Which DAC w/ More Top to Bottom Extension?

Check the thread of the Eastern Electric Minimax tube DAC about 7 or 8 threads below yours. Have not heard the DAC personally but a well known reviewer e mailed me telling me what a great product it is and its within your budget.
Google for reviews. Happy hunting.

Just get Amarra 2.3.2. Your bass will immediately improve if you are using 64-bit Mac. Playlist mode and cache mode.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I suggest the Ultra Fi DAC-41 using Fidelia with a 2010 or 2011 MacMini (SSD & at least 4 GB RAM) and a miniplat2. The bass and treble extension is remarkable, very musical and detailed. A pleasure and won't break the bank.

:) listening,

Ed

Foster 9,

I ordered mine directly from the manufacture. Yours was probably already in stock. Hope you have the same, rewarding experience I had.

All the best,
Nonoise

Foster9,
i just found this thread and was wondering what the outcome was for you with the new DAC. I too have the HRT Music Streamer ll+ and was looking for exactly the same thing sonically as you. I have been enjoying the HRT but was also wondering if it can get even better for near $1,000. My eyes have been on the Eastern Electric Minimax Plus DAC. Above you mentioned you ordered the Dacmini, and was wondering how that worked out for you, or if you have done any other DAC rolling since your last post in this thread? It really helps to have people that actually have owned and lived with (or at least heard) the HRT ll+ to get truly helpful information me thinks. Thanks!