Dac that has tone and timing?

Of the affordable new DACs in your price range I chose the Wyred4Sound 10th Anniversary DAC. I find it tonally dense without sacrificing high end extension, true timbre, excellent macro and micro dynamics, pinpoint imaging, and very good sound stage. Editors in a number of journals much liked it.  All say analogue like whatever that means to them. I do not know why it  does not get mentioned often on this forum.  It is probably surpassed by the Denafrips Terminator higher end models from what I read,  but I never auditioned them in my own systems. Another choice I have heard in a friends system is the Bricasti M1 that should be around your price range pre-owned.  You cannot go wrong with any of the recommendations from others in this thread.  Let your ear’s make the choice. 

I am a big fan of Denafrips and Vinshine audio.

I had the Ares II and have recently upgraded to the Venus II 12th edition skipping over the Pontus.  For my system (The rest of the equipment) it sounds amazing very analog and very detailed as well.  I can hear every note, cymbal, bell etc. You can get one for well within your budget.  Vinshine is the global dealer based out of Singapore and they are outstanding.  The prices on their website are in Singapore dollars so less in US dollars.  Alvin runs the place and will answer any question you may have within a day.  I am exceptionally satisfied and would not spend more unless my system was a lot more expensive....

Of the affordable new DACs in your price range I chose the Wyred4Sound 10th Anniversary DAC. I find it tonally dense without sacrificing high end extension, true timbre, excellent macro and micro dynamics, pinpoint imaging, and very good sound stage. Editors in a number of journals much liked it.  All say analogue like whatever that means to them. I do not know why it  does not get mentioned often on this forum.  It is probably surpassed by the Denafrips Terminator higher end models from what I read,  but I never auditioned them in my own systems. Another choice I have heard in a friends system is the Bricasti M1 that should be around your price range pre-owned.  You cannot go wrong with any of the recommendations from others in this thread.  Let your ear’s make the choice. 

I know that it is a stretch but the MSB discrete dac is pretty incredible in regards to resolution and tonal accuracy as well as people like to say prat. I moved from the Bartok to the discrete and was happy with the change. I did buy the bartok when they were still $12k so it made it easier to swallow than where they are now at $20k new. 
 

I did recently upgrade to the MSB premier and am extremely happy it adds to the discrete in all aspects but is way out of the price range you are looking in. That said you can find a used discrete around $9k right now. Or look at Metrum Acoustics the onyx is really good.