used high-end DAC or affordable newer model?

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.