Let's Talk DAC's

I think you may find several of those mentioned a lateral move.    I had the RME , it's good no doubt but it is probably near the end of production .  I do know that they have no memory left for enhancements and the last Firmware revision is probably the last ...  

I'm hesitant to recommend any DAC.   It is something I would recommend auditioning at home.   I just sold my RME for $675,  a great DAC for the price .   Unlike other DACs it has a built in parametric EQ so it can sound how ever you like.    

Definitely listen to your current DAC and the one you are interested in side by side 

One thing about the RME, it uses it’s internal clock regardless of whether it is USB or using a SPDIF type input   That is an advantage with TV or other video sources   
It always uses it’s internal Femto clock for all inputs, the source clock is not used with this DAC

It is a very good sounding DAC    Others have called it kind of dry or clinical. I did not find that to be the case but it was in an all tube system.   

I spent almost 3 X as much to better it so it’s an excellent value no doubt.  
 

I went to Audition the Merason Freot  and left that day with the Lab 12 DAC 1.   

The little Merason sou dedicated good for the money, but i was replacing the RME and I was looking for something with more weight, meat on the bones.. ..it also has a beautiful tone unlike any DAC  I've ever owned.   Natural sounding 

Yes , auditioning is important with anything, but sometimes you are splitting hairs with similarly priced DACs so it can easily turn into a lateral move if not careful 

Yes,  in my case the Lab 12 is exactly the sound I was looking for.  The funny thing about that DAC is I bought it with the intention of trading up within a year on a DAC that is 2 X the money.  
 

After a short time enjoying it I knew I was keeping it.  I spent that money on a SOTA Escape turntable and Sutherland KC Vibe and got back into vinyl