Upgrading to a stand alone DAC

If you can find one used, the Denifrips Pontus ll should be in your price range. Over the last few years, I’ve upgraded everything in my system, except my Pontus ll.  Maybe some day, but I’m in no hurry.

All the best.

I know it's higher than your budget, but the new LAiV Harmony dac @$2700 direct is awesome. If you can make the stretch it would be worth it. Check their website and other written/video reviews. Had mine for a couple of months and it keeps getting better--couldn't ask for much more. Using it with an Aurender A10 streamer and my old prototype transport for 44.1 cds (original Phillips CDM9 pro mechanism)  I used to manufacture dacs in the 90's. Cheers.

Get the Schiit Bifrost and save a few bucks. It's maybe the best DAC for the money currently available. 

According to ASR you can't tell the difference in DACs and the $80 SMSL is better than many higher priced DACs.  I'll admit it's a good sounding DAC for only $80 but the real deal is PSAudio is selling refurbished DirectStream DACs for $1600

I have been investigating SS DAC's for quite a period of time and until yesterday had not discovered one used on systems that I am familiar with that has caught my attention like the way a Denafrips Venus II had yesterday at a Bake Off between DAC's and CDP's.

SS DAC's and Valve CDP's were used as comparisons.

I am / have been familiarised over time with all models in use, and these were attached to a New Design 3 Watt Output Tetrode Pre Amp - Tetrode -Pentode Power Amp, with a Speaker unfamiliar to me, with reasonable High Efficiency.

The Venus II has had FW Updates.

In the past the Venus with out a FW update was OK but a big ?mark being present over how long it could be lived with used for extended length replays beyond comparison periods of time allocated.

Yesterday in this system and a follow up Amp in use, a PP 300b, the Venus II proved itself to be a very attractive SS DAC, especially one I would consider experiencing for much longer periods of time in the home system.

The Denafrips Venus II was used  in comparison to other Digital Sources costing up to £6K 

In relation to the Thread, I have seen if being prudent, the Venus II can be found for sale in the US for approx' $2K as a used sale item. This is well worth attempting to recreate as a sale, even with the stretch to the Budget that is allocated.