Here is a thought: Stick to Stereophiles A+ list.
These are all within reach especially if you consider used. All are good. All could be resold fairly easily. Benchmark, Exasound and Mytek are more pro studio sounding (front row seat attention grabbing detail). Some of the others will tend to be more laid back (row 5-10 and consequently more soundstage depth). All are good (A+) and only your taste will determine what works better for you.
Auralic Vega
Benchmark DAC 3
Bryston BDA 3
Exasound E38
Mytek Manhattan II
PS PW Directstream
T+A DAC 8
These are all within reach especially if you consider used. All are good. All could be resold fairly easily. Benchmark, Exasound and Mytek are more pro studio sounding (front row seat attention grabbing detail). Some of the others will tend to be more laid back (row 5-10 and consequently more soundstage depth). All are good (A+) and only your taste will determine what works better for you.
Auralic Vega
Benchmark DAC 3
Bryston BDA 3
Exasound E38
Mytek Manhattan II
PS PW Directstream
T+A DAC 8