I've enjoyed a PS Audio DirectStream DAC since it first hit the market (nearly four years ago), and though a $6000 piece of gear might not be thought of as "budget", I have applied each and every firmware update since owning the unit, and it's like trading the unit in for a "new and improved" DAC, so from that perspective I'll call it "budget".
The latest "Redcloud" firmware update is just awesome!
The latest "Redcloud" firmware update is just awesome!