Need a DAC Recommendation.

@rsa   Really best to choose from Gustard, Denafrips, MHDT or Audio Mirror Tubadour, new or used.

An Ayre Codex will give the Schiit Yggy a run for the money, plus you can get one for less than $1K.
I owned both, but have moved to the Ayre Qb-9 Twenty.
B

I have the RME adi-2 and MHDT Orchid and enjoy both but very different. I added the Teddy Pardue psu to the RME and added better caps and 6sn7 and 6922 tube adapters to th MHDT.

The RME has nice big bass very transparent without being analytical and a lot of features. The Orchid is more analog not as transparent but very enjoyable. There both great but I tend to listen to the RME more but the Orchid is great with acoustic jazz and blues and images very well.

Get a chord mojo for 500 or so and spend the rest on bourbon or weed

Lots of excellent options in that price range.  What sound characteristics are most important to you?  That’ll largely dictate which DAC might be best.