$1300-1500 DAC

Audio-GD R8 Ladder DAC with out a doubt.
I've heard two systems a few days ago, both much more expensive than mine and both with +20k DACs and I prefered my under 20k system over those +120k systems.
Of course its not just the DAC, but if you have the right components and you properly set them, you can have a system that can compete with multi thousand dollars ones.
But the R8 was up to the task. Of course I feed it with a very good signal, the SOtM SMS-200 Ultra Neo vía the Gustard U16 with I2S signal, much better than just USB. 
You wont have a very very good sounding system until you take care of multiple issues like AC power, vibration control, the digital signal, speaker location, listening position, a pair of well located and integrated subs, room accoustics, etc

@plga I’ll look into that, it’s my bedroom system so I’m going to be feeding it with a blusound node 2i for now. I have all the tweaks (power, acoustics, subs, noise harvesters, fuses, etc) on my main system. 

You are far better off just waiting a bit long and buy the New Lampizator Amber 3
it is by far the best dac under 5-6$ k out there for $2750 they took a lot of trickle down technology from their top flag ship model pacific.
the Audio mirror trubidor is pretty decent not not in the same class and build quality though ,seeing that $25cheap Chinese transformer ,not good as well as switches 
and they refuse to upgradeeven if you pay for it.  But the New Lampizater, and when you can put in the best tubes and fuse you have a Huge giant killer ,I sold ps Audio best dac 
and which has great leading edge detail but not as involving having 3 tubes including A vacuum tube rectifier section is very 3 dimentional.
and comes with Millflex Copper caps stock and respectable tubes 2 are NOS American tubes.

Yesterday's $4K Dac

If you want to buy DAC blindley > check these review
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?forums/digital-audio-converters-dacs.10/

And I think you need to upgarde your speaker for full range size better than upgarde equipment.