used high-end DAC or affordable newer model?

It depends. I'm sure you will have some argue both sides. The newer ones have the latest digital section, while the older ones have the better analog section. I personally prefer a older EAD, Sonic Frontiers, or Classe DAC to the newer MSB link III, et al. I think the analog section is the key to a good D/A convertor. The new $1K D/A's just don't have as good of a analog output stage as an older $4-7K D/A convertor. That of course is just my opinion, I'm sure you'll find some who disagree.

I love my Classe' DAC-1. Can be had used for $900-$1000, sold new for $4K, I believe. I agree with Jmc. Its the execution of the design, not the # bits, or upsampling, or whatever, that really makes a difference, IMO.

I tried both approaches and ended up with a used Muse Model 296. They now sell for under $1400 and though their technology is behind the new Muse 192, they were so far ahead when they came out that they still haveup-sampling and other newer features AND a wonderful analogue section. I switched to this from a BelCanto 1.1 and it sounds so much better. It is equally smooth, has better tonal balance and a real sense of palpability. I think HelloSimply Music is selling one on the 'gon currently (I bought mine from them).

As for the LinkDAC III, I have heard it and don't think it is in the same class at all even with all the options.

As, maybe even more important, is your transport. No matter which DAC, it will only be as good as the laser /transport reading/sending signal. Consider soomething like a CEC belt-drive transport/cd player. Later add a hot dac then you've have a world-class digital front end. Northstar has really nice sounding dac that is capable of 24/192 playback.

Electrocompaniet! list $2k, a pure bargain! 24/192!

Thanks for your responses. Interestingly, when i called Tor at Conrad Johnson (I own a CAV-50) and asked him this same question, he said forget about DAC's and go for a new DVD universal player such as the Marantz that sells for $1600 or even the Pioneer elite for $750- but do they really do as good a job with music as CD players or DAC's? feel free to respond.

One more thing, i'm having trouble finding any info on the EAD DSP 9000 pro HDCD(there's one on ebay)- I've found alot about the MKIII
version, but it seems an altogether different animal- anyone know about this unit or how old it is- Thanks.

My advise is a bit different. have been recently surprised like professional audio DAC can easily outperform the highly priced higears.
My personal experience is that a 300 USD product from the pro market can easily beat a 5 years old 2000 USD gear.
Believe me it is a colossal audible difference, sister ear proven!
Quite a lot reported by others in this forum too. Product like ART DI/O seems to sound splendid. In my case I have a Mindprint DI-Port that in audio pro tests was not too far from Apogee top of the line converters, and anyone that know this name understand the point.
Give a try to one of this cheap stuff, no risk of smash, only good surprises.
If need more info contact me
Cheers

My experience is that the newer,cheap dacs have excellent clarity and resolution, but an older high end dac will sound smoother and richer. The only DVD player I have heard that I like is the Sony DVP-NS500V, which I would prefer over the above mentioned MSB and Art DIO dacs.

the EAD 9000 unit on ebay is lacking the entire power supply unit for your information. Look at the picture of the back of the unit no power cord or IEC connection just where the power supply attaches. they confirmed power supply not available Via email. Does this sound fishy? like stolen equipment? Or is it just me. Inquired about power supply availability at Boelen electronics their repair center no reply yet.