what dacs are fast, lively, energetic?

Schiit Bifrost 2/64. Works extremely well, especially when using the proprietary "Nexus" USB input (I use that feature with a Schiit Urd). Even the coax input is amazing sounding and possibly all the DAC you need, although it’s far too inexpensive for many around here. 

Blisshifi the Topping d90 is available on Amazon , thank you I will check it out.

@decooney ..."

Agree, and it (Benchmark) was also the only DAC I ever sent back, fast.

Fast, kind of sterile, and mostly un-engaging for me.

+1

@tomwipf ..."Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty beat my dCS Bartok Apex in every aspect. "

+1

dCS is very "European" sounding... polite. Ayre is very detailed but a bit more realistic... less polite. 

@jayctoy Definitely take my advocacy for it with a grain of salt. If you are looking for a 'zippy' sounding DAC, it definitely fits the bill. It's an Amir favorite (Audio Science Review). I don't typically recommend it, but I do see how it is special in its own way. Personally, I prefer more harmonic, tonally rich DACs. And I do strongly advocate for the accessories I listed above to be used with the Topping, otherwise it can be suboptimal. At least with Amazon it is returnable.

I'm in week two of a 30 day trial of the PS Audio Directstream Mk2 DAC.  I would say that it is is "lively and energetic".  It is worth a listen.  PS Audio has them on sale now for $5599.  I'm comparing the PS Audio to my Lumin T2 DAC/Streamer.  The built in Lumin DAC is very good but I am leaning towards the PS Audio.  Again, the PS Audio eeks out a little more detail and is more dramatic in it's presentation.  This may be too much of a good thing until the unit begins to break in....which is in the process now.  Sounding better every day.