Looking for a DAC w/ balanced XLR line out, budget $1k

Of course moving on up you have the Ayre QB-9 but that is USB only.
OP, what input do you need?

Of course moving on up you have the Ayre QB-9 but that is USB only.
OP, what input do you need?

I'm probably going to use a network player compatible with Roon, something like a Bluesound Node 2i, so optical or coax. If there's a network player with balanced line out and a decent built-in DAC I'd consider something like that as well.

If there's a network player with balanced line out and a decent built-in DAC I'd consider something like that as well.

That would be a Lumin D2.... But more like 2k, possibly a little lower but not much.

Unfortunately, balanced line out players don't come cheap.
I recommend an Aurender A10- way above your budget, but after getting a N100 after my Bluesound Node, I can honestly say it is superior.
Bob

Actually there is one I can think of very close to 1k used.
Auralic Altair.

Not heard one but checks all the right boxes and seen a few of late around the $1100 to $1200 price right here and eBay.