any DAC recommend for around $1000-1300?

I know everyone always blows away the budget number, but I had the Birdland and it was great for the money. I then tried a demo Reimyo DAP-777 that I got for about $2500. There is a new model now that you can get for $3000 or so so I bet the older model can be had for say $1700. I would try this and you will not regret it. Smooth and musical and I have had many people say they were listening to vinyl when I play a quality recording. All the best.

I am using the Monarchy M24 right now that can be had new in your budget. It's a combined DAC/preamp but you can run it as a DAC only and bypass the linestage/volume control. It has been a pleasant surprise in my system. I have also had excellent results with non-os DACs. If you're inclined to go down this road you can find several brands new/used in your price range.

You'll get so many opinions about this it will be hard to find any consensus. FWIW, I would advise buying a used dac in your stated budget. I don't think there have been any great improvements in digital reproduction in the last couple of years. More than a few of us would argue that well executed dac designs approaching ten years of age are still very musically gratifying. Audiophiles don't have as much interest in dacs as they used to, so consequently very good values are to be had. If you buy used at the right price, you can resell it for little or no loss if your expectations aren't met. Sonic Frontiers, Assemblage, Timbre, Musical Fidelity, Audiomat, and more all made excellent dacs that you can buy in your price range.

Hello ryo,

For one review of the Monarchy , check this article in Positive Feedback.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue25/monarchy_m24.htm

Disclaimer/disclosure: the reviewer used my system for most of the evaluations.

Also, I might note that I too was very impressed with this DAC and will be purchasing one shortly.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier