Battle of the Older DAC

The last ten years the sound quality of DACs has improved significantly. Consider a newer one… maybe three to five years, you will get a significant discount and probably much higher quality.

Do not waste your time on Audio Science Review (ASR). The information there is completely worthless for evaluating the actual sound quality of components.

But they have not tested "Every" DAC, most of what they have tested is lower end stuff. Bought the Topping DAC and ended up giving it to my hearing impaired cousin. ASR has some okay information but they are a far cry from being the authority on anything. @jasonbourne71 is so predictable with his posts. I  am sure @audiotroy will chime in with his advice, 1,2,3.

Go to Audio Science Review and read the test reports on all the DAC’s. Measurements don’t lie! Subjective opinions are just that - opinions - and worth little!

jasonbourne71

Go to Audio Science Review and read the test reports ...

Reading ASR is sorta like reading the Onion, but without the wit.

Thank-you for the advice, much appreciated. 

Listening to a variety of DAC options in my own (heavily compromised) room would be the ideal way to go, just limited options to do that. I feel a trip to the closest dealer with a listening room is the next best step. 

Initial take on ASR was interesting, it supported my limited understanding of digital audio (they are just ones and zeros!)

Then had my mind absolutely blown with the very clear difference a different power cable made on the streamer of a high end system.  Still getting over that one.  And now coming around to the fact that every link in the chain can make a difference, some more obvious than others, obviously. A power cord on a streamer...honestly.

And to answer the question that I missed above, budget would top out at USD 2k realistically. Came into this upgrade path wanting a new amp, but that is another story.