Upgrading to a stand alone DAC

I know it's higher than your budget, but the new LAiV Harmony dac @$2700 direct is awesome. If you can make the stretch it would be worth it. Check their website and other written/video reviews. Had mine for a couple of months and it keeps getting better--couldn't ask for much more. Using it with an Aurender A10 streamer and my old prototype transport for 44.1 cds (original Phillips CDM9 pro mechanism)  I used to manufacture dacs in the 90's. Cheers.

Get the Schiit Bifrost and save a few bucks. It's maybe the best DAC for the money currently available. 

According to ASR you can't tell the difference in DACs and the $80 SMSL is better than many higher priced DACs.  I'll admit it's a good sounding DAC for only $80 but the real deal is PSAudio is selling refurbished DirectStream DACs for $1600

I have been investigating SS DAC's for quite a period of time and until yesterday had not discovered one used on systems that I am familiar with that has caught my attention like the way a Denafrips Venus II had yesterday at a Bake Off between DAC's and CDP's.

SS DAC's and Valve CDP's were used as comparisons.

I am / have been familiarised over time with all models in use, and these were attached to a New Design 3 Watt Output Tetrode Pre Amp - Tetrode -Pentode Power Amp, with a Speaker unfamiliar to me, with reasonable High Efficiency.

The Venus II has had FW Updates.

In the past the Venus with out a FW update was OK but a big ?mark being present over how long it could be lived with used for extended length replays beyond comparison periods of time allocated.

Yesterday in this system and a follow up Amp in use, a PP 300b, the Venus II proved itself to be a very attractive SS DAC, especially one I would consider experiencing for much longer periods of time in the home system.

The Denafrips Venus II was used  in comparison to other Digital Sources costing up to £6K 

In relation to the Thread, I have seen if being prudent, the Venus II can be found for sale in the US for approx' $2K as a used sale item. This is well worth attempting to recreate as a sale, even with the stretch to the Budget that is allocated. 

I will absolutely second the Topping E70 Velvet. If this isn't the most underrated DAC in the sub 1K price range, I don't know what is. Helomech is spot on. Save 1K and grab the E70 V....It also has balanced connections...