Hello, everyone. I talked with Ric the otheryesterday about the Millenium II DAC. I hope I don't get in trouble with Ric for posting this, but he actually recommends going with his newly upgraded Sony 9000es over the separate DAC unless your system requires use of a separate DAC. He stated that if of equal quality, the single box unit would always outperform a separate transport and DAC because of a "an unretrievable 10% loss of information b/t transport and DAC." This in light of the fact that he would make MUCH less money upgrading the 90000es vs. selling the MII. He doesn't have a firm price on the upgrade cost for the 9000es, but said it would be b/t $300-400. The 9000es can be had for $1150 to your door from www.oade.com. This is certainly something I will be pondering in the next few weeks. If anyone has comments on this topic, please jump in. I am desparately seeking your opinions and experiences.