I just sold a Gustard X26 Pro for $925 and it is an excellent DAC with decent digital volume. I hate DAC volume controls but the Gustard volume control was passable. I used a preamp with the Gustard. A used Benchmark DAC2 or DAC3 would also be a good choice with volume control. I have had both in the past (do not get the cheaper DAC1).
https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/gustard-x26-pro-dac-review/
I am now using the Topping D90SE DAC ($900) in place of the Gustard X26 Pro ($1500). I was planning on getting the Musetec 005 DAC ($3500) after selling the Gustard, but now that I am listening a lot to the Topping D90SE DAC with the Topping pre90 preamp I am not sure I need another DAC.
I am also going to get rid of my Topping pre90 + Ext90 preamp soon. It is extremely quiet (wire with gain) and if you get the right amp match it is a steal. Unfortunately my amp does not match well with it. The Topping pre90 is ($600). It works great with my Benchmark AHB2 and Parasound A21+ amps but not the CODA #8 amp that it needs to work with.
https://soundnews.net/accessories/topping-pre90-ext90-review-pre-amp-my-power-amp/
So a used Topping pre90 and Topping D90SE combo can be had for under a $1000. If your warmish Classe amp is a match of the pre90 you will be impressed by this sound.
I am DM’ing someone who just bought the Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) and he will try it with his Class A Pass Labs amp. I also have the LA4 and it sounds EXACTLY like the pre90. The LA4 however mates well with all the amps I have hooked up to it and is not spartan in features like the Topping pre90.
BTW - the Topping remote controls are limited in distance covered.
https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/gustard-x26-pro-dac-review/
I am now using the Topping D90SE DAC ($900) in place of the Gustard X26 Pro ($1500). I was planning on getting the Musetec 005 DAC ($3500) after selling the Gustard, but now that I am listening a lot to the Topping D90SE DAC with the Topping pre90 preamp I am not sure I need another DAC.
I am also going to get rid of my Topping pre90 + Ext90 preamp soon. It is extremely quiet (wire with gain) and if you get the right amp match it is a steal. Unfortunately my amp does not match well with it. The Topping pre90 is ($600). It works great with my Benchmark AHB2 and Parasound A21+ amps but not the CODA #8 amp that it needs to work with.
https://soundnews.net/accessories/topping-pre90-ext90-review-pre-amp-my-power-amp/
So a used Topping pre90 and Topping D90SE combo can be had for under a $1000. If your warmish Classe amp is a match of the pre90 you will be impressed by this sound.
I am DM’ing someone who just bought the Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) and he will try it with his Class A Pass Labs amp. I also have the LA4 and it sounds EXACTLY like the pre90. The LA4 however mates well with all the amps I have hooked up to it and is not spartan in features like the Topping pre90.
BTW - the Topping remote controls are limited in distance covered.