Quality DAC with volume control - suggestions

I just bought a Monarchy NM24 DAC today, sounds beautiful. Comes with solid state dac, tube dac and a preamp all in one. $1080 direct from Mr. Poon at Monarchy.

We like our Uther DAC with volume control. We use it in lieu of a traditional preamp to drive our CJ MV60SE amp. However, the Uther does not allow one to hear very loud music.

Our typical music sources are Itunes via Toshiba laptop/HagUSB converter, OPPO CD/DVD player via digital coax and HD Time-Warner cable converter box via toslink.

post note: sometimes, we're amazed by the sound quality of the live concerts seen/heard on Palladia HD channel.

I'd wait for the PSAudio Ultralink DAC due 2/09.

See their newsletters for more info:

http://www.psaudio.com/news.asp

Hey Brucebraun,
I think Camelot has a 9v pre-out upgrade to the preamp section, which should boost your volume level, I listen most of the time with mine from 70-85, so still room left.
Call to find out.

bel canto dac 3 has what you are looking for and the price is around your budget.