bixby,
Thank you for the long and helpful answer!
I will be using Squeezebox Touch as a transport (supposed to be good, but I haven't done any comparisons to other transports so I don't know)
I was very interested in the Eastern Electric DAC, however now they've made a new more expensive version and I don't feel like it is a very good choice anymore.
From the reviews I've read, I've also come to conclusion that Benchmark DAC 1 is a sterile sounding one and this is something I really want to avoid!
From the very quick look at the Halide Designs website it looks like being more addressed to computer/USB guys and I would like to use coaxial from my Squeezebox.
Digital Link III DAC looks very interesting - do you remember its sound characteristics?
Metrum dac is on my short list. At the moment I believe there is a few weeks waiting time for it.
I will check the Hegel, too.
I've noticed you have Blue Circle BC-509 DAC. It's not known to me at all. Is it any good?
Appreciate your help!
Andrew