Suggestions for a top flight streamer/Dac around the $2000 mark?

@uberwaltz  Your reasons for moving on from the Ayre EX8 to the BAT?  You have been so positive in your reports / posts on the Ayre unit.

@uberwaltz Thanks. I understand better now.

@big_greg You are correct when you state: "I’ll never know now"

A proper comparison would have been helpful.

There are too many variables to: "doubt the U1 Mini / Vega combination"....

It takes effort, but the learning and growth from it are worth more than the weight of ’the components’.

What are the names of these "giants" that have been slayed? How did you conduct your evaluations? What were the results? Please also share your complete system makeup.

The Teac is a giant killer for $2k.

Good to know you are Feature First and not Sound Quality First audiophile. 

I have no interest in a unit that falls far short of my bar.

I do have a vested interest in calling out members who make fraudulent claims and who make claims they don't / can't back up.

Still waiting for you to show me something under $5k that has all those features the Teac does ...

Many mainstream receivers qualify. : )

@uberwaltz  Kevin, reach out via message if you are still undecided. I can also discuss Antipodes if it is still in the mix. 

Giant killer is a figure of speech

It isn't. It's your imagination telling you that your 2K product is as good as a 10K one.

Not saying the NT-505 isn't good. It is. It performs to it's price point.

You haven't compared it with other options within the same price-bracket nor above it.

The forum deserves more than speculation and palliative self-centered reassurances that what you have is much better than it is. 

Sweet Dreams (Are [Not] Made of This)...

@big_greg My apologies for not being clearer or if I gave you the wrong impression.

I’m glad you got the unit. I’m happy you are enjoying it.

My point was around the value of comparisons. We need more of them. Serious, well thought out and executed comparisons.

I believe those would be helpful to the community, regardless of the outcomes and preferences.

Cheer and Cheers. - David.

+1 @big_greg   Thanks for the additional clarification! 

I appreciate it when people make posts about their actual experiences, not conjecture, and try to limit my posts to my personal experience and stay away from conjecture.