DAC with a Balance Control - Does on exist?

Sumflow, I agree wiht you 100%. I think the reason for the encoder type volume ocntrols is that they are easy and cheap to implement with a remote control. An other option is a motorized pot, which when used directly without the remote, is a direct position correlates with volume knob. When used with the remote, there is a button for up and a button for down, at whatever speed the motor feels like turning. They can overshoot due to momentum. I suppose the perfect solution would have a knob on the remote and a motor on the preamp that slved the 2 together. You would then need a motor on the remote to move its knob if you turned the knob on the preamp. This would be very difficult to implement. I hate detents too.

Wadia..

Yes - I just got the Wadia 121 DAC yesterday, and I can confirm that it has both balance and volume controls (on the remote only).

Mateored, I installed my Wadia 121 just last week and have been more than happy with the wonderful performance. I'm curious if you've noticed rather loud relay switching when the DAC when changes in sample rate occur?

Yes, but I don't find it annoying, and it doesn't click during the music. I've heard people on other forums complaining that the Schiit Bifrost is a loud clicker, and sometimes during songs.