Dac Suggestions around $500

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 🤷🏼

What are your speakers, and amplification? Any preamp?

Chord Mojo

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

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

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.

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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 😕

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 👍