Audioengine D1 for $169 new.
At that price, big spenders might assume it can't sound great and may scoff, but I had a chance to compare one against the $1800 Line Magnetic DAC with ES9016 Sabre chip and if I listened carefully I could discern only the slightest difference in low-end body in favor of the Line Magnetic. They were so close in terms of sound quality, but $1600+ apart in price. And the Line Magnetic is very highly regarded, which gives you an idea how good the Audioengine sounds.
I sold mine only because I needed something with 3 inputs, but that's one device I regret selling.
I'd start there, and if you don't like it you can quickly flip it and be out only $50, but I bet you keep it.
At that price, big spenders might assume it can't sound great and may scoff, but I had a chance to compare one against the $1800 Line Magnetic DAC with ES9016 Sabre chip and if I listened carefully I could discern only the slightest difference in low-end body in favor of the Line Magnetic. They were so close in terms of sound quality, but $1600+ apart in price. And the Line Magnetic is very highly regarded, which gives you an idea how good the Audioengine sounds.
I sold mine only because I needed something with 3 inputs, but that's one device I regret selling.
I'd start there, and if you don't like it you can quickly flip it and be out only $50, but I bet you keep it.