Battle of the Older DAC

ASR is a data point, that’s all. It’s neither useless nor the last word in audio. However Amir does have a large group of followers who amplify his opinions and it can get really over the top.

Anyway, I would say that opinions on DACs here won’t really help the OP make the right choice for his system. The OP really needs to try DACs with his own gear in his own room.

It’s one thing if you’re choosing speakers - even at the dealer’s showroom, you are going to get some idea of tone, bass depth, what have you. The differences between DACs are more subtle and frankly require long term listening to discern...not just the difference but the preference.

OP: first, determine your specific objectives. Warmer sound? Crisper bass? Just upgrade for doing so won’t max the value of your budget. Then, find some gear that has a return policy - many do. Listen to each for a week or more. What sounds awesome for 5 minutes can be irksome 60 minutes later...

Oh, also, I think some older DACs can sound wonderful. Much of the quality of the DAC is in the analog part of the implementation.  Newer DACs are good for added function like DSD, higher bitrates and sampling rates, more filters and such.  I have a 2012 W4S DAC that still sounds pretty, albeit my go-to DACs are somewhat newer. 

It’s a journey not a destination. Good luck and have fun!

I don't know what country you're in, but here in the good old USA Amazon has a practically effortless return policy and you can easily audition DACs from Gustard, Denafrips and Topping, among others.  Can help to sharpen your listening skills to help you know what you like...

For less than your budget, the Bel Canto e series is worth a listen. I still run my DAC3.5mk2 with VBL and Reflink (was sphile class A until replaced by Bel Canto Black EX also class A) but hope to sell soon to get a higher end chord. The DAC2.8 on agon is probably decent too but maybe not in the same level. Don't forget how important all the cables are, they can really change your sound.

@tannoy56 : So you belong to the "golden ears" crowd. Opinions are the only things that matter to you in choosing gear. That doesn't sound smart! Opinions are fallible, measurements are not!

DACs are the one place where I cheap out. Digital tech is evolving so rapidly, that the cheap stuff today performs reasonable well against the better older stuff.  Plus it seems to have attracted lots of entrepreneural spirit, i.e. inventive and disruptive. My amps, TTs even speakers are several generations old and performing hold their own. The added advantage is that I can regularly feed my GAS without breaking the bank.