Best DAC with Volume Control?

Audio Aero has a component called the Prima DAC. Actually it should be named the "Capitole DAC" becuase it uses exact D/A section and tubed output w/volume control as the Capitole Mk2 cd player. Retail price is 4995. Expect nearly the same sound from this piece, less the transport section of course.

There is one more added bonus. They are now shipping with 3 analog inputs on the rear so this unit is now a full function preamplifer.

If only playing CD's then check out Ric Schultz at tweakaudio.com who sells his EVS Ultimate Attenuators for $350 per pair, list price. The attenuators attach directly onto the amplifier RCA input jacks so that there is no separate preamp, and one less set of interconnects needed. You can use any DAC or fixed output CD player. These attenuators act as stepped volume controls with any amp whose sound you love. There is a model for either tube or transistor amp. This allows you to simply look for the best sounding CDP or DAC without caring if volume control provided. The main drawback is that adjusting volume is not by remote control, and the main benefit that the ultimate quality of sound is simply that of the DAC and the amp.

Nagra DAP
Theta Gen VIII

Goldmund 21+. Best DAC I've owned to date.

The Camelot Uther Mark 3 (20 bit) and 4(24bit) are also worth mentioning. They come stock with a 100 step voluime control and output of 6 volts, and can be upgraded to a higher output voltage from the guys at Camelot.