DAC 3-4k range


Time to start looking for an upgrade. Will look to buy used in the 3-4k price range.

Currently using an Audio Note kits 2.1, and like it very much in all ways. One perspective I have is to just get "more of it" and upgrade in the AN line, if in fact higher level models improve on the basic characteristics.

But I don't have a lot of experience with DACs into this new price territory, so I'm interested in hearing what other folks like so I can do some more research.

My primary requirement is balanced outputs.

It will be driven by a Logitech Transporter and feed an Ayre AX-7e.
joncourage
Well, I have the unit being built right now. I'll be either trading in the 2.1 unless I can sell it within the next week or so.

I find that opportunity always presents itself somehow so I suspect I'll have opportunity to audition some of those other units in my system at some point. In the meantime I feel very comfortable with the decision. I sit here listening to Jazz at the Pawshop on the 2.1 and am in heaven, I can't imagine what the 4.1 will sound like. And we've (the builder and I) decided to through in a variety of upgrades that start putting it in AN UK high end models territory. I'm really excited.
(And thanks again to everyone for the really great input, both technical and philosophical. Very much appreciated.)