Laid back DAC under $800?

The Jolida Black Ice dac is likely a very good choice.  You can actually custom taylor the sonic signature by changing out the tubes.  It can be anywhere from very high resolution fast responding sound or a very soft laid back sound or a very textured warm FET type sound.

Bel Canto 2.5

A lot of excellent advice here.  I'll check out multibit ladder from Schit. Good point about changing out the tubes in the Black Ice.  Not a lot of reviews about it though.  Wonder how it is with features and ease of use.  The D70 is really nice in that department.

+1 on the Schiit product line.

Bifrost vs. Black Ice?  

Haven't seen a Metrum or Bel Canto.