Considering:
Matrix Element X
Benchmark DAC3
Okto Stereo
The Benchmark will be the worst performer, relatively speaking, but it has great domestic service and support and trade-ins towards future gear. Volume control is digital.
The Okto will be (probably) perform very strongly, but it is from a small company that probably lacks substantial domestic support. It will be probably the least expensive. Volume control is digital.
The Matrix Element X performs wonderfully and seems to be very well built. It has features I don't need (headphone amp and streamer--but the streamer might just outperform my current one and be more convenient. The network functionality is just flat-out unfinished at the moment. There are some US-based distributors (Moon-Audio), but I'm not sure about service and support.) Volume control is a hybrid digital and analog (relays kick in every 20 dB of attenuation).
I'm heavily leaning towards the Element X, but it is the most expensive and has features I don't need. The features it does have are really compelling, though.
Thoughts?
Matrix Element X
Benchmark DAC3
Okto Stereo
The Benchmark will be the worst performer, relatively speaking, but it has great domestic service and support and trade-ins towards future gear. Volume control is digital.
The Okto will be (probably) perform very strongly, but it is from a small company that probably lacks substantial domestic support. It will be probably the least expensive. Volume control is digital.
The Matrix Element X performs wonderfully and seems to be very well built. It has features I don't need (headphone amp and streamer--but the streamer might just outperform my current one and be more convenient. The network functionality is just flat-out unfinished at the moment. There are some US-based distributors (Moon-Audio), but I'm not sure about service and support.) Volume control is a hybrid digital and analog (relays kick in every 20 dB of attenuation).
I'm heavily leaning towards the Element X, but it is the most expensive and has features I don't need. The features it does have are really compelling, though.
Thoughts?