usb dac for hi-end system

"On paper", I'd stay away from any S/PDIF given that S/PDIF require one to derive the clock from the input signal. Asynchronous USB DACs don't have to do that and jitter is extremely low - not induced by the data link mechanism. However, in the end, jitter and how the data is transported doesn't make any difference if you like what you hear. Also, for any computer based front-end, sending PCM out USB is the way to go.

If I were you, I'd be tempted to go with a Mac+Amarra and a firewire DAC. Weiss has a very good DAC; as does Metric Halo. If you love the sound of your DCS stack you might want to try a firewire to SPDIF converter such as the INT-202.

Note: My knowledge is not first hand!

Your gear is state of the art. You will only be dissapointed with USB-even through the wavelength as suggested into your DAC. Asychroneous or not, usb transmits in packets-music should be a stream. If you get a mac, put it in the next room and get a squeezebox touch or someother gateway but USB won't cut it for you. If it has a firewire out option, thats much better than usb.

Cerrot, the blanket statement that you made about "music should be streamed not packets" is mistaken. Data is transmitted in packets, blocks or other groupings, whether through FireWire, USB or wireless and is buffered, it's not music until the conversion process begins. NO CHANCE a squeezebox into a dac will outperform a properly implemented computer out through USB to USB DAC. The packets et al that are transmitted wirelessly are MUCH smaller than through a USB. No offense intended if taken.

Read about Weiss at 6moons.com which uses Firewire.For cheaper sound I am interested in the Wyred $1k and $1500 models.USA made and use Sabre chip that's the rage.Plus you have Esoteric and always thought they made great sounding gear.Looked at/heard their newer gear?
Chazz