used high-end DAC or affordable newer model?

My advise is a bit different. have been recently surprised like professional audio DAC can easily outperform the highly priced higears.
My personal experience is that a 300 USD product from the pro market can easily beat a 5 years old 2000 USD gear.
Believe me it is a colossal audible difference, sister ear proven!
Quite a lot reported by others in this forum too. Product like ART DI/O seems to sound splendid. In my case I have a Mindprint DI-Port that in audio pro tests was not too far from Apogee top of the line converters, and anyone that know this name understand the point.
Give a try to one of this cheap stuff, no risk of smash, only good surprises.
If need more info contact me
Cheers

My experience is that the newer,cheap dacs have excellent clarity and resolution, but an older high end dac will sound smoother and richer. The only DVD player I have heard that I like is the Sony DVP-NS500V, which I would prefer over the above mentioned MSB and Art DIO dacs.

the EAD 9000 unit on ebay is lacking the entire power supply unit for your information. Look at the picture of the back of the unit no power cord or IEC connection just where the power supply attaches. they confirmed power supply not available Via email. Does this sound fishy? like stolen equipment? Or is it just me. Inquired about power supply availability at Boelen electronics their repair center no reply yet.