DAC recommendation

Hi , In your price range, I would recommend a Schiit Bifrost Uber Analog . It’s an earlier version lacking Multibit . The Uber version will ad a usb out , giving you a choice to switch between 3 different sources . I has a pair of RCA outs. This will also allow you to use a passive or single input pre , unless you want phono .  I just saw one sell on EBay for $250. That was used but  like new . It’s the perfect starting point . The Multibit upgrade is available and if you want to go long term you can spend the $250, for it . I run a crap Windows 7 laptop to one with a Cardas Clear cable and the sound is exceptional. I recently switched it out for a Yiggy , but I think so highly of it I’m going to keep it . As far as the different usb gen’s , I’ve yet to have a problem with any of them . Also consider that you’ll need an upgraded power cord at $80-100 and if you get a DAC with a wall wart you’re gonna end up buying an upgraded power supply . So get something that takes a detachable cord , so WHEN you move on you can keep the cord . Happy Listening , Mike B. 

Leemaze-I went through a similar process, looking for a DAC at a particular pricepoint and sound. I found this online and thought it was helpful.

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/marveys-dac-chart-of-awesomeness.63/

Note what sits atop the list!

Even then, how much credence can you give to Marvey's *opinions*?

gdhal-view the chart as a starting point, and not so different than this thread, where someone is asking advice. 

The Musical Fidelity V Dac2 can be had for about $200 and it's a fairly easy plug & play unit that will keep you in very good sound while you research more permanent solutions, if such a thing now exists.
I recently heard Vandersteen Treos that sounded out of this world good. When checking the electronics, I was surprised to hear all this gorgeous texture and flawless soundstaging coming through a Rotel RDD-1580. They were $799 new, I'd imagine you can find one in the high $300s. Worth the splurge. Your options are pretty good.

I've done a ton of group critical listening to DACs in the $800-2000 range (Audio Research, Bel Canto, Benchmark, Bryston, Wadia, Krell, Parasound, Mytek, Lavry, Weiss, ...) and can say that I'm not a fan of the Benchmark or Bryston convertors. I tend to go for the pro-audio models like the Mytek Brooklyn (my current large system DAC) or Lavry DA11 (the previous one).
There are also pre-amps with built-in DACs like the Jeff Rowland Capri (recommended).
The Mytek Brooklyn also has a built-in phono stage and can be remote controlled, so I use it as the main pre-amp with active speakers.