Expensive Dac to keep or cheaper and change overtime

@akg_ca I have to disagree with some of your conclusions about the PS Audio DSD MK II DAC. I had my last PS Audio DAC for 13 years. Initially, I believe they might have called it the Perfect Wave( please correct me if I am wrong) . I upgraded it twice purchasing reasonably priced kits from PS Audio. I was also able to upgrade it numerous times via free software upgrades. Thirteen years is a very long time in the digital world so last year I started looking at DACs but when PS Audio announced the MK II it was a no brainer especially considering their very generous trade in program. 
I like PS Audio for several reasons : It is a US company making products here. Customer support is great. Trade in policies are very reasonable. They will continue to provide software upgrades which helps keep you gear fairly current so a couple of years down the road you aren’t looking for a new unit in the quickly changing digital world. Last but not least you get a 30 day in home trial.

The MKII is a big step up from the MKI and I am curious as to the “ nice to have features.” To me this is a very well engineered form and function machine. What has really surprised me is the amount of new information it is retrieving from standard redbook CD’s. I have a fairly decent system but from a performance perspective the MK II might be the best piece of gear I have.

Audition, find a DAC that works within your system and buy it.

Enjoy it and if you hear something better then get it. Yes DAC technology changes but not as nearly as rapid a pace as some claim here. I am quite pleased with the DAC in my system and will probably only go further up the LessLoss line.

Love the one you're with and dance with the one you brought.  

The problem with this hobby, or any hobby for that matter, is that real quantitative change requires large expenditure to move ahead in a meaningfully way.

 Changing one component usually cascades into more investment.  Just picking at it usually does not move the needle, or scratch the itch.  At worse it exposes the rest of the pieces as not playing along at the same level.

Your new model girlfriend now needs even more expensive jewelry.

A good sounding DAC is a good sounding DAC full stop for me. I am currently using a 12 or so year old DAC, the Yamamoto YDA-1 and it sounds fantastic. I don't personally care about hi-rez recordings but it can do 24/96 when I come across it. No plans to change unless my now 27 year old AN DAC returns from the shop!

@akg_ca We are still eagerly waiting for your response as to what you deem to be “ Illusory and fleeting bragging rights limited by negligible material available currently to enjoy or showcase”. Have you even heard this DAC  before making such statements? To be an honest poster you should be able to provide facts to back up your statements not speculation. If you have facts please provide them a lack of response will speak volumes.