Bel Canto DesignPrice: $7080

Website: www.belcantodesign.com

Jeff said: As for sound, the Bel Canto stack stacks up well against the DACs that many feel are among the best available, and at less than Arab-sheik prices. They’re sonically very well balanced across the board, but are simply superb in the midrange, where lots of music needs it most. Although the Bel Cantos won’t beat every competing product in every sonic area -- what high-end component does? -- they can stand toe to toe with the best of them, and offer their owner a beautiful view into the heart of the music.

Select Component

Read the Ultra Audio review.

The gist: Modular digital front end that gets the midrange just about perfect.