Best DAC for around $2,500 or less

The last three DACs I have had are the Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2, Yggdrasil Analog 2, and now the Denafrips Terminator. Each was a nice step up for me, particularly going from the W4S to the Yggy. I tend to like a somewhat forward, detailed sound with plenty of energy.

I wasn't a real fan of the W4S  - I found the sound kind of flat and boring. But I've made a lot of other changes to my system since then. Also, W4S has come out with at least one upgrade model since the one I had.

The Yggy and Terminator really work well in my system (to my ears), but if you're looking for a more laid back sound that's more forgiving on recording quality, you might prefer other options. 

I owned a peachtree idac (very pleasant but missing something)  -- then tried a ps audio directsream junior, chord qutest, nad m51, and settled on an Ayre Codex -- and its game over!
Detailed without any edge/fatigue -- playing through a Theil 2.7s

get a chord 2qute or qutest

or RME ADI2

save $1000-1500

thank me later :)

mvrooman1526
Best DAC for around $2,500 or less

 You should be able to pickup a Denafrips Terminator for that used.
Stunning sounding discrete R2R Multibit dac.
https://www.denafrips.com/terminator
Or a Holo Spring Dac new, similar to the Denafrips above.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/holoaudio-spring-kitsun%C3%A9-tuned-edition-level-3-da-processor

Cheers George

I sold my Schiit Yggdrasil (analog 2) in favor of my Border Patrol SEi.

I guess it depends on what type of sound you are looking for.  The Border Patrol has a sweeter sound that I prefer.  The Schiit is slightly more detailed but not as engaging emotionally IMO