Recommend me a DAC under 3k

Thank you all for the thoughtful suggestions! 
 

I’ve narrowed my selection to between the ANK Dac 4.1x or a Denafrips Pontus/Venus II.

@jeffseight i would love to hear your experience with the ANK dac. I believe you replaced a Pontus if I’m not mistaken. 

I am not sure if DSD matters to you.  If so, Schiit and ANK might not be for you.  You need to down sample each time to the highest rate PCM that can be read.  Also, the output impedance of the Denafrips especially from XLR is quite high.  Make sure your preamp or amp could match it.

You all shouldn't rule out the BorderPatrol DAC...  I have one and really enjoy it immensly !  The tube in the DAC can be switched in or out and is not in the analog circuitry  Not expensive, analog sounding, built here in the U.S. and Gary Dews is great to work with.  

@kuhyay 

I think we can all appreciate brand synergy for both sound and aesthetics.  I see you are leaning to ANK which will match your other gear. 
 

i have had limited experiences with DACs with only two brands, Schiit and Audio Research.  I started with Gungnir and moved to Yggy and heard the improvements.  My other gear is ARC so then tried a DAC 8 and was definitely an improvement over the Yggy. ARC doesn’t seem to have much respect towards their DACs as I rarely see them mentioned but they have worked quite wellbin my system. I now have. CD 6 for dual purpose.  
 

These are all easy to buy/sell used and ship so I would encourage you to try several over time snd make sure you find the one you love. 

Burl b good. Crane Song Solaris Quantum DAC better. $2k from Sweetwater.

90% of the sound of the Nagra HD DAC X at 3% of the price.

Takeaway: look at pro audio.

I'd add Hegel to your list - anything from the HD 12 through H 120 do a great job.

I think the question begs for a streaming function which does not leave many options. Those from Lumin and Auralic come to mind. Lumin’s software is solid a used T2 or T1 which is easier to find. 

+1 @liquidsound the BP DAC is a excellent choice. 

You’re welcome to try out my border patrol dac in your system for a couple weeks if you want to cover the shipping… it’s Spdif only fyi.

I’m now looking into the Bifrost… any thoughts on the “2” vs the “2/64”?

They have different chips and the 2/64 is truly balanced, which is not something I need right now.
a used “2” can be purchased pretty cheaply and upgraded to the “2/64” later with a card from Schiit.

As an owner of the current version Border Patrol SE-I dac and former owner of the new Bifrost 2/64 dac, I will say these dacs can sound quite different from each other. The Bifrost 2/64 is more precise in my system, if that’s what you like, this is what it does. The Boarder Patrol SE-I with the latest choke and cap design brings something special in a different way, particularly in an already-transparent system, fwiw.

For others,

BTW: The Tube is "not" in the signal path circuit on the BP SE-I DAC, it’s part of the power supply. Switching the tube on/off does change the sound some. Nice in either positions for different results. It’s more open sounding w/tube-power supply switched [on].

Would a Okto DAC 8 stereo fit your needs, if you can pick up a Pi 4 Model B on the flee-Bay?

If you value detail and transparency, I would avoid the R2R DACs you have listed. Try a Benchmark or even an SMSL D400es or SU-10.

The small, simple $1500 Merason Frerot has pleased my ears since I added it. Great value, Swiss-made, elegant design.

Take a look at the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. It excels at clarity & detail, yet isn’t overly bright or clinical. I have mine installed in my secondary system & I’m extremely happy with it. It has toslink input & is well priced at $1300. Best bag for the buck in DACS out there IMHO & I’ve never seen a negative review. There are many online stores that will let you return it without return shipping charges. It does a great job of doubling as a preamp, too if you don’t need a lot of inputs.

I completely agree, especially if you are talking about the AKM version. I thought this DAC/Pre was going to be analytical as the Benchmark sound is not my style. I couldn't have been more wrong about the RME DAC...especially for those who are looking to get rid of their preamp. 

PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1 with the latest firmware.

A no-brainer...

I am a long-term user of a Vinyl Source and am a recent convert to having a Digital Source in my system.

After a short period of Trying out CDP only and especially a range of Custom modified CDP's using Valves and other Valve Circuitry in the Schematic, I tried out the CDT>DAC option.

I struggled to find a attraction to the CDP and CDT>DAC combinations I was being introduced to, as they were very capable, but not able to produce a perception I was listening to something that could be a comparative source to my Vinyl Source.

A suggestion was made, and I took a Wild Punt on the idea offered.

It was made known the EE, who was instrumental in supplying the modification info the the Valve CDP's no longer did their own work on CDP's and now have their own range of Valve DAC's being produced, that are claimed to surpass their earlier work undertaken on CDP's.

It was made known a earlier generation prototype model was available, that could have the Circuit Updated and can be offered for a very reasonable monies in comparison to the latest pricing for their DAC's.

The outcome is, I received a Imported Custom Built Valve DAC, it is aesthetically not as pretty as the Individuals present offerings, at the discounted price that is not a concern.

I have been blown away by this DAC in its earliest days of usage, using CDP's as a Transport, it was very attractive in use.

When deciding to go for a dedicated CDT and ending up with the DAC being paired with a PW Memory Player, the combination become a Digital Source that was as attractive as Vinyl as a Source.

The came Tube Rolling and after discovering early 60's Siemens Tubes, this DAC, took on a new level which was almost New DAC like as the impact on the sonic and for the better.

This CDT>DAC has been travelling to events and others homes to be used on other systems, it has performed on all occasions, showing itself as more attractive option over other DAC's it has been compared against.

One system owner has been so impressed they went on their own Journey to discover a Valve Design that will be suitable for themselves. 

They have purchased the CDP in the Link, which is a CDP that has more interface options than a typical CDP.

My Set Up and this CDP have been used side by side with the CDP in the Link being a standard Valve in use and there is plenty on offer from the Model in the link, it has a very attractive appeal.

The CDP in the Link now has the same early 60's Valves I am using. The end result is substantial, this is as impressive as the best Vinyl Sources I have heard in recent years. I can vouch for this as I have been demo'd the CDP used as a comparison   to a £20K Vinyl Source in a system getting up close to the cost of £50K.

http://www.earyoshino.com/Acute-CD-Player/#digital

Try the Abbingdon Music Research AMR DP-777SE. You can pick them up under $3K on US Audiomart. It is an amazing tube dac.

Holo Audio Spring 3

Mcintosh MDA200,  upgradable with the analog stage of the C53. $4000 new, but there is a nice one on US Audio Mart for around  $3000.

Incredible detail wnd imaging. 

I recommend Metrum's Onyx DAC.  It is a huge upgrade over my Teac DAC.  Much better tone and sibilance control without being soft.  I paid $2,500 for it new from the U.S. dealer, although you could buy it direct instead.

The sound I am getting is rich and full.  And bells and similar sounds are mind blowing, like I am sitting next to the musician.

Ferrum Audio Wandla DAC/Preamplifier ($2800)

Comparable & surpasses DACs that cost more....MUCH, MUCH MORE

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

REVIEW: https://www.hifinews.com/content/ferrum-audio-wandla-usb-dacpreamplifier

Update: 

My high end dealer suggests the Qutest has the detail but without the issues from a chip based Delta Sigma.  R2R are known for not a lot of detail, but smoother. 

Tubes are now what yo want for detail, They add the distortions for that smoother midrange. I might like them, but from your description probably not. 

Schiit says the 2/64 is more detailed than the original, but still in the R2R scope.  For a lark, Amazon yourself a DO300 just to see if you want to go that way. You may be surprised, or not. 

Technology and mass production have moved fast so this years CH-FI for $500 may stomp a two year old esoteric DAC.   Your ears of course. Your brain may tell you that no way a cheep box is going to sound good in your very nice system. The brein wins every time over reality. 

Oh boy. Junk is junk🙄

Maybe Doge Tube DAC, used to be OEM now sold direct.

I think the SPL Diamond DAC I just wrote some impressions on would fit your bill. Give it a listen if you can.  
 

@kuhyay did you buy? I see there is no love here for exaSound? 

Here is an excellent post: https://audiophilestyle.cayre-codex-lampizator-amber-schiit-yggy-exasound-e32-and-ayre-qx-5-dac-comparison

Oh, and exaSound provides a 30 day trial for the current e62 -(e38 not produced anymore)  

Schiit Gungnir Multibit (A2 Card) Gen 5 USB for use w SPEAKERS.

Very entertaining / analog sound

Weiss DAC204.  I run the Weiss 501 and love it.  The Weiss DAC204 is a stripped down no frills version.

Do not be swayed by arrogant, "must be exotic or it is junk" posters any more than the SINAD chasers. Use your own ears in your system. 

As there are clear preferences in sound from the many DACs mentioned, that kind of confirms you need to listen to your taste.   "Correct " may not mask bad recordings as some euphonic distortion will, so your choice. 

The Schiit Gungnir is OBE. They have the Bifrost and Yggdrasil for multibit. 

I do not think RMEs are available with the AKM. They claim their ESS sounds the same.  Execution seems to mean a lot more than the chip. 

@kuhyay 

Under 3K are the Musetec Audio (LKS Audio) MH-DA005 ES9038 Pro x2 DAC. It has two ES9038pro chips (one per channel), and superb audiophile grade parts that achieve very high resolution with a very large soundstage. There is a lengthy thread about the MH-DA005 on A'Gon. I purchased one after reading and have been very happy.

David

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/musetec-lks-mh-da005-dac?highlight=Musetec

Since the rest of your amplification chain is ANK, it makes sense to stick with ANK. There is a lot to be said for system synergy. Companies tune or ‘voice’ their components to compliment each other.

Mixing and matching components to find this synergy is a hit and miss process. 
That being said, swapping out an ANK DAC with something else might be the least impactful (compared to your other components) with respect to system synergy.

If you go with a non-ANK DAC, I’d recommend auditioning a Lampizator DAC. You should be able to find a used one within your budget.

Why not RME ADI-2 Pro?

Another vote for the Pontus II DAC.

FWIW, at least on the Pontus DAC, the choice of power cord can affect the clarity, resolution, and timing of the DAC a lot. And the most expensive power cord may not sound the best. The power cords that I've tried on the Pontus are listed below. I ended up with a $91 Supra LoRad power cord that sounded best to my ears.

Tripp-Lite Heavy Duty: $15

Audiophile AC Power Cable - WAudio 10AWG HiFi Power Cord 3.3FT : $35.99

Pangea AC-14: $44.95

Pangea AC-14 SE MkII: $79.95

Supra LoRad: $91

Shunyata Venom V14: $135

Audience F3 Forte: $150

AV Options Cryo TibiaPlus12 Power Cord:  $249

Synergistic Research UEF Blue: $499

Shunyata Research Venom V10 NR: $600

Shunyata Research Delta XC: $1400 - intended for power conditioners not DAC, but my Pontus DAC doesn't seem to do well with power cords with built in noise reduction.

I’ve gone through at least 10 dacs in the last 5 years. 
For under $2k, Pontus II can’t be beat. Great resale value too. 
Add a DDC, and you’re now competing with dacs up to $4k or higher. 

i would concur that the pontus 2 is the sweet spot in the denafrips line, for most audiophiles with good systems

the ddc part is very dependent on how the dac is fed in terms of positive impact on sound quality

one caveat though is that i feel denafrips as a company has recently engaged in what i call ’rampant product-update-itis’ -- incessant new models/versions/variants... with very little to practically no substance to this marketing driven crapola in my experience -- this tactic unfortunately puts a stink on what i otherwise consider to be quite good quality high value gear in the dac space

In this category, price range I would look at the Schiit. Great sound, build quality and built in the USA, if that has any influence on your decision. 

Forgot to mention Benchmark. By their WEB, they seem to have tackled most if not all the known issues. Digital cliping, power supplies, great output etc. 

I’m revising my previous recommendation. Having owned a Weiss 204 and then subsequently owning an Audio Mirror Toubadour, I have to say to my ears the Audio Mirror Toubadour was a much better sounding DAC. USAM has some pre-owned models within your price range, if you haven’t already purchased one yet.

One more thing to add, for both the Weiss and the Toubadour, I was running it through a Denafrips Gaia DDC.

Vlad is very responsive as well and I’m sure you can count on continued customer support if you get one of his DACs.