Looking for DAC suggestions

For $2000 exactly, the NAD M51, which compares favorably to the Anedio D2 and PS Audio PWD MK2.

It's selling very well though, so may also be hard to find. Crutchfield (the Internet based audio dealer) may have it in stock, or even better, your local dealer.

It's troll LOL!

If there was a way to stretch the budget just a bit you could get a PS Audio perfect wave DAC mk II. I've seen new ones for sale with the sound bridge for 2700 right here on audiogon. This DAC is supposed to compete with DACs at any price and it sounds excellent run directly to the amp and using it to control the volume.

Hi Sue, I agree with all those above - you’re a wonderful girl and I’m jealous. You’re heart’s in the right place, but if your boyfriend is even a fraction as anal as most of us on Audiogon, this is likely to result in disappointment. We take our audio acquisitions very seriously and fret to no end before pulling the plug.

Am I wrong guys? Think about it - would you really want your girl surprising you with a new component you didn’t ask for?

I agree with Phaelon. Think about giving him a card saying that his birthday present is any dac of his choice, 2k or less. Explain to him that you want to buy him the exact dac he wants. When someone is as hardcore about a hobby as it sounds he is, it's usually best to let them make their own decision. By the way, he should propose to you... like yesterday.