1K dac

hi sorry for the late reply, I just went through a busy period.

@B_mueller: have you tried the promitheus tubed?

as for now I have three choices: the minimax plus
the tubed promitheus and the octave.

as my current source is a computer an octave+ audiophilleo1 might be great

No, I do not know Promitheus tubed. With the same topology of the digital circuitry, I doubt it can match a Metrum. The state of the Promitheus company is not clear. People have been bitterly complaining about lack of response.

have you heard the minimax ? based on the reviews, I don't think that It will be that great for me.
The ess9018 Is said to be bright in the treble. as I mostly listen through headphones I wonder if that brightness could lead to harshness...

Check out the DACmini. Audio Advisor has a great return policy if you don't like it. I got mine directly from Centrance and its a keeper, for me.
There are a couple of great reviews on it over at PFO and 6moons.

Oh, and you'll come in $200 under your projected budget.

"have you heard the minimax ? based on the reviews, I don't think that It will be that great for me.
The ess9018 Is said to be bright in the treble. as I mostly listen through headphones I wonder if that brightness could lead to harshness..."

You would be sadly misled if you believe any of that. It simply is not true about the ess9018 and anyone that would say it has other issues with their system. I have heard 3 DAC/CD players using this chip and it is contrary to the above statement in all cases. NO harshness and NO brightness and if present my system would surely reveal it.