Leemaze-I went through a similar process, looking for a DAC at a particular pricepoint and sound. I found this online and thought it was helpful.
http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/marveys-dac-chart-of-awesomeness.63/
Note what sits atop the list!
Even then, how much credence can you give to Marvey's *opinions*?