And as a follow up -

Does it even make sense to invest in a dedicated DAC at the $300 price point when I could pick up an entire surrond sound receiver (has the required optical audio in and on-board DACs) such as the Yamaha RX-V650 or NAD T742 or so? Both of which can be had in new/like new condidition for the same price?

This just occured to me last night, that perhaps it didn't really make sense to purchase the stand alone DAC when I could get an entire quality reciever for the same price....

Thoughts?