DAC suggestions for a reasonably modest system

An OPPP 105D  Streams, 32 bit DAC, Play CDs, STREAM Netflix and more  great products 1K used.

Another very positive "yes" for the Gustard R26 DAC. Brand new it’s in your price and sounds great.

@jji666 

I had considered using the XLR outs with an adapter, but the balanced output voltage is twice that of the RCA, so I'd need to introduce some passive circuitry to attenuate.  And in the random bit of music studio work I've done, adapting XLR is a compromise at best. Given my choices in tube preamps, I don't see an XLR capable pre in my future plans, and the SMSL RCA output is already so hot that at full volume on the DAC both preamps are usually running around 9-10 o'clock.  That was also the case when I was using a Convergent SL-1.  And back to the original goal, both systems are very different and I'm not sure one DAC makes the most of each system's attributes.

I will second a couple of the recommendations so far. I have a Denafrips Ares(Jazz, acoustic) and a Chord Qutest(Rock, Electronic). Believe it or not I like one over the other depending on the music type. The DAC's feed an Orchard Audio Gan amp to an LTA MZA3 preamp. Going off of your budget I would think the Denafrips Pontus or the Gen 1 Chord Hugo TT would be good choices.

Whatever ever you choose, from my research and what others with more experience than I have stated, a reclocker seems to be a valuable addition whatever DAC you end up with.  Best of luck on your search. 

An out of the box suggestion, look for preowned Audio Mirror Toubadour III or Toubadour IV DACs. They punch way above their price range and give a beautiful analog sound. Vlad is very responsive and is always available for upgrades and repairs. Handmade in the USA.

I have the Toubadour V and it sounds great to my ears.

I see a few for sale on USAM right now.