I just finished building an older (Mk I) RAKK DAC (see the DIY section for pics, etc) - this version doesn't have any upsampling - but uses the PCM1794 DAC. I know the RAKK isn't the latest and greatest flavor-of-the-week DAC, but I was impressed by use of the 1794 and the idea of the Passive output stage using Lundahl line transformers - no op-amps, tubes, transistors, or capacitors are in the output stage - just the transformers and a resistors to do the IV conversion.

How does it sound? I have had only three DACs in my life - an old Theta back in the mid-90s, a Bolder Cable modified ART DIO, and a Monica 2 NOS DAC that I stuffed the board for and used oil output capacitors with. So far the RAKK beats them all out for it's clarity and high definition. Great bass control, midrange and imaging. Tons of hall reflection detail and realistic sounding voice. About the only fault I have so far is the treble, which seems a touch steely compared to the Monica. Supposedly the Lundahl transformers take some time to break in - so we'll see how it goes - I only have 4-5 hours of listening time on it so far!

Someday I'll upgrade to the Mk 2 version, but I'm pretty happy with what I'm hearing now.