DAC's, i'm lost

IMO an Arcam rDAC is a great buy @ $500.

I'd give Lavry Eng a call. I'd also bet it a very good fit for your rig.

Regardless, I'd also keep an open mind... and find one which will integrate well with a PC. Do those higher bit rates, and has great flexibility along with a sound which works with your gear.

I have to agree with Wolf_garcia about the Squeebox Touch.

QN

1) MHDT Havana

2) Eastern Electric MiniDac

3) Monarchy NM

4) Bel Canto DAC 3

5) Wyred DAC1

While I don't have a DAC suggestion for you, I do have something to keep in mind.
The JITTER from the AE is terrible. Some DACs simply will not like this device. My CA840 CD player sometimes loses lock on the signal and emits the most awful, fingers-on-chalkboard noise imaginable.
No amount of file-fiddling helps. ALAC? MP3? w/wo error correction? no help.
Only thing that helps is to take the analogue output from the AE, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of the DIGITAL part of the equation. Not to mention that the DAC part of the AE is a strictly budget proposition.

TRY anything you are considering with right of return. put it thru its paces and make sure it works with the AE. Or, upgrade to an Apple TV.....