STREAMER - WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

@patrickalston 

Noted on the budget constraint. I was originally mentioning these machines because they lack of screen. When seeking performance, I thought it notable the most respected in the field lack this feature. 

I do want to clarify that the XACT S1 (and Evo upgrade) are both USB optimized - indeed USB is the only output they have. The S1 I believe is roughly $15k while the Evo is $18k. Still out of reach, but clarifying in case others have some interest. 

I have heard the Pulsar at my local dealer while auditioning other gear. It is excellent and I would expect you to find its performance very satisfying.

Best,

@patrickalston  You might want to investigate the Matrix NT-1 DAT ($4 - 4.5k USD). At least several credible reviews allege its (USB) performance to be stellar and on par with pricier hardware. This seems plausible due to meticulous attention given to noise suppression via its power supply and digital transmission architecture. Yes, it has features you don't need, but it seems to be on the leading edge of the price-to-performance envelope and well into the realm of diminishing returns. 

@ted_b looks interesting--well built.  I went through the Matrix website; however, its best performance is not through USB.  Both the Pulsar and RS130 are better matches. . .and, even if it were better than the other two and priced less, my personal preference is not to have components from its country of origin in my system.

My preference is always to purchase domestic US components.  Unfortunately, those that make transports, PS Audio, Sonore, Wyred 4 Sound, Mojo Audio and Empirical Audio, are less compatible for my DAC than the Pulsar and the RS130. 

@fire_water - I understand your frustration of not being able to audition the speakers extensively, I also had to buy without being able to listen to them as much as I would have liked to.

My living room is ~ 20' * 18' and is an open layout with an equal sized dining room behind and a longish corridor on one side. I haven't done any room treatments specifically and am sure much better sound would be possible from the Grimm MU2+ATC actives combination once I get the opportunity to do that. But they still do sound absolutely wonderful (and significantly better than my previous Naim and Audio Physic speakers combination).

I doubt you can tell the difference between your Eversolo a8 vs a top of the line streamer connected to the same external DAC when doing a blind test 😂