Hey Joe,
Again I want to make sure you understand that I have never listened to or play around with the higher level dCS gear, and I know they have a very good reputation.
As for T+A, I think the May issue of Stereophile had a review of the media player. Either Stereophile or The Absolute Sound did a review of the DAC and Preamp combo recently. I wish I could afford these pieces; to me that would be an easy choice. But if I were in your position I would definitely want to explore all of these various options, dCS, MSB, T+A, etc.
Jesus, this is dream gear in my view (what a system, holy crap):
Amps
2x A 3000 HV (monos)
2x PS 3000 HV (Elec)
Rack
PST 3000 HV (SACD)
SDV 31000 HV (Streaming DAC Preamp)
P 3100 HV (preamp with HV phono module)
To me fit and finish, functionality, quality of construction, etc., very much come into play also. I love the way that T+A states on their website that the gear is not designed to last for years, but instead it is designed to last for decades!!! As you stated, hearing is believing!
Obviously, any of the pieces you are looking at, Pass, T+A, MSB, etc. are simply tremendous!