Dac Suggestions around $500

I’m going to add in here if I should just wait until I can get Something like a used Schiit Gungir multibit for $800 and be done, I’ll do that as well!

Thanks again Guys 👍

Dang it, just saw this right now from decooney 

“And/Or, check 17 prior related threads about adding an external DAC to a Bluesound streamer”

sorry 😕

IMHO, if you're looking for a DAC around $500 then maybe better to stick with the one in the node. You're not going to get a noticeable improvement in that price range. 

My Schiit Modi Multibit is quite good for another system. Check it out. 

Just added a Gungnir Multibit, bought used, to my Node2. In video game parlance it's like I leveled up...twice. The digital coax puts out hi-res as far as I can tell. 

For around $500, you can get a used Benchmark DAC1, possibly even a later version. I saw one this week on Craig****t for $200. That's a good price for a great DAC.

Since you are looking for a DAC to serve while saving for an upgrade I would buy used. Otherwise maybe continue to use use the Node as is. Interest rates are low now, probably could pay off a loan at less loss than buying one DAC and selling it to buy another.

Sabaj D5 
https://www.amazon.com/Sabaj-Converter-Headphones-Amplifier-Preamplifier/dp/B07PYRM6J6

Chord Mojo

or go bigger with the Chord line. The Mojo sounds so awesome. 

What are your speakers, and amplification? Any preamp?

Amp is Anthem I225.  Speakers are Fritz Carrera BE.

Chord and Schiit are where I am leaning.  I look into the mojo!

Benchmarks don’t really do it for me.  Researched them and not ghe sound I am after.

I had a Schiit Bifrost AK4490 and like it.  A multibit would be cool.

I also had a parasound z dac that I liked!

Not sure if it would be better to get a diferent stresmer that just has a better dac already in it...I know if I get a better outboard dac I’m going to upgrade another outlet ($50) get anothe Cullen PC ($100-$200) so I need to takd that into consideration too 🤷🏼