Apologies if this was already mentioned, but it's important to consider DAC type. Depending on implementation, there can be "night and day" differences between a tube-based DAC, a delta-sigma style DAC, an R2R NOS DAC, etc.
Especially if it's your FIRST time hearing a DAC in a new style, it may hit you like a ton of bricks. In a good or bad way.
Once you've listened to a lot of DACs and learn what you like, listening to DACs in the same/similar build approach and within the same price point will be a more subtle experience. No "night and day", need a more extended listening process to determine what it is you want to live with long-term.
Especially if it's your FIRST time hearing a DAC in a new style, it may hit you like a ton of bricks. In a good or bad way.
Once you've listened to a lot of DACs and learn what you like, listening to DACs in the same/similar build approach and within the same price point will be a more subtle experience. No "night and day", need a more extended listening process to determine what it is you want to live with long-term.