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DACs with a budget of $800

Hey All, 

I am considering getting a stand alone DAC for my digital streaming. My system as it stands now sounds a little forward to me. Soundstage depth is lacking. Separation, width and height appear appropriate, as does image density. I am currently running a Bluesound node 2 streamer in my main system. The rest of my system is as follows:

Sources: 
TV, JA Michele Gyrodec, Bluesound Node 2

Amp(s)
Red Dragon Audio M1000 Mk I monoblocks and sometimes I switch in my Anthem MCA 20

Preamp
Blue Circle 21.1

Tranducers
Spacial Audio M3 turbo s
GMA Continuum I's
Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1
Maggie MMG's
Paradigm Monitor Sub 12 (stereo pair)

as I said I am really looking for some depth and "air" in my sound stage but also highly value impact, extended sparkle on the top end, and punch.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 



128x128birdfan
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
bensturgeon,

Understandable with your $800 budget, but if you could stretch that to about $1100, you could get an Ayre Codex used, and have a killer combo with the Bluesound Node 2...IMO
Cheers,
Tim
lpretiring
463 posts
 
What about the Denafrips Ares at about $700. Many with experience with the Denafrips line up say the various models are close to the 5K highly regarded Terminator.

   LP 
erik_squires
16,039 posts
 
Never heard the Oppo Sonica, but the HA-1 was the worst headphone amp I've ever heard. 
vingard
36 posts
 
NAD M51 and you’re done. 
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
A little over your budget at $1099. The RME ADI 2-DAC. Made in Germany. The company has been around for 20 years building various components for professional studios. It's also a high end Headphone & IEM unit. Features include a 5 band parametric EQ, fast Bass/Treble adjustment. Crossed and a new concept in Loudness control. Lot's of extras as it comes w/a 65 page book and a hand remote. Just bought mine and it gives a huge soundstage w/ ruler flat bass control. 
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