Thanks for your suggestions. A few of these I never heard of, like the Lavry DA10, etc., will look into these. As far as sound, dynamic bass, transparent mids & smooth highs + analog sound, leaning towards the mellow side, definately nothing bright.
DAC under $1K
Has to sound noticably better than the CD players I already have, ie. Philips CD-80 & CAL Tercet MKIII. Will use the CD-80 as transport. Tried AVA Omega & Fet Valve DAC's in the past & these are no better than what I have. Never heard, but am familiar with by reading reviews, etc. with Ack, Attraction, DAC AH, used Classe DAC-1, etc. I am DIY ready if the DAC AH is worth the bother of rebuilding? Using DIY 2A3 Loftin-White amp & Klipsch KLF-20 speakers.