I can highly recommend an Audio Research DAC 9. I have been a Audio Research fan for preamps and phonostages for decades. As my purchase ability increased I got better versions. But I never thought of them as a digital company although their DACs were top rated.
My dealer brought over a REF 160s amp for me to try (I was in the amp market)… he also brought over ARC DAC without me asking. I had an $18K DAC… and was not in the market. After demoing the amp… I realized, that although I really did not want to, out of respect for him… I needed to haul out the ARC DAC and try it. Literally, in less than 30 seconds I was typing a message to him to order me one. Never have I had an easier decision. Even though I had no idea where I was going to get the money… I am retired.
The ARC DAC is incredibly natural sounding and highly detailed. It puts out music… the sound that creates an emotional connection. It’s great having all these DACs that are highly detailed and “natural”… but this one connects directly with the heart.
My dealer brought over a Berkeley Alpfa Reference DAC ($22K)… I prepared myself to just say yes and later figure out where to get the money. Surprisingly after a couple weeks of comparing them, I actually preferred the ARC… although they were so similar that I doubt most folks could tell the difference in a couple days of comparing. The ARC was subtly more natural sounding and very similar in detail.