To clarify a bit your initial confusion over the excellent DAC in HR's Ultra Desktop Amp, here is a comment from TheSloth that helped me make up my mind to get one of these amps last year:
"The Max DAC module is really fantastic for the money. As newer DAC's with things like the Sabre chips come out, it will become increasingly 'old tech', but the CS4398 DAC chip is very highly regarded. Most people just don't bother to do things like use OPA627's with proper FET class A bias for example - these things really make a difference to my ears, and HeadRoom spend the money on the parts to do it.
"It compares well to the very best standalone DAC's in the sub $1k market, and with its integration and lack of interconnects etc in the amp, it has an extra edge as well. No RCA's = good thing.
"If you want a technical perspective, look up the Stereophile review of this unit. The measurements are extremely impressive (and those were taken with the old module output stage which was significantly inferior to the current design.)"
Thank you, TheSloth, for your expertise and kind help.
Needless to say, I've been delighted with the Ultra Desktop Amp.
