Right re: the DAC’s clock quality, lowrider. Especially with asynchronous USB where the reconstruction of incoming data packets is completely reliant on the DAC’s "clock".
However, Jeff Haagenstad, the CEO of Exogal wrote me that the Comet’s unique use of their FPGA topology actually eliminates its sensitivity to incoming timing and other anomalies addressed by reclockers, galvanic isolation, jitter reducers, etc. when I requested his advice re: adding an ISO Regen. Being one who has to try for myself, I have a ISO Regen and Ultracap LPS-1 power supply somewhere between the local PO and my home right now at the mercy of the PO's decision regarding delivery due to nearby flooding from the recent hurricane.
I will tell you that the Comet Plus is the most sensitive component I have owned to cabling, power cords, and vibration/resonance control. It pays back big dividends for careful selection and investment in these areas.
Be patient and a used Comet Plus will show up at your budget. Lots of DAC-rollers out there. ;)
Dave