Best used or new DAC under $3500


What would be the best DAC for under $3500, new or used? I currently use the Chord Dave and I LOVE it. However, I'm looking to downgrade to save some dough. Some reference points:

1) Yggdrasil:  Sold it as the staging was too narrow/flat and it seemed a little lifeless
2) Ayre QB-9 DSD: Feel its a bit too bright/tizzy - at this point I'm done trying Sabre DACs.

Can anyone recommend a DAC that is not a mainstream sabre chip based DAC? I dont mind it if its an older generation or vintage DAC either - Just something I can get for under $3500. I don't want a discussion to defend Sabre DACs please.

Thanks!

jozurr
If you want just a dac and not willing to do any mod, the current best value/quality you like (dynamic w/ wide sound stage) below $3500  is gustard  x22.

However, i found the best purchase i made in past a few years is oppo 205. It is perfect as a network player, disk player, cd/Dvd player and best  dac under $$4000(after simple power supply mod) using balanced output. Every time i listning
 Four seasons in dsd128, i can not help waving with the rythem.  

This oppo 205 designe is what a highend digital frontend  suppose to be done, it makes use of lm Ic in i/van and buffer stage,which is better than those discret solid state design.

I can advise you how to mod 205 with minimum effort.






Guys,

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I'm first going to try the Synchro-Mesh Reclocker on my modified Modwright Marantz SA 8005 Tube CD Player and from users responses I have read, this device could quash any desires for a Dac at the moment but we will see...

Wig
+1 for PS Audio DSjr with Bridge II or PS Audio DS with Bridge II.  I have both of these DACs (and a Yiggy).  The DS with Bridge II is my current favorite.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Currently considering the following:

1) DirectStream with Bridge II
2) Holo Spring Level 3 Kitsune Edition

Has anyone compared these side by side?