Is there a DAC ranking list?

There cannot be a ranking list for all DACs because DACs are like other gear in that you can categorize them by their design and the likely sound signature based on that design.

You need to figure out what sonic signature you like. If you like warmth, then maybe a tube DAC would be on your top tier while another person may find that type of sound at the bottom tier.

That Absolute Sound review of the Topping D90SE is a good example. It is a super neutral DAC based on an ESS chip. Some people like the detail and clarity from such a DAC while other dislike the sterile sound (no warmth). In the review, the reviewer says something to that effect. If you want neutrality, he thought it was a great DAC.

I have had a few DACs in the last 2 years.

• Gustard X26 Pro ($1500)
• Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE ($2800)
• Benchmark DAC3B ($1700)
• Topping D90SE ($899)
• Musetec 005 ($3000)
• Matrix Audio Mini-I 3 Pro ($1100)

I sold all the DACs except the Benchmark DAC3B and the Musetec 005. I plan on using the DAC3B on a new tube headphone amp so I will need another DAC to replace it. The plan is to get a second Musetec 005.

The DAC3B is neutral and a bit bright. While the 005 has a touch of warmth.

There cannot be a ranking list for all DACs because DACs are like other gear in that you can categorize them by their design and the likely sound signature based on that design.

You need to figure out what sonic signature you like. If you like warmth, then maybe a tube DAC would be on your top tier while another person may find that type of sound at the bottom tier.

Or one can argue that the DAC or TT should be neutral, and amplifiers and speaker should be neutral.

And then people spice to flavour with a tube preamp or a DSP?

But @yyzsantabarbara I agree that a Tube DAC on an existing SS setup might be a winning proposition.

The other obvious (?) difference is in features, EQ, user interface, streaming options… etc.
It almost doesn’t matter if it is the best, and is only $50, if it is painful to use.

YouTube is your friend! Listen to some of the best and make your decision based on what sounds best to you.  I have the Schitt Yggdrasil, which is superb... but... I'll prolly end up with the Holo Audio or Denafrips.  

Though... there are only very subtle differences between the most expensive and the reasonable priced DACs - it's hard to tell the difference - as acknowledged by the reviewers.  So... it doesn't make a lot of sense to struggle with a decision.

"Don't get lost in the details" - it can be overwhelming.  Listen to 2 or 3 of what are widely acknowledged to be the best DACs available:

I was in the group that most DACs sounded the same until I bought a bunch of DACs and listened at home. The real differentiator of the sound was evident in my RAAL SR1a headphones. I never heard anything as revealing as the SR1a and with a bright DAC you get fatigue. With a to warm DAC you can immediately notice the loss of detail.

The very best DAC on the SR1a was the Musetec. No fatigue, no brightness, and tons of detail. On my 2-channel speakers, Thiel CS3.7 it is more forgiving with all of the DACs I listed, but still is the best sound with the 005.

I should clarify that all of the prior amps I have used with the SR1a have been solid state.  Maybe 10 amps, 2 channel and dedicated headphone. A tube peramp or amp would alter my perception. As now with me using my brighter DAC3B with the new RAAL VM-1a tube headphone amp.

From the description of your room/system, you have bigger fish to fry than a DAC.

Just sayin......