DAC recommendation

You have a lot of great options for under $1500.
I agree with the Schiit, MyTek, Ayre, and the Bel Canto.

Personally, I have owned the Bel Canto DAC 2.5 for the last 5 years. 
In fact, I bought it new for $2200 (a rarity for me), then had to sell it during hard times, then bought another unit when I got back on my feet. 
They sell for under $1000 and this is a joke compared to the quality. 
Highly resolving with a Burr-Brown DAC chip and Class D power supply. Dont knock the Class D, you cant even tell. Multiple ins/out, and can also has analog input for a pair of RCAs, then goes to the A to D converter, then the D to A converted, then to the amp. The signal to noise is still like 110 for the AD converter!

Bel Canto units sell cheaper on the used market b/c Bel Canto does not do a lot of advertising, they put $$ into R and D. And just some history, Bel Canto used to produced only tube equipment, then switched to Class D. The point is that they 'voice' hteir equipment to match that of a mild tube sound, but again great dynamics from top to bottom and wonderful midrange vocals. Think about it. 

adg101,

If you're talking about using the Node 2 thru the 851-C's dac, yes, I have tried it. Used the coax connection. I used an older not so expensive coax. The Node sounded better with it's own Dac. I also tried using my Ayre Codex Dac connected to the 851-C. Playing Cd's, it sounded better with the Codex vs. the 851's own Dac. I used the Wireworld Super Nova 7 optical cord for the connection. I have not tried the boutique fuses as I have never been a firm believer of their effectiveness,  but I hear more and more good things about them so maybe I will give them a try in my Integrated amp and /or Cd player. Good choice if you go with the Vault 2. Bluesound has some really nice products for the money.
Cheers!
Tim

The Chord Qutest is about that price but just released.  Has gotten good reviews. Maybe you can get an introduction price?

exaSound e22 should also fit the bill!