Replacement DAC with USB in, XLR outs

Ayre Codex  $1800 everything to want and and it sounds great

All Denafrips to my knowledge do that. Pick your poison. No remote so I wouldn’t want one personally.

I'd prefer a RME AD12.

No remote so I wouldn’t want one personally.

 Remote is a must have for consideration. 

I have done a good amount of research in this area recently for a friend. I would recommend a Schiit Gungnir (I bought one, for my office) … although, honestly I would stretch and get the Yggdrasil (my friend bought one)… an outstanding deal that performs far beyond its price level. These are incredible for the money, natural, detailed with great dynamic range.

None of these devices are going to have a headphone output…. Well because they do not contain an amplifier.

I don’t want to tell you what you should want, but a remote for a stand alone DAC… would be putting money into something almost no one would use. You only have one source. Playing with the settings is something seldom done by most folks.

Just as reference, my other systems are show by clicking on my ID… so, I am used to auditioning DACs of much higher quality.

I don’t want to tell you what you should want, but a remote for a stand alone DAC… would be putting money into something almost no one would use. You only have one source. Playing with the settings is something seldom done by most folks.

I utilize the DAC remote for Volume +/- as I listen to variety of genres, most hi-res but some not as brilliant. Plus getting up/out and repeat from my listening chair is a buzz kill that I try to minimize.

Okto Dac8 Stereo checks all the boxes. In high demand so difficult to buy.

Another vote for RME ADI-2

Appreciate the input.  Trialing the RME ADI-2 DAC FS w/ the AK4493 chip. 

i was going to say ayre codex too (one of my faves in the under a grand price range) but op must have a remote control

agree with rme adi but it doesn't image as well as the codex but it has many other features and remote control too, although i also did particularly not like how the volume control inhibited the unit some, sonically

maybe one of the audio gd dacs at wally's...

I would recommend the PS Audio Directstream DAC.  They are available used for under $3000.00 and they meet all your requirements.