DAC suggestions for a reasonably modest system

@jji666 

I had considered using the XLR outs with an adapter, but the balanced output voltage is twice that of the RCA, so I'd need to introduce some passive circuitry to attenuate.  And in the random bit of music studio work I've done, adapting XLR is a compromise at best. Given my choices in tube preamps, I don't see an XLR capable pre in my future plans, and the SMSL RCA output is already so hot that at full volume on the DAC both preamps are usually running around 9-10 o'clock.  That was also the case when I was using a Convergent SL-1.  And back to the original goal, both systems are very different and I'm not sure one DAC makes the most of each system's attributes.

I will second a couple of the recommendations so far. I have a Denafrips Ares(Jazz, acoustic) and a Chord Qutest(Rock, Electronic). Believe it or not I like one over the other depending on the music type. The DAC's feed an Orchard Audio Gan amp to an LTA MZA3 preamp. Going off of your budget I would think the Denafrips Pontus or the Gen 1 Chord Hugo TT would be good choices.

Whatever ever you choose, from my research and what others with more experience than I have stated, a reclocker seems to be a valuable addition whatever DAC you end up with.  Best of luck on your search. 

An out of the box suggestion, look for preowned Audio Mirror Toubadour III or Toubadour IV DACs. They punch way above their price range and give a beautiful analog sound. Vlad is very responsive and is always available for upgrades and repairs. Handmade in the USA.

I have the Toubadour V and it sounds great to my ears.

I see a few for sale on USAM right now.

Jeez, nobody’s talking about HiFi Rose? I had an RS250 inhouse for a few weeks last year, but at the time only had the chance to compare it to my old Oppo 103D’s internal DAC. Very solid improvement in soundstage, imaging, and detail, with a fairly smooth high-end (through Harbeth speakers). And the HFR had a TON of functionality & ease-of-use features, like a fancy touchscreen GUI & robust audio and video streaming capabilities that might help it fit into the OP's budget.  Not just a DAC.

Despite enthusiastic reviews, HFR doesn’t seem to get much respect on this forum and to be honest, I’m personally shopping for something a few steps above what the RS250 had to offer. But in the OP’s price range, Schiit and HFR seem to be the two most obvious choices.

@cundare2 

I was surprised not to see HFR until your post.  But they are streamer DACs, so perhaps that was the reason.  If you were to isolate the DAC portion only, aside from the comparison to the 103D, where would you position it in the spectrum of available DACs?  It does look like the 250RS puts a lot into the GUI and streaming function, so I'm wondering if the DAC gets short shrift like in the BS Node.