I think the Northstar is a very good dac. The instrument placement, "headstage" etc, was very accurate. Another unit in that ballpark, but much more laidback, with good staying and imaging was the MF Trivista 21, however, it tended to be a bit rolled off on the highs (unlike the NSMkII)
I have not heard the ECD-1, but when I compared that very same unit you currently have to a Burmester 006 (as a DAC) it held its own pretty well.
BTW, I miss all that stuff!!!