I was using Dacs in this range and then got a great deal on a Muse Model 296 (they were just discontinued). It is a huge step up from any of these $1000 or so DACs (it was $3500) and uses more up to date technology than any of these others - it uses the same Burr-Brown 24 bit chip as the EVS, but 4 in a push-pull instead of just 2 and instead of the stock crystal upsampler/jitter remover it has a much better DSP section. You can find one for $1200-1500 but it is a DAC you can live with forever (or at least that's the way I feel about it).
What's new since the MSB Link DAC III?
I got an MSB Link DAC III and installed an upsampling chip a little over a year ago. I've been very happy with it but I am wondering what (if anything) would be a reasonable and noticeable "move up" from this unit. I have not been keeping up with new products for over a year now. If anybody out there has been keeping up and could reccommend any other DAC's I would appreciate it. Price is not a big concern but I would like to keep it under $1000.00 or so. What beats the MSB in this price range? Any thoughts?