Yes the Tranquility website is a bit vague, and seemingly fluffy, but all true. Part is due to the proprietary technology they use that they have chosen to keep to themselves.

I would not say it is the norm at all to use outside power in a DAC, but a choice, especially for compact DACs with noisier, less expensive power supplies, or for purists setups where even battery power is sometimes employed. Most midrange DACs I have looked at have internal power supplies. Then it is a matter of how good it is and how well implemented.

You can make a less expensive DAC without compromise within economic limitations.

I got a pristine "open box" Tranquility when someone upgraded to a Signature. I think it ended up being about a grand, but no power or USB cable with it. With the cables I got it was about 1400.

If you are really interested after your initial negative responses, read through this: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=74816.0

And after that, if you are still interested, contact dbAudioLabs for very useful and intelligent information. They are a small company and like Decware, very serious audio heads themselves and very serious about what they do.

Sorry, not having heard your DAC, I can't possibly answer that. The Zstage can do good things with many sources, but it can't bring out what is not there to begin with...the point being, the DAC you start with is critical. I used the ZSTAGE with a ZDAC, which is a very good sounding DAC and with the Zstage....extra good.

It is all a taste thing, but when you get this good, the differences are subtle. I would say both are a good deal for the sound. And as you have read, if you made it though that Tranquility thread, it is common for those given the opportunity to compare, to prefer the Tranquility over many popular DACs, many costing more. For me frankly, what decided my trying one, was that I persoally agreed with how Eric Hider (the Tranquility guy) looked at things and how they went about getting there. Same reason I went with Decware, I agree with Steve and Bob's way of looking at things...the way their minds and passions work.

If I had to give up either the Zstage/ZDAC combo or the Tranquility, I would have to stick with the Tranquility. My Tranquility is different than the one talked about on the AudioCircle though. I have an upgraded output stage that is now standard I believe, and it is amazing. But I also have a 2010 mac Mini which works very well as a server....this too makes a difference!

A potential disadvantage about the Tranquility is that it is strictly USB, one cable in and RCAs out, where many of the DACS in the same price range have some flexibility for inputs. I love the Tranquility though. The smooth inner detail thing brings an authenticity that is exciting for me.

There are so many DACs out there, it might be good to check out some reviews. This guy I don't always agree with, but I like his perspectives and the seeming underlying quest of seeking out the best stuff for the money. http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au/

Thanks for the feedback, will.  I'm sorry I asked for a suggestion within such a limited context description.  Here are links to reviews on my DAC:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hrt3/streamer2.html

http://trustedexpertsreviews.com/hrt-music-streamer-ii-review

http://www.headfonia.com/the-hrt-music-streamer-ii-asynchronous-2496-for-149-95/...

I know it's not the same as listening to it, but at least you'll know where I come from.  I find it quite impressive myself, but find it also a little edgy on the high extremes, and a little (not too much) analytical.

Given my setup, it's hard to absolutely judge it's performance, but I'm sure with the Decware gear any shortcomings will be easily displayed.  I would not make any decisions until that new setup is broken-in either.

Regarding the AK forum, I've been a member there even before joining Decware, so that's where I picked-up this whole USB/DAC notion to start with.

I'm glad you like the Mac Mini - Tranquility combo, and can see why people have good things to say about Eric's gear.

My original idea was to half the initial cost of the Tranquility with the Stream II/ZStage combo.  Probably a good idea even though it may not be the top performer the Tranquility is, but enough for me maybe?

Another option is to go for the upgraded Streamer II + ($350)

The problem is, I haven't listened to de ZDac either, so I can't envision the ZStage role with either DAC (mine and ZDac).  I just love the idea of riding the gain, as a concept which may be very useful in a more modest setup.

Will, this is not homework.  Feel free to reply or not at your convenience.  I thank you very much for all your support.  Take care ...

Yes I agree with critical listening with the Streamer after the Decware gear is broken in. It is possible that some of the analytical edginess could be from your current gear, and/or possibly the USB cable you use.... It will be cool to see what you hear with the Decware. I think it will up your audio pleasure immensely. The 6moons review DAC comparisons to yours are impressive indeed!

So I would say wait and see. The Zstage can definitely smooth edges, assist in nice harmonics, and modify the sound signature, the one tube being a very powerful voicing tool. And you can change the sound with power and IC cables too. But it is absolutely impossible for me to know how to compare your DAC to the ZDAC and Tranquility. I can say that neither have a brittle edge to me, and both do a very good job of the maker's interpretation of analog sound. They sound natural in my system, the Tranquility having an edge in inner and micro detail that offers an amazing ability to feel all the textures and nuance of the sounds of an instrument, and how the instrument sits in space. But the ZDAC has its pluses as well, being very defined in the midrange and bass, and carrying the emotion of the playing in a very good, and for me indescribable way.

If you get after the Zstage, I would be sure to call Steve before you order to be sure there are no issues similar to what Rivieraranch experienced  with the CSP and the Mini Torii.