what dacs are fast, lively, energetic?

Chord +1

I believe they use a very sharp/steep filter. Their DACs have great detail and attack

@ AudioCanada the OP...

I must be missing something between the lines as on 12/18 @ 2:07 PM, you stated...

"current dac is a LAIV Harmony. i think i need chip based for that fast sound, I like your use of 'zippy' adding Topping to the list"...

Then on 12/19 @ 6:04 AM, you stated in part..."might try the Laiv Harmony due to the high praise of its r2r attributes and I can re-sell easily"

Please clarify these statements...

Schiit Bifrost 2/64. Works extremely well, especially when using the proprietary "Nexus" USB input (I use that feature with a Schiit Urd). Even the coax input is amazing sounding and possibly all the DAC you need, although it’s far too inexpensive for many around here. 

Blisshifi the Topping d90 is available on Amazon , thank you I will check it out.

@decooney ..."

Agree, and it (Benchmark) was also the only DAC I ever sent back, fast.

Fast, kind of sterile, and mostly un-engaging for me.

+1

@tomwipf ..."Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty beat my dCS Bartok Apex in every aspect. "

+1

dCS is very "European" sounding... polite. Ayre is very detailed but a bit more realistic... less polite.