Looking for a DAC under 2k


I'm using a Small Green Computer Optical Rendu to bring usb to a DAC.
Looking for a new DAC around 2k new or used.

Recently, I had a Border Patrol Se-i which sounded beautiful with a great soundstage and a relaxed sound. Unfortunately, dynamics and bass definition were weak.

Next up, I tried the ifi Pro iDSD. Detailed and clean, but lots and lots of settings to play with. Became noisy after a couple hours and eventually stopped putting out sound and went silent. Can't deal with that kind of poor quality, but really would have prefer a little warmer sound.

I borrowed my Chord Qutest from my headphone system. Very good with my tube headphone system, and not bad on the speaker system, but would like something a bit more analog sounding, like a Border Patrol with dynamic punch and clearly defined, not muddy bass.

TIA, for suggestions.


traudio
BLACK ICE GLASS FX TUBE DAC DSD WI-FI
https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/dac/black-ice-glass-fx-tube-dac-dsd-wi-fi-review/

Heck of a lot cheaper than 2k and one of the best bargains in a dac out there period. Black ice is the old Jolida.

For a whole bunch less, the musical fidelity v90 dac @ $299... yup, I said it $299. I mention these two dacs for good reason, they are both excellent and prove you do not need to spend thousands on a dac to get great sound. I own both the v90 dac as well as the older Jolida glass fx tube dac.
wow, I didn't know that.
I was wondering if Wadia was still around. Went to a Head-fi met many years ago at Wadia when they were still in Saline, and it was a really impressive operation.
D100 is proly out there in the wild as well and is very similar I think, Same ESS Sabre  implementation with digital volume control. https://www.avforums.com/reviews/mcintosh-d100-digital-preamp-review.590

I own the MHDT Orchid DAC.  The TDA 1541 chip is rated one of the best sounding of the discreet R2R chips and the DAC can be purchased from a US distributer.

I purchased mine online and from a review a spare tube was to be sent if purchased form the US distributer.  I didn't get the spare tube when my order came so I contacted the US distributer and asked about it. 

Their response was that the promotion had ended BUT sent me a spare tube anyway 

I think it sounds fantastic but haven't been able to compare it to any other brands accept the ALLO Piano DAC with the reclocker.   I like it much better than that DAC.   After Covid I'm hoping the DIY club here n the Northwest will be able to facilitate a DAC OFF to actually compare to some of the other members DACs purchased and built.