I am indeed getting the new Ack 2.0. I got the standard-res option (I also got high output) for a few reasons:
1. I am not lacking in soundstage depth or resolution in my current system, which are the two primary benefits of the ultra-res option
2. I am *very* sensitive to high frequency details, and Chris says the ultra-res option gives you more resolution with the unfortunate tradeoff in an increase in high frequency nasties *to some ears*. My guess is I have those ears--but if I want him to add it later he will do that.
3. He has a 21-day return policy; the ultra-res option takes over 150 hours to break in and sound good. Due to the nature of the device (battery driven, needs to charge every 6-8 hrs) I would not be able to get the required break-in accomplished during the return period.
Chris was a really great guy to talk to, and he'll advise you of the proper purchase taking into account your tastes, gear, music, etc... In the end, if you want to switch, you can also send it back to him for an update. So far I'm really impressed with him and it alleviates some of the iffyness I have about buying online/sound-unheard, etc.
I'll keep everyone posted on my thought--this will be an interesting trial since I've gone from a SOTA dCS rig to a decidely non-SOTA one-box to a NOS DAC