Mapman said:
"How the DAC does its thing to produce the intended sound seems to be of more importance than the digital nature of the source."
I totally agree with this, but didn't think that it could be done for under $1000.
Running my $180 Oppo through my Playback Design MPS-5's DAC makes the Oppo sound better than an Emm, IMHO. Transports and sources are important, but the DAC is more important, IME.
Dave