I'll second the EVS Millennium DAC II. It uses the higher quality and more expensive Burr Brown DAC chips(MSB uses the cheaper version) and other top quality parts throughout coupled with impeccable design and implementation. It also uses a MosFet output stage which gets rid of all op amps--very rare and a big improvement in sound. I had a Dusty Vawter modified MSB Link DAC and although nice it couldn't touch the Millennium DAC in terms of transparency, dynamics, soundstage, or tonal fullness and clarity. At $1050 I'd put it up against anything, and Ric offers a true 30-day money back trial period so there's no risk in trying one, although I'm not aware of anyone who has sent one back after having it in their system. See reviews on Audioreview.com and Stereotimes.com for other opinions and by all means go to the EVS website at www.tweakaudio.com. Best of luck in your decision.
Also, I agree on waiting for SACD and/or DVD-A. We're still in the first or second generation of players and there are bound to be significant improvements and cost reductions in the near future. In fact, I heard some companies are already working with the newer and more powerful DVD-A chips and should have new players out based on this chip in spring. Lastly, and most important, I'm waiting till they incorporate digital outs into these players before I'll buy any of them, and I hope by that time some of the music I actually listen to will be available in the new formats. In the meantime you'll certainly benefit from playing redbood CDs through a high-quality DAC and may want to continue using it even after you buy one of the new players. By the way, the EVS Millennium DAC II will be upgradeable to the new formats(2-channel only though, not surround) when a digital connection finally hits the market. I doubt that will be the case for the Classe, but the MSB should be upgradeable too.
Tim
Also, I agree on waiting for SACD and/or DVD-A. We're still in the first or second generation of players and there are bound to be significant improvements and cost reductions in the near future. In fact, I heard some companies are already working with the newer and more powerful DVD-A chips and should have new players out based on this chip in spring. Lastly, and most important, I'm waiting till they incorporate digital outs into these players before I'll buy any of them, and I hope by that time some of the music I actually listen to will be available in the new formats. In the meantime you'll certainly benefit from playing redbood CDs through a high-quality DAC and may want to continue using it even after you buy one of the new players. By the way, the EVS Millennium DAC II will be upgradeable to the new formats(2-channel only though, not surround) when a digital connection finally hits the market. I doubt that will be the case for the Classe, but the MSB should be upgradeable too.
Tim