Better sounding DAC than Cullen mod PS Audio DLIII

I'd consider looking at PS Audio's new Perfect Wave DAC. The list price is a tad higher than your budget, at $2995 USD. However, they are offering a very generous trade-up allowance that is worth up to $1K off.

If you like the modded DL-III, then I think that this would be a logical upgrade option.

I had a chance to compare stock DLIII and Cullen mod version, and the difference is very noticeable at least to my ears. Cullen mod version has sweeter but clearer highs with very solid bass. I really liked the sound from Cullen mod DAC and hope to find a DAC which has better sound than Cullen mod DLIII. Have you had a chance to try the new PS Audio DAC?

Thanks...

I have not heard the new PS DAC. It is my understanding that the 1st run of them is just about to ship. Though I plan to order one, I have not yet done so.

There is a lot of info on PS's website. Essentially, from the ground up this DAC uses a completely different technology in processing the data, and uses top of the line parts. Whereas the DL-III was made at a price-point of $1K retail.

Again, I cannot say that it is a better DAC. However, considering all of the "buzz," if you like the DL-III, one would expect that you should love the new Perfect Wave DAC.

I am sure that as the 1st batch makes it into the field, new owners will chime in.

Anybody have compared Cullen mod DLIII to Benchmark DAC1 or Bel Canto DAC3? Or Electrocompaniet ECD-1?

thanks...