Sorry redundant Best DAC under 600.

I think the HiFi-Skÿn (and a few other products using the 4490 off-shelf chip) have taken the D/S sound as far as it can go, at reasonable cost. That is, in my opinion.
Regards, TVTap Apk

Topping full balanced DAC and Headphone Amp.

agree with 1mark2, go for the Ares DAC. it competes with DACs at the 1K level and above.

I stand by my SMSL recommendation, but would add the March Audio DAC1.

Marantz HD-DAC1

Assuming it’s the same DAC as the $1100 Amp1, it’s worse than $100 DACs.

Audio-GD NFB-11.28

Seeing as how their $750+shipping NFB-28.28, performs like a $60 DAC, and assuming it’s the same quality as the standalone 11.28, hard pass. Now, even good $60 DACs sound good, but the issue that it’s way overpriced for its performance.

Denafrips Ares

Measurements, pretty good for the price. I just don’t like them literally scratching off the name of the DAC chip they use (although it’s very obvious which chip it is).