NorthStar DAC and Transport, used is about in your price range. Like KL, I have owned some good digital (Esoteric, Levinson, Audio Aero - still own these 3)(DCS, EMM Labs, Wadia, Resolution Audio and others - formerly owned).
I agree with his assesment on the Raysonic, for the slightly warmer side. The Northstar will also give you a bit of that warmth, but not nearly as much as the Raysonic. That is why I am suggesting it, in case you find the Raysonice too warm. It (Raysonic) is more in the sound category as my Audio Aero Capitole (warm, beautiful, lush) while the Northstar is more in the category of the resolution Audio GNSC'd (a bit more neautral in shading)(reference to categories is for "flavor" only).