John,
Since you have had experience with both the Nuforce MCP-18 and the NuPrime HD-AVP, I am interested in hearing your thoughts on how the analog paths compare sonically?
Sac8d4
The NuFORCE MCP-18 was a spectacular performer for the price. As you know, it was "pure analog".
The HD AVP has far more functionality including the DAC, Server/Streamer Capability, Surround Processing, and Bass Management.
It is so good, we used it as the PREAMP (for 2 channel) at THE SHOW last June.
I have not heard them side by side to compare, but I doubt the HD AVP would blow the MCP-18 away, but would think that side by side it would sound better, overall.
I should also mention that the HD AVP does have a USB input, that runs a PURE PATH 2 channel signal (no bass management) to a pair of ANALOG outputs for what would surely be better than the MCP-18 with an outboard DAC.