DAC 1-2K

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-sinad-distortion-comparison-graph-for-dacs.4814/

Did not see the liberty but He did do a detailed review on the Chord. (Below)
Good Luck.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-chord-qutest-dac.5981/

http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=97

For a cheap $350usd discrete R2R dac, this "could" be good, a tech friend bought 5 of them and resold them here in Au to his customers, all new owners said it’s a no brainer for the money.
https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-airist-audio-r-2r-dac

https://darko.audio/2018/06/airist-audios-r-2r-dac-350-via-massdrop/

Cheers George

I'm also looking for a new dac around this price range. Would need to outperform the DA2 module in my mcintosh preamp and preferably have ethernet input so I can connect it to my NAS server which contains my music library.

What sound do you like? If you're more into accuracy something like a Benchmark DAC3 or Topping D90, if you like what some call a more analog or organic warm sound then one of those low cost R2R DACs.

I like a really easy to listen sound, effortless and flowing and also addictive. I think I'll just wait until I can up my budget more. I really don't see the point of getting a benchmark dac3 or a topping d90 when the dac in my preamp probably gets really close to those in performance and sound.

Audio Mirror Tubador III

Great DAC!!!

Looking at DAC’s in the same price point and now reading up on another to add to the list. Been out for sometime but doesn’t get as much press as others. Anyone have experience with the RME ADI-2 DAC? I like what I’m reading and it’s made in Germany. I recall there’s a review against the Qutest as well, so might be worth the read since that’s on your list.