Cheap upgrade path?

A third path is to pick up a used Link or Link II and send to to Stan Warren or Dan Wright for modification.

I have the newer Muse (the model 296) and it is unbelievably good. It seems to me if you can get a used model 2 (make sure it has the besel filter option which is VERY important and HDCD - if you have HDCDs) or a model 2+ (the same thing but with all the options). The MSBs are not nearly as well built or designed and Muse digital gear has a palpability like analogue. The 2+ was a reference quality DAC 4 years ago, the MSB never was nor will be. Now if you could afford a good deal on a Model 296 ($1250- $1500) you'd really be in heaven.

Good Luck.

I had the MSB Link III with upsampling. I also found it harsh and edgy. I haven't heard the Muse Model 2, but had their model 5 transport - it was an outstanding product. If you can stretch your budget, it's possible that the best DAC out there under $4k right now is the EVS Millenium II, and it goes for about $1k. Good luck.

Good luck but come on Schitt dacs...cheap and good

Check out a Topping E30 DAC -- $130 and getting good reviews from a variety of sources. I picked up one the other day out of curiosity and prefer it to the DAC in my Bel Canto C5i.