DAC suggestions?

@wisemenofgotham 

+1, Schiit Yggy LIM DAC.  "Yggdrasil+’s unique True Multi bit™ architecture combines integrated multi bit D/A converters with a proprietary time- and frequency-domain optimized digital filter. Together with the convenience of remote control, switchable NOS mode, and a fully modular platform, Yggdrasil+ gives you the best performance now—and in the future.  Both Yggdrasil+ versions use our True Multi bit architecture, a unique combination of our proprietary time- and frequency-domain optimized digits".

Click here for link to Mfg product info

OR, As posted above, the new Schiit GYGGY DAC to be available soon.

New product Schiit BYGGY DAC info Audiogon post

I would suggest getting a dac independent from the streamer simply due to how much the tech can change. That being said I recently acquired a Grimm MU2 which is an all-in-1 dac/streamer/preamp. The front end I was going to replace was an Auralic S1 streamer w/ external psu to a Laiv DDC to Laiv Harmony to Holo Serene preamp. I wanted to try a top end dac and when I figured I could get the Grimm and replace my whole front end I went for it. I’ve had it about a month. It does sound great. However I recently hooked up the Laiv Harmony to the Grimm’s analog inputs. Using Roon I can stream to the Grimm and Auralic simultaneously and toggle back and forth instantly. I have to say that while I hear an improvement with the Grimm is images being a deeper and more dynamic it is very minor. So minor that I really have to listen for it. I mostly listen to music and medium to lower volumes and in that case I can’t hear a difference. Or at least a meaningful difference. Is the Grimm better? Yes. Is it more enjoyable? If I’m being honest, probably not. Considering once I sell my existing equipment the Grimm will likely end up costing about $6k more. For that I’m leaning towards selling the Grimm and keeping the Auralic/Laiv setup. Now in this comparison everything is coming into the Grimms preamp section. I still need to do a comparison using the full Grimm vs full Laiv including the serene preamp. But, I’ve loved that serene preamp and I doubt the Grimm will sound $6k better. 
 

So my advice is Laiv Harmony + Laiv DDC + good streamer (holo red, araulic, etc.) and you should be able to put that together on the second hand market for under your budget. 
 

for reference, I’ve also had the Holo May, Denafrips Terminator, PS Audio, SW1X, and some other higher end dacs. The May was my favorite but this Laiv combo may be just as good for less. 

Get a Chord TT2 and be done with it.

As others have suggested, I would remove the Mac from the system and go for separates for the DAC and streamer.  Some have suggested an Innuos streamer, and I have a Stream 1 with Phoenix USB output on order, although your budget says go with one of the older used Innuous models.  For the DAC, last year I upgraded my Schiit Bifrost 2/64 (now in my office at home where I do use my Mac Mini M4Pro) to the Gungnir 2,  and I am exceptionally pleased with the sound quality I am getting from my system—Rogue RP-7 preamp, Odyssey monobloc amps, Fyne F702 speakers with two Rythmik Subs, with 4’ Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables and a mix of AudioQuest and Morrow interconnects and Ice Age Audio power cables.

2.3 Doge 7 MkII tube DAC              

2.6 Ferrum Wandla - HR competes w 10k DACs 

     +1.2 HYPSOS power supply 

2.7 LAiV Harmony DAC

3.0 Musician Aquarius - sounds like a $5k DAC

4.0 Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

4.3   Denafrips Terminator  [BNC in, 

     XLR out](But USB in best per AudioBacon)