The Classe DAC has been discontinued which is why it is selling for such a low price. If you can get a home trial or are not afraid of having to resell it if it doesn't work, then it is worth trying. I was tempted by the Classe's low price, but instead ended up getting a home audition on a Bel Canto dac (which I kept) and have not felt the urge to try anything else since (over a year ago). I have not heard the Classe but I have tried the Rega Planet at home, and the Bel Canto's sound may be to your liking. If you go for the Apogee digital cable, be sure to get the latest version and get at least one meter in length.
help with DAC w/current system
I've never used an outboard DAC before, but have a chance at a killer deal on a Classe DAC-1 (Stereophile class A, $4000 retail). I currently have a Rega Planet CD player with a nice Classe amp and B&W speakers. Does anyone know what and how much of an effect a DAC like this would have on a system of this caliber? Any ideas would be appreciated.