Resonessence Labs InvictaPrice: $3995

Website: www.resonessencelabs.com

S. Andrea said: The result is a sound that is very clean and hi-rez without ever feeling forced. More than any of its other virtues, it is this smooth, relaxed character that sets the Invicta apart from its competition, and that I believe will win it a large following.

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: DAC with adjustable sound and a good built-in headphone amp.