Best USB DAC for 1000-1500?

HRT Streamer is inexpensive and great. Asynch USB. I'm not using special cables, and it sounds great. I haven't compared with any of the more expensive brands, but I'm not compelled to either.

I have a WL Brick V3 that I use with a 2010 MacMini. Initially was less than happy using the combo in a big room and with small speakers (severe digititis). In its present setting and adding Pure Music and a good quality IC, I'm very happy. In order of increasing quality would rank Squeezebox Touch < Bryston BCP < MacMini/Brick < VPI Scout. It "only" goes to 24/96 (which covers everything I have so far). It also "only" does USB. OTOH It was simple to setup and is completely hassle-free to operate.

Interesting commentary on the Brick V3. My relative has a simple system consisting of Almarro 205a and Omega Super 5 XRS paired with the Scott Nixon DAC. He had a tight budget so he skimped a bit on the source but his system sounds really good for the money. Due to WAF issues he won't be able to upgrade to larger speakers and he doesn't own any vinyl so I figure the logical upgrade is a better DAC.

I haven't heard the Wavelength Brick but I own the Wavelength Proton and love it, I'm sure the Brick is even nicer.

I've also gotten to audition the Ayre QB-9 which also uses the Wavelength Asynchrous technology and was blown away. You may be able to pick up the Ayre used on the high end of your budget, but I'm not sure what they normally go for.

Another HUGE thumbs-up for the Tranquility DACs. I was so impressed with the original Tranquility that I upgraded to the SE. I recently bought the Ayre QB-9, just to compare it to the Tranquility SE. The QB-9 is a very impressive DAC, very detailed and accurate, but both my wife and I found that the Tranquility was more "musical". I really wanted to prefer the Ayre, due to its ability to handle hi-rez files, but the Mac Mini / Tranquility combo is just stellar.