Best natural, musical DAC under $3K?


I've been using a Oppo HA-1 headphone amp/DAC in my system and for $1200 no doubt it's an excellent value in the Oppo tradition. As a DAC it had good detail, handled complex passages well, but sounded a bit staged and unnatural to my ears especially in the upper registers.

Of course I'd have to up quite a bit in price, but for under $3K what's your recommendation for "natural" "correct" "organic" "musical" DAC that would do at least partial justice to my just in Verity Parsifal speakers?

So far my top three contenders are:

1) Chord Hugo
2) Wyred4Sound SE
3) Cary Audio 100-T

Any clear choice here? Am I missing something obvious?

Thanks!
larrybou

Showing 1 response by hchilcoat