Best DAC for around $2,500 or less

@mvrooman1526 Congrats on your purchase!

I use a Magna Mano ULTRA Network Streamer with my AMT3-SE, which I purchased because of its I2S output. That is the best input on the dac and I'd encourage you to find a streamer that allows you to use it as an eventual upgrade. Also, if you're feeling the itch in a while, you might consider sending the dac to Vlad for an upgrade to SE status. Everyone who's posted about doing so has given a positive review.

And I'll note that multiple posters have preferred the AM to the denefrips terminator. I didn't do that comparison, but did prefer my AM to a PS Audio directstream, lampizator Amber 3, ifi idac pro, matrix x-sabre pro, & Shiit Bifrost 2 in my system. I think you made a wise decision and suspect you will have trouble finding a better dac for anywhere near the current cost of entry... and please do post if you do.

If you haven't seen it, here's a thread enumerating the streamers with i2s outputs...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/streamers-with-i2s-connectivity

And because I just got the email correspondence from Ben @ mojo audio, I'll note that he totally disagrees with me (strongly) and doesn't believe in i2s between dacs. 

He states:  In i2s "the clocking and data are divided into three separate signals: bit clock, word clock, and data.

In every other form of digital transmission (USB, Ethernet, Thunderbolt, etc) the clocking is embedded into the data stream and then it is asynchronously buffered and reclocked.

Think about it: if one clocking stream has the potential to get distorted, why would making three clocking streams that have to be synchronized be better?!?!?!?!?"

hgeifman in total agreement.I suggest the Ayre CODEX DAC.  The CODEX DAC has many design features not commonly found in a DAC that retails for $1,795.  One is a pure analog, linear power supply instead of the more commonly found switching power supply The Ayre is running expensive Toshiba Jfet outputs that in all my comparisons have not only run up against most all 5 k dacs but surpass as most just dont use them.   The CODEX DAC has "A fully-balanced signal path throughout the analog circuitry provides an inherently clean and quiet backdrop for your music. The zero-feedback design maintains all of the pace and rhythm of your favorite artist, rendering your digital music as effortlessly as if it were live”.   Best JohnnyR

https://www.ayre.com/products/digital/codex/

@Audioconnection,  any idea how the QB-9 Twenty upgrade sounds in comparison to the Codex?  I'm considering the Twenty upgrade to my Ayre that's worked flawlessly since 2009.