Options for $1k or less DAC?


Hi Everyone,

My current setup:
Spotify Connect -> HiFi Berry Dac w/ hifiberryOS -> Bottlehead Crack w/ speedball -> Sennheiser 6xx 

I'd like to replace the hifiberry with a better DAC and switch over to Amazon Music HD to get increased quality of 24/192.  I recently purchased a S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MK II was was *floored* by the difference in sound between the 2 setups. 

My expectation is that the differences are mostly related to DAC with Spotify already streaming at 320bps.  The differences that show up between streaming services / quality is likely minimal.

My requirements are minimal to start with:
USB input
Analog Out
Nice to have:  Filters, more than 1 output.

So, where do I go from the Sanskrit?  

  
128x128martinman
A used Ayre Codex would be my recommendation.
-Switching from Spotify to Qobuz will show a definite improvement upon sound quality.
B
for under 1K, would go with the Denafrips Ares II. Have not heard all dacs, but its the best I have heard for under a kilobuck. and will do both USB and SPDIFF inputs.
Good suggestions so far, if you wanna pursue a tube DAC,

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/mhdt-labs-dacs

“The differences that show up between streaming services / quality is likely minimal.”

That’s not my experience. With a good DAC, you should be able to discern differences in SQ. Sign up for Qobuz trial and let your ears guide you.