Which DAC makers let you do in home trial?

Thanks, for both of your opinions and elaborations. Even when folks disagree, I learn what's relevant. 

@tvad That's a really great suggestion and noted. It seems like a really good route. One thing I'm not sure about is the notion of an "analog card." What is that, in plain English?  I'm pressing toward tube amplification, I think, but am not sure which DAC technology is relevant, if at all. Some audio friends have strongly suggested R2R Dacs and others have said tube dacs.

I'll try for local dealers. Djones, why not tube DAC with tube amp? Also, you suspect R2R are overpriced, overhyped? Can you elaborate? Thanks. 

@david_ten Thanks for your input. I was planning on making the best possible guess based on recommendations, but I like the idea of being able to return a $1500 DAC if it's not working out. I'm not planning on being fickle about the choice, if that's how I came across. Still, I take your point -- which I assume is that one needs to not be under the illusion that they can avoid the longer experience of learning-by-listening. That makes sense to me, and I can imagine just committing, as you say, with a solid recommendation in hand.

Ok, I feel very well advised. Here are a couple additional details and a question. 
An audiophile friend with advanced experience and system echoed many points here; he suggested a modest cost unit, (even used, $400) including Schiit, iFi, Denafrips, Audio G-d. He assumes it will be changed out by me in time but notes, also, that it will be fine for a long time, initially. 
Another commentator on A ‘gon also suggested some brands here. Audio Mirror, Bryston, MDHT among them. 
Harley in his book, and the commentator above, both emphasize the need to choose the amp, first. Since I don’t even know if I’ll go tubes or solid state, or which speakers I’ll settle on, there are many open questions; but it seems this advice is right. 
 (It may irk some here to know how in flux my system is; I’m researching DACS  so that as first things fall into place, I have done some advance work on subsequent choices. This is not overthinking but just planning out future decision processes. Each of those decisions will be among a modest set of selected options.)

I can close with one last question: Do you agree that I settle on amp first and dac second?

Thanks. Because I knew I was going to need something to try out speakers with, and amplifiers with, I already bought the Node 2i. I have an Audioengine D1 dac for my laptop and have been using it as a temporary solution for my Cambridge CXC transport.

Thanks so much. Noted those point. 
 I have a transport so I assume that’s a bit out of order, but in general this is my current path. 

@cal3713 I definitely will post once the speakers are chosen. It will help to get more specific advice from those who’ve owned similar combinations with or without my particular my "ears".

@zigggi I’m tempted by the PS Audio SGDC, although I’m sort of inclining toward tubes at the moment, Still, their trial is easy and generous about shipping.

@rodge827 27 Nice looking company and website. Tube and non tube options for less that $1k. In home trial. Not sure how they compare to other DACS but once amps and speakers are in place this might be THE one to try out.

Thanks to all!

It does mesch and I have an Audioengine D1 DAC too. So those should hold me through speaker trial and amp trials, I'm assuming. 

@doneaton Thanks for both the brand and website suggestion.

I am still so grateful for all the information I’ve gotten, and will use it to do some trials when the time is right.

@veroguy -- thanks! Made in U.S.A.with 45 day trial. Excellent.

Thanks. Weird that a popular DAC is called Chord Mojo and Mojo is also a different company's name all it's own. But good to know. Thank you.

Thanks @yakbob That's a really intriguing idea, especially the configurability. I'll try to see if there are reviews, at least!

Thanks for the detailed descriptions!

That’s a great point and thank you so much. I actually decided to go with linear tube audio and I am waiting for my dac right now. One of the reasons I asked this question was because there are a limited number of options from brick and mortar stores (eg if one wants an r2r) and also the shut down has caused a difficulty as well. Some shops are doing appointments but obviously this is a very difficult time. Your comment about the relative brevity of a 14 day trial period is something that applies directly to schiit audio.