Poor man's reference DAC


I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod
Panny,
You'd have to contact Jerry, he'd be better qualified to giving you a quote on your model.
I'm amazed that nobody has yet mentioned the Museatex DACs (Bidat, idat44, Bitstream). They rarely show up for sale, and when they do, they go very quickly. Bidat's used to appear for < $1K, but recently one sold for $3K in just one day. Then again, audiogon is not exactly a "rational" market :)

Nevertheless, if you ever see a Museatex DAC for sale, especially a Bidat, snap it up and get it updated by John Wright if it hasn't been upgraded already. It may well be the last DAC you'll ever own.
Oxia,
Funny you mentioned, I looked for a Bidat and agree wholeheartedly.
They were more readily available during the on-slaught of hurrying digital technology.
The unfortunate part is NOW a lot of folks realize just how great AND far ahead of their time Bidats really are, they became an extremely rare and desireable product (esp. with the mods)
Judging from you and other reliable sources, I have little doubt on any negatives of this sleeper.
I'd love to compare it to an Audio Logic, do you have any experience with this or other Dacs of comparable merit ?