Need a DAC Recommendation.

The build and sound quality of the D90SE makes it a world-beater DAC!

Get the schiit Yggdrasil GS for 1600$ ..  You won’t be disappointed, but thrilled.

I don’t know what the current new sticker price, but look into the Mytek Liberty 

Right at your budget limit, but study up, as I see R2R as the future for a typical 20th century chip dacs 


   www.underwoodhifi.com/products/audio-gd

In that price range, look at MHDT Labs lineup.  I have the Orchid. 

I also owned the Mytek Liberty.  It didn't stay in my possession for long, too "digital" / analytical for my tastes.  The Orchid is much closer to the sound of analog.  A friend has the Topping D90 and it sounds great in his system.  The Schiit Bifrost 2 is an affordable option, but it also had a little too much "edge" for me and didn't stay long.  The same friend mentioned previously that has the D90 also had the Bifrost 2 and ended up keeping the D90. 

Knowing what type of sound you're hoping to achieve would be helpful. These little boxes don't all sound the same.