Advice on stand alone DAC


I'm putting together a modest system for my "winter getaway" in Florida. Have a Pioneer DV-79avi univeral player, with GMA Callistos on order. Would like to add a better DAC for redbook. Thinking tube-based to but flexible. Prefer to stay under $1000, new or used. A couple of Musical Fidelity A3.24s are listed here in the $500-600 area - any good?

Advice very much appreciated.

Doug
grandpad
Avguygeorge: Sorry, but I failed to mention I'll be using a Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver. So my thinking is to output from the Pioneer's digital to a DAC's digital in, then stereo analog out from the DAC to the stereo analog input of the Yamaha (which has a "Pure Direct" which bypasses all processing by it). Does that sound OK or am I missing something.
Bojack: Thanks for the suggestions. I once owned a BC DAC I, and found it too 'dry' for my taste. I now use an Audio Aero Capitole II cdp in my main system up North, which also includes a mix of ss and tubes (Herron & Joule), which is why I would like to add tubes to this little setup.
Nutella: I frankly hadn't heard of the Museatex, but a little reading on threads make it sound like a very interesting possibility. The only problem would appear to be finding someone willing to part with one!
electrocompinent dac ( goes for $1100- $1200)...a little on the lush side, but INCREDIBLEY musical....