Need a DAC Recommendation.

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.  

The Parasound Zdac were really amazing.  I believe they are discontinued, but if you can listen to them without preconceptions, you'd be well rewarded and save money for other things. :)

I love my $1100 MHDT Orchid and I had Grannyring update it. It’s now stunning and we’re at the $1500 total or so.

Other DAC choices for me in this range would include Audio G-D, Denafrips, Soekris.