I owned and really liked the NAD M51 DAC and I've seen them on Audiogon for around your budget. It will also allow you to play SACD although it converts to PCM (and very well). I think it's a very musical DAC that you would enjoy.
Need New CD Player or new DAC
I need a new cd player. Been looking at the forum and the threads are all pretty old. I have a couple right now. I have a Marantz 6005, an old Calfornia Audio cd player and a Sony DVD player with the drop down face. Also a Pioneer cd recorder. I also have a Emotiva DAC XD-2. Using the Marantz right now but thought I would see if there is a more musical cd player. Been listening to a lot of vinyl lately and like that analog sound. Should I switch cd players or get a better DAC or keep what I got because there won't be that much difference. Any help would be much appreciated.