help me with a DAC decision please

There's a Bel Canto DAC 3.5VB for sale here now with the VBS power supply in your price range.  I had the DAC 3VB in my system and it was outstanding (the VBS power supply makes a huge improvement over non-VB version -- I compared both in my system), and I found the preamp to be absolutely transparent and on par with my Bryston preamp, although it doesn't offer a balance control if that matters).  Read the reviews.  My only concerns would be that I don't think it does DSD and only has SPDIF input that may require their converter depending on your setup. 

If any of these concerns are deal breakers I'd take Erik's advice and try the Mytek.  Gets very nice reviews, and the ability to demo it in your system is a big plus.  Best of luck. 

I also suggest you look at the Ayre Codex DAC priced at $1,795.  "The Codex has many design features not commonly found in a DAC that retails for $1795. One is a pure analog, linear power supply instead of the more commonly found switching power supply. Another is a custom Ayre developed Minimum Phase Filter that was developed from 4 months of listening tests with a Burr-Brown DAC chip. A fully balanced signal path throughout the analog circuitry with zero feedback is also found in the Codex".

https://www.ayre.com/codex.htm

https://www.ayre.com/codex_specs.htm

http://www.audiostream.com/content/ayre-acoustics-codex-usb-dac-headphone-amp-digital-preamp#6VhR3Vj...


I have not heard this DAC but the company is great and all the reviews I have seen suggest you should look at it.  

ok a used april music DAC came up for sale and i bought it. i checked in to each and every suggestion. i want to thank all of you. hopefully when i need help in the future i can come away with the same amount of help. thanks

I used to own PS Audio Directstream. I think it would be a good choice, too.

PS Audio Perfect Wave is outstanding.