Decent DAC under $10k anyone?

I do not know off hand if it meets the OP's criteria, but the new DAC from Acoustic Plan, especially when it is run through Acoustic Plan's optional separate power supply, is the cornerstone of the best digital front end I have ever heard. I heard it with both an ARC CD8 and Naim HDX. The Acoustic Plan-CD8 combo was incredible, and the Acoustic Plan-HDX combo was even better. Needless to say, I intend to get one.

Cortes, I understand your frustration. The MPD-3 does not have a volume control....feel free to ask any questions and your feloow Audiogoners will answer them, if we know the answer. In this price range, you have to be comfortable with your purchase so please consider travelling to see, touch and listen to the DACs in which you are interested. Good luck and warm regards.

You may want to look into these...
http://www.dagogo.com/View-Article.asp?hArticle=744

In the article he compares it to some Esoteric gear but not a D-05.

In another article he trys the next model up and is amazed at what he hears.

listen to the first zanden, and, although not a dac, listen to the original lector, 20 bit.

new is not necessarily better. the forsell dac was high quality in its day. i wonder how it compares to current production dacs ?

my point i8s that although older dacs do not allow for high res files, some sound very good with redbook discs, especially, if they have a tube.

Ghasley, i just wonder what are your views about the MDA1000, is it still good compared to the newest models that came to the market??