Need a DAC Recommendation.

The Gustard X26 Pro is compared to the new Topping D90SE in the Topping review linked below. The Gustard was favored. Try out the Gustard on the 30 day home trial., I sold an almost $3K tube DAC that people here love after I compared it with the Gustard X26 Pro.

The One to Beat: Gustard X26 PRO DAC Review (soundnews.net)

Topping D90SE DAC Review - A New Benchmark (soundnews.net)

Knowing what type of sound you're hoping to achieve would be helpful. These little boxes don't all sound the same.  

The Gustard has a bit more range in sound that a lot of DACs in this price range with NOS/OS mode and 3 custom filters.

BTW - the way DACs are sounding today I am starting to think $1500 is my upper limit for NEW DACs.

Wow, the  Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 has gone up in price. It is pretty good and I owned it for about 6 months. I bought it on Black Friday for $850. However, for $1350 it is no where close to the Gustard X26 Pro at $1500 (I got for $1350 new). 

The Benchmark DAC3B is a bit better than the  Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3. However, the all in one nature of the  Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 is a great selling point.

@what I do not leave it on all the time. I turn it on in the morning and shut it down around 1AM. I am usually listening to tunes during that time. In the course of the day the unit does get warm. It is the warmest DAC I have owned but it is not scalding hot. The heat that it generates is likely not ideal for long term ownership. I am pretty confident I can get 5 years easy with this DAC. 

I believe there is a Class A output stage on this DAC and that is what makes it warm. I sit 2 feet away from the DAC and do not feel the heat from it.

I also do not notice that the DAC sounds any worse in the morning after turn on, but then again I am pretty groggy in the morning.

I have the Topping D90se DAC (the latest) and it is rather good. It is in the neutral camp so I think it would pair well with some warm electronics or speakers. I actually use them with Benchmark AHB2 (which are not warm) but this combo is in the camp of adding nothing to the sound. It is the opposite of my other system so it is a nice change of pace for me.

The D90Se is $899 (or 599, I forgot). Another DAC that is also a great buy at $1350 (on sale now) is the Gustard X26 Pro. This is a warmer DAC and a DAC people should try on home trial before they spend more money. There are 4 filters and NOS/OS mode to tailor the sound.