Best DAC under 2k US ?

I heard the Calyx and would say it meets your ask dead on. Natural sounding but still musical and sweet. Detailed without being etched.

The Calyx is interesting. Gotta try one soon.
For me the asynch USB performance connected to a Mac Mini is important

I've been most impressed by my Channel Islands VDA-2. For sure opt for the VAC-1 power supply. That leaves you with plenty of cash left over so that you can buy some decent cables as well. And it's Made in the USA as well. My second recommendation would be a used Adcom GDA-700. There's one on eBay right now.

Where to get the calyx in the usa?

Also, how does the bel canto dac compare (the new one)?

http://www.northwoodsav.com

Which Bel Canto? I'm assuming not the 3.5VB since it's way over $2k. I had the DAC 2.5 before the Calyx and much prefer the Calyx. Warmer, sweeter, and technically superior in every way. While the Bel Canto is still a very good DAC, it was a little too sterile for my tastes and no match for the Calyx.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1320563994&read&keyw&zzcalyx