Another vote for the Freya. At least give it a try. For $700 bucks with a 15 day return less 5% restocking fee (and shipping) you will risk little. It’s a very flexible, balanced design with (tiny) remote, several output modes (one of which is 6SN7 tube-based) and numerous inputs. Also has a very very good volume control and 5 year warranty.
I know...it doesn't cost enough so it must be junk. Why not let your ears decide?
You could do Freya + Gungnir MB or even the Yggdrasil DAC at your (stretch) budget. Lots more info over on HeadFi (Freya impressions and tube rolling thread). Good luck.
http://www.schiit.com/products/freya
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-freya-impressions-and-tube-rolling-thread.832177/
I know...it doesn't cost enough so it must be junk. Why not let your ears decide?
You could do Freya + Gungnir MB or even the Yggdrasil DAC at your (stretch) budget. Lots more info over on HeadFi (Freya impressions and tube rolling thread). Good luck.
http://www.schiit.com/products/freya
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-freya-impressions-and-tube-rolling-thread.832177/