For me, the Modi 3 was an easy decision. The AKM AK4490 DAC chip plus DC-coupled provides the sound I was looking for. Actually preferred it over others costing considerably more. There really seems to be something special about AKM's "Velvet Sound" technology.
Inexpensive DAC: Schiit Modi 3 or Topping D30
Any reason to prefer one over the other for use while my Ayre Codex is away for repair? Source is USB from an ultraRendu (Roon endpoint); output from the DAC to an Ayre A7e integrated.