Poor man's reference DAC


I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod
Sean, no doubt I am a lucky guy. More than anything I was trying to create a catch phrase to get peoples attention.
Tomryan is correct. The P3 gains significantly from the ModWright Level 2 upgrade. But, IMHO, the XA9000ES still beats the P1/P3 even with the MR Level 2 treatment. Take a serious look at all in one players. They can outperform a transport/DAC system.
Bryan, i'm just giving you a hard time. I realize that if you're going to get responses, you have to develop enough attention to the thread to attract flies. Hopefully, your tactic got the results that you were looking for : ) Sean
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