Imho at less than 5k, nothing beats a used McIntosh MDA1000. Just have to add a USB to SPDIF converter if you're into computer audio and Voilà !
Actually me and Jean Marc compared the MDA side by side direct with same cables to the MSB Platinum Dac IV and :
- blind test : about 12 times, I was able to pick the MDA and never was mistaken
- we both preferred the musicality of the MDA by a large margin.
So I truly believe that the MDA could hold its place against many other very high end pieces....
At around 4k used, the MDA is for sure the best dac money can buy and the best bargain in digital audio.
I also would agree with you on the MDA1000 Jerome..