MHDT Orchid or Lampizator Amber 3?

Teajay,
Thank you.  I was sort of hoping somebody would say that.
- Bob

Don't know if the Orchid will be an improvement over the Nuwave DAC, which is an underrated yet excellent DAC. The Orchid is OK but nothing extraordinary or special, IMO, and only outputs 16/44, which may not be a concern of yours. But the only way you'll ever know is to buy the Orchid and decide for yourself whether or not it was worth it.  I own the Orchid; PS Audio PW MkII, and Schitt Gungnir Multibit DACs. 

Probably not very helpful, but I have an audio mirror tubadour III se and have compared it to two ps audio products, both the perfectwave mk2 and directstream. I found it better in every regard... It's also in your price range. 

If  you want an MHDT DAC that will do hi rez, look no further than the excellent Pagoda.

Oz

I have the Orchid and it sounds amazing.  It is an easy best buy for sheer musicality and enjoyment of your music.  I simply love mine and agree with upgrading to the WE tube.

If you upgrade the output caps and key resistors around the tube you will be treated with even greater sonics as this unit really responds to parts like Vishay Zfoil resistors and top grade output caps from companies like Miflex, Jupiter, Vcap and others. 

My unit plays up to 24/192 as is a great match with my Innuos streamer and Qobuzz.