The dropouts are definitly cache related, so that can be fixed.  I'm running cable through a hub which seems fine.  As for DACs, I'll have to take my time but it will also depend on what's available near Perth/Montrose/Edinburgh.  But judging by how good this sounds bare, just how good a DAC do I need?

SWMBA has ok'd the sale of the CDS2 to finance DAC & server.  Want to buy a slightly used CDS2?XPS?