budget DACs

Yes what they say about those Taiwanese dacs are all true, My MHDT Havana is sounding ever so natural and organic, though it's tube sensitive, the tube is not an issue if you know the kind of sound you prefer or like to improve.
Havana is also popular in the 2nd hand market, so if you don't like it, it won't take long to sell. I don't remember where but i heard MF v-dac would make one wants to upgrade pretty soon.

If you're looking for a smooth natural sound, the Paradisea can't be beat for the price. There haven't been any significant changes to the circuit since the first model. Some people like the sound of the op-amp in the original model better than + and 3 version, so you can save a few bucks if you don't need USB. Many folks "upgrade" to the older op-amp (Burr Brown OPA2604).

These comments from a side-by-side comparison with a Havana should be worth something:

The Paradisea+, though not "technically" as fine sounding as the Havana DAC is still ... VERY VERY close in character and sound quality.

You'll find 39 pages of glowing comments at this lengthy thread:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=33534.0

I bought Paradisea+ (USB version) to use with my NAD C541i, but they did not match well. Certain CD transports (those with low impedance?) may not work well with Paradisea.
I may let my Paradisea+ go some time soon.

Anybody familiar with the Beresford? It's attractive to me because of the volume control.

Channel Islands Audio makes a small footprint DAC in your price range. I haven't heard it, but have owned other CIAudio gear that was well built and a good value.

http://www.ciaudio.com/