Need a DAC Recommendation.

Chord Qutest is hard to beat in this price range new or used. I compared it with Mytek brooklyn DAC + and preferred the Chord for its natural tone and presentation. 

last two posts illustrate well the range of sonic presentations among good 1000-1500 dollar dacs

ying of chord qutest to the yang of the mhdt tube units

system synergy is the lifeblood of musical happiness in hifi systems

ripleydog, I understand your comment wishing to take the tube out of Orchid would make things more interesting. The closest thing I found to making it sound a little more neutral and transparent was adding the Garage 1217 adapter and using a 6922 Amprex bugle boy or SQ/PQ, I preferred the bugle boy more. 

Orchid

I wouldn't buy any DAC based solely on someone else's recommendation, simply because there is so much variation in sonics from one to another, not to mention variations in person taste.  

This makes the process of buying used more challenging.

If you buy used from The Music Room, for example, at least you can send it back if you don't like it.