Best DAC+Volume Control under $1000 (used)

I just sold a Gustard X26 Pro for $925 and it is an excellent DAC with decent digital volume. I hate DAC volume controls but the Gustard volume control was passable. I used a preamp with the Gustard. A used Benchmark DAC2 or DAC3 would also be a good choice with volume control. I have had both in the past (do not get the cheaper DAC1).

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/gustard-x26-pro-dac-review/

I am now using the Topping D90SE DAC ($900) in place of the Gustard X26 Pro ($1500). I was planning on getting the Musetec 005 DAC ($3500) after selling the Gustard, but now that I am listening a lot to the Topping D90SE DAC with the Topping pre90 preamp I am not sure I need another DAC.

I am also going to get rid of my Topping pre90 + Ext90 preamp soon. It is extremely quiet (wire with gain) and if you get the right amp match it is a steal. Unfortunately my amp does not match well with it. The Topping pre90 is ($600). It works great with my Benchmark AHB2 and Parasound A21+ amps but not the CODA #8 amp that it needs to work with.

https://soundnews.net/accessories/topping-pre90-ext90-review-pre-amp-my-power-amp/

So a used Topping pre90 and Topping D90SE combo can be had for under a $1000. If your warmish Classe amp is a match of the pre90 you will be impressed by this sound.

I am DM’ing someone who just bought the Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) and he will try it with his Class A Pass Labs amp. I also have the LA4 and it sounds EXACTLY like the pre90. The LA4 however mates well with all the amps I have hooked up to it and is not spartan in features like the Topping pre90.

BTW - the Topping remote controls are limited in distance covered.

Over the decades Ive owned lots pres and dacs, both tube and SS. For about 2 years now I have enjoyed a Audio Alchemy DDP-1 (DAC/PRE) and PS 5 outboard PS. It has most of the I/Os needed and the remote allows me to switch between my Oppo 105 direct for SACD playback, or several inputs that employ the built in dac, which is kind of handy should I want to compare SACD hybrid layers

If you're lucky or patient you might find the pair for ~ $1300, or the DDP-1 alone for ~ $900

hth

used prices presently

ares 2 - 700

chord qutest - 1200-1300

pontus - 1400 for i, 1600 for ii used... on pontus i’s always check the mfg date and physical configuration, most 2020 production and later have all the internal upgrades in the current ii designation