Cheap upgrade path?

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.