Which DAC makers let you do in home trial?

@veroguy -- thanks! Made in U.S.A.with 45 day trial. Excellent.

Some DACs add different filter settings to get differing sound characteristics, tube DACs and most R2R DACs roll of the top frequencies to give it a more analog sound

I get a more analog sound from R2R after calibrating to the same flat frequency response. There is a sonic signature just like speakers and amps sounding different with the same cal targets.

@hilde45 ,  since its within your price range, and you have some interest in tube dac options, I'd suggest the highly configurable Musical Paradise MP-D2 MK3 dac. It offers many rectifier and output tube options, screw in capacitor options, even swappable dac chips if you want to go crazy.

The beauty of the design is that you can tailor it as you go. If you change your speakers and decide you want to tame the upper end (just as an example) a tube swap would help you get there.

There's a large thread with all sorts of input from happy owners in the discless circle on audiocircle. Unfortunately, I don't think Musical Paradise does in home trials.

Thanks @yakbob That's a really intriguing idea, especially the configurability. I'll try to see if there are reviews, at least!

Mojo audio R2R dacs a bit more money 45 day evaluation