Cantata Music Center
Its name might lead you to think it was a music venue, but the Cantata Music Center (£6,000, roughly $9,700) is actually one of the world's best — and most expensive — USB-based Digital Audio Converters. Able to handle a variety of sources, from CDs via the built-in player to digital audio files stored on your Mac, PC, or NAS, the Cantata can also handle wireless or wired links via the Pont Neuf add-on, outputting its pristine audio over XLR or RCA outputs. The worst part? It'll probably end up in an entertainment center, where the gorgeous body and LED display will be hidden from view.