Thanks for the advice.  I didn't want to order the NFB-5 only to find it was inferior to the Compass, so I'm grateful for you clearing that up.  I'll give the NFB-5.2 a try and see how the USB compares to the optical connection.   The NFB-10SE would probably work out to be a little too...

I'm using some Sennheiser HD595s.  I prefer optical output because I had a PC about ten years ago where moving the mouse caused noise/interference in the audio.  I think I'll get a DAC with optical input as it offers a backup in case I have problems with the USB.   While you're right about...

My Audio-gd Compass just died, which is a shame because I'd been very happy with it.  I went to the Audio-gd website to order another one but the Compass is no longer listed.   The equivalent seems to be the NFB-5.  Is that a good replacement for the Compass or is there another DAC+Amp in the...