I have to confess to my customers because this DAC and I did not get off to a good start.  One, I did not realize that it had a definite break-in period, and two, I did not realize that it was sensitive to equipment around it.  I originally had it sitting on top of my Xindac DAC, which as it turned out was the worst spot it could be in.  Once isolated, and played for 70+ hours, this unit really sang.  My reference source now includes this DAC.

How can I describe the sound of this unit?  The words: pin point resolution, musicality, big air between instruments, etc. do not really do it justice.  It has all of this and more.  I am most impressed with its ability to reproduce impact-the snap of a snare drum when hit with a wood stick; the impact of a piano, and more.  Listening to Limehouse Blues on Jazz at the Pawnshop and Willow Weep for Me on Happy Coat makes me drool.  August’s Rhapsody on August Rush puts me in front row center.  Classical is also faithfully reproduced without any clutter-each instrument is clear and tonally on the mark.

In short, this DAC is a steal at $1499.  You can read an excellent review at http://hometheaterreview.com/cary-audio-xciter-dac-reviewed/.