I've decided recently to jump into the same boat you're in (to mix up analogies). I've sold my Meridian 500/518/566.24 to use my ancient Philips CD-80 as a transport to a Perpetual Tech P-1A and P-3A. In general, the sound from the new system just whomps the Meridian (and the Meridian was definitely no slouch.) It's a temporary solution until it becomes clear whether SACD or DVD-A will succeed or fail. Although waiting for the next step is difficult, I've been very pleased with the build quality of the 33 lb. Philips. If our house is ever bombed, it's one of the few things that I'm sure will survive.
Bottom line: The quality of current, cheap DAC's is such that you can get a significant improvement over prior generation top-of-the-line equipment with very little investment. It's good to wait 'til the format issues get straightened out.
Bottom line: The quality of current, cheap DAC's is such that you can get a significant improvement over prior generation top-of-the-line equipment with very little investment. It's good to wait 'til the format issues get straightened out.