you hear what this DAC will do for your system. One caveat: I don't think there is an HDCD option for the DAC II, but I'd bet even those disks will sound better in non-HDCD with the DAC II(I also have a few HDCD disks and don't even give it a second thought). Give Ric a call and he'll give you the straight poop(www.tweakaudio.com).
As for SACD, there's really not much software now and you'll just have to buy another player later to handle DVD-A and/or multi-channel SACD. Of course there's also the impending digital output connection--I absolutely will not buy any of these new formats until they have digital outs. Obviously I believe the DAC is the better way to go in service of your current CD collection. Best of luck.
Tim
As for SACD, there's really not much software now and you'll just have to buy another player later to handle DVD-A and/or multi-channel SACD. Of course there's also the impending digital output connection--I absolutely will not buy any of these new formats until they have digital outs. Obviously I believe the DAC is the better way to go in service of your current CD collection. Best of luck.
Tim