Poor man's reference DAC


I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod
I really like my Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21 DAC. It's notches above my old Conrad-Johnson D/A-3, which was notches above my Theta Gen. III.
Have you heard the Meridian G08 CD player? You might like it better than a DAC. I haven't heard the 588 but others have said the G08 is quite a step up from the 588. I am using the G08 with a Rowland Synergy IIi and Model 10 and the combination is wonderful. The tonality is near perfect, with a great 3D soundstage, and it has high resolution without sacrificing dynamics (rare). It is a really well balanced player that is easy to live with.
For 3k, you should be able to find a used Audiomeca Enkianthus X DAC. I own one, and I find it to be a fantastic performer.
I would consider jsut getting the new Sony SACD reference CD player and abandoning separates or the new Arcam FMJ CD 33 which reviewers seem to rave about. Jallen