I’ve recently tried a few DACs in the under $1k range. Topping d50, Sabja D5, Schiit multibit uber(already owned) ADI-2 DAC.
I’m keeping the ADI.
They all sounded similar.
Topping d50 a bit lean and not too much depth of the soundstage. Tried different filters, power sources, etc...
Schiit Bifrost nice tone and good resolution.
Sabaj D5 pretty much the same as the ADI, but the menus were in 1pt font, the knob felt a bit fiddly (as in might break at some point) not a lot of history of company if something goes wrong in the future.
ADI-2 DAC a bit more resolution, a peq that can be adjusted for each channel, solid build, headphone amp with selectable filters and eq separate from the line out or the in ear monitor output. And the filters actually sound different. A long history of the company in audio (mastering products) Harmony remote link, so you can change parameters from the comfort of your comfy chair ;) .
it is a bit of a stretch of your budget, but it may be worth a look.
I’m keeping the ADI.
They all sounded similar.
Topping d50 a bit lean and not too much depth of the soundstage. Tried different filters, power sources, etc...
Schiit Bifrost nice tone and good resolution.
Sabaj D5 pretty much the same as the ADI, but the menus were in 1pt font, the knob felt a bit fiddly (as in might break at some point) not a lot of history of company if something goes wrong in the future.
ADI-2 DAC a bit more resolution, a peq that can be adjusted for each channel, solid build, headphone amp with selectable filters and eq separate from the line out or the in ear monitor output. And the filters actually sound different. A long history of the company in audio (mastering products) Harmony remote link, so you can change parameters from the comfort of your comfy chair ;) .
it is a bit of a stretch of your budget, but it may be worth a look.