I think you should add the Denafrips Pontus to your short list. I owned both the Schiit Gumby and Yiggy. Imo, the Pontus, which I still own, is a significant improvement over the less expensive Gumby and close to the more expensive Yiggy. I’ve also auditioned the Qutest, which I didn’t care for, and a very different sound presentation from Schiit (and Denafrips) DAC’s. YMMV. I’d also look at the Denafrips Ares. Considerably less expensive but don’t let that fool you.
DAC upgrade
Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows:
Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.
My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.
My current top contenders are:
Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.
The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations. Thanks!