I have both the LAB 12 and a RME adi2. The LAB 12 is the better sounding DAC , hands down but it is 2.5 X the price so it should be.
I still use the RME, it's in a bedroom system that I primarily use with headphones. It's a great DAC, feature wise nothing really compares. It is the Swiss Army Knife of DACs . Having had both side by side I can say this , the RME is good but the user interface leaves a lot to be desired. It's clear right away that it's a piece of pro gear. If you are over 45, better have your reading glasses on. I use the remote for everything because the unit is so small. It's tiny. 1RU tall and 1/2 RU wide.
It is a little lean compared to the LAB 12. It is clear and detailed but it lacks the body / weight of the LAB 12. The LAB 12 has more meat on the bone and big expansive Soundstage. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent DAC for $1300
The LAB12 has no features to speak of.... none. Input & power switch and sample, rate LED. That's it. As far as the noise when switching sample rates I think a lot has to do with the source. Aurender can apply a few seconds of delay between tracks and doesn't do it. Vault 2i does sometimes. It sounds so good I can forgive that.
The DAC 1 has the sound you like , but the RME has the form factor.... I'm with Bob on the shelf. A turntable shelf would be perfect .
The Music Room sometimes has open box demos and trade ins of the DAC 1if you want to save a few bucks
