Best route to go for new dac?

I own the Topping D90 and found that it greatly improved all aspects of my music vs the Bluesound Node 2i with a DAC built in. The Schiit multibit also look good for the money. Denafrips and Border Patrol are also a good choice. You will find a great improvement no matter what you choose.  Apos Audio has 30 day return and doubles the warranty on their DAC.  Schiit also has a good return policy.  Both companies are top notch.

Under $1,000, really anything in blue will do:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-sinad-distortion-comparison-graph-...

I went with the SMSL SU-8 v2 and love it. My software front end is generally Foobar2000 playing FLAC files and using the SRC resampler to perform a straight 4x upsample on the computer side prior to D/A conversion.

So what hits the DAC is usually either 16/176 or 24/384, unless I’m being lazy and listening to 320kb MP3’s on Spotify and then it’s just straight 16/48.

The SMSL M500 measures better than my SU-8, decodes MQA and DSD and also has a headphone amp stage that nearly measures as well as the new THX AAA products, which makes it a crazy value. 

I know value is a dirty word around here though so /shrug 

MHDT no volume control

Ayre Codex

A hidden gem for small money is the Sabaj D5. If you're looking for something you'll have for a long time. And like a lot of options, when it comes to altering the sound. Try the RME ADI-2 FS DAC. It's got a million options in DSP, and comes from a reputable German corporation that makes professional studio gear. The  Sabaj is strictly an all Chinese affair, but with the exception of the volume/menu control on the front which is a little flimsy seeming, it's very well built. And sounds great to my ears. Both come with a remote control. And are also headphone amps.

And if you're into trying the R2R DACs, and you probably should be, because they sound great to many people. I would highly recommend the Denafrips ARES II over the other choices out there right now. Just from my research though, not personal experience. But it's going to be my next DAC. Another interesting choice, if you've ever considered room correction, is the MiniDSP SHD. It's got built in DSP/Dirac room correction, a Volumio streamer that competes with the best out there, and 4 channels of excellent Digital to Analog Conversion also.

I'd be happy to suggest more, if you have any specific requirements. I've researched just about all of them around that price category. There's many fine streamer DACs that can be had too, for instance. And also many budget gems too. Especially if you don't require XLR output (the ones I've mentioned all have XLR BTW). And/or if you just want something temporary, until you can learn more about them. Which isn't a bad idea at all. Good luck.

Andy B.