MP-D2 AK4490 XMOS Balanced Tube DAC DSD DOP 384Khz

The Musical Paradise MP-D2 DAC is audio nirvana! This DAC really should be getting more attention. The sound quality is nothing short of superb. In particular, the sound stage is very large and breathtaking. Highs are extremely well-defined without being overly bright. Lows are punchy and engaging. I am thrilled to own this awesome piece of equipment. I bought the MP-D2 AK4490 with the Russian 6H6 (aka 6N6P) signal tubes and the Shuguang 6Z5P rectifier tube.I mostly listen to PCM 16-bit (Red Book) recordings through JRIver Media Center. I have been on a quest to remove the harsh "digital glare" of CDs. I've discovered using tube equipment for analog amplification, rather than solid state gear is the way to go. My home theater consists of a Asus desktop computer (powered by an ultra low noise Corsair CP-9020137-NA HX750) running JRiver Media Center (attached to a 55 inch TV). My audio chain - Computer > USB to MK-D2 > Yaqin 13s tube amp > Infinity Beta 50 floor standing speakers. I am also splitting the line level output from the MP-D2 to a MCM 50-8394 - IR volume control, so that I can remotely adjust the volume of my powered subwoofer (Theater Solutions SUB8S) via a logitech harmony remote. One of these days, I need to upgrade my speakers, but that's what I have at the moment, and I'm quite happy with it.For reference, this is the first "high-end" DAC I have owned. I have previously owned less expensive DACS, including the FX-Audio DAC-X6 & DAC-SQ5, HiFime UDA18, Maverick TubeMagic D1 Plus, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100. These are all fine DACS, but not in the same league as the MK D2. My search for the perfect DAC is over. Except for some tube rolling, I don't plan on upgrading my DAC in the forseable future.The only issue I have run into may be related to how JRiver handles DSD, rather than the MK D2 itself. DSD material results in a gigantic pop before and after streaming. I have played with all the JRiver settings that could have a possible bearing on this, including the "remove DoP click" (via WASAPI) "play silence at startup for hardware synchronization," "do not not play silence at startup," etc. So far, I haven't had any luck removing the pops. There is a lot of discussion about this issue on forums, so it is apparently a fairly common issue. My solution is to let JRiver convert to PCM. Yes, I lose resolution this way, but JRiver will dither, and personally, I can't hear much of a difference.If you have any questions about the DAC, I'm sure Garry of Musical Paradise will be happy to answer your questions. He was very helpful and responded quickly to all my emails. I bought the DAC directly from their website.