^^^^^^^

i think i just got blindsided.

That's okay, I didn't see that coming either, and I thought I knew these guys.

The Grace Design M903 looks like it covers all the mentioned features, plus it has 24/96 async USB.

Somehow I missed this first time through -- the addition of USB (async, no less -- really?!?!? (becomes excited like a puppy wagging his tail)) is a definite plus. Should be on anyone's short list in the market (I no longer am, but if I come into some money somehow, then I'd probably seriously consider it).

The older Grace M902 is pretty bad-ass but its amplifier section is definitely miles better than the DAC so depending on your intended use, this could be an issue.

do we give up on the Grace due to its use of opamps?...