Recommend me a DAC under 3k

If you value detail and transparency, I would avoid the R2R DACs you have listed. Try a Benchmark or even an SMSL D400es or SU-10.

The small, simple $1500 Merason Frerot has pleased my ears since I added it. Great value, Swiss-made, elegant design.

Take a look at the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. It excels at clarity & detail, yet isn’t overly bright or clinical. I have mine installed in my secondary system & I’m extremely happy with it. It has toslink input & is well priced at $1300. Best bag for the buck in DACS out there IMHO & I’ve never seen a negative review. There are many online stores that will let you return it without return shipping charges. It does a great job of doubling as a preamp, too if you don’t need a lot of inputs.

I completely agree, especially if you are talking about the AKM version. I thought this DAC/Pre was going to be analytical as the Benchmark sound is not my style. I couldn't have been more wrong about the RME DAC...especially for those who are looking to get rid of their preamp. 

PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1 with the latest firmware.

A no-brainer...

I am a long-term user of a Vinyl Source and am a recent convert to having a Digital Source in my system.

After a short period of Trying out CDP only and especially a range of Custom modified CDP's using Valves and other Valve Circuitry in the Schematic, I tried out the CDT>DAC option.

I struggled to find a attraction to the CDP and CDT>DAC combinations I was being introduced to, as they were very capable, but not able to produce a perception I was listening to something that could be a comparative source to my Vinyl Source.

A suggestion was made, and I took a Wild Punt on the idea offered.

It was made known the EE, who was instrumental in supplying the modification info the the Valve CDP's no longer did their own work on CDP's and now have their own range of Valve DAC's being produced, that are claimed to surpass their earlier work undertaken on CDP's.

It was made known a earlier generation prototype model was available, that could have the Circuit Updated and can be offered for a very reasonable monies in comparison to the latest pricing for their DAC's.

The outcome is, I received a Imported Custom Built Valve DAC, it is aesthetically not as pretty as the Individuals present offerings, at the discounted price that is not a concern.

I have been blown away by this DAC in its earliest days of usage, using CDP's as a Transport, it was very attractive in use.

When deciding to go for a dedicated CDT and ending up with the DAC being paired with a PW Memory Player, the combination become a Digital Source that was as attractive as Vinyl as a Source.

The came Tube Rolling and after discovering early 60's Siemens Tubes, this DAC, took on a new level which was almost New DAC like as the impact on the sonic and for the better.

This CDT>DAC has been travelling to events and others homes to be used on other systems, it has performed on all occasions, showing itself as more attractive option over other DAC's it has been compared against.

One system owner has been so impressed they went on their own Journey to discover a Valve Design that will be suitable for themselves. 

They have purchased the CDP in the Link, which is a CDP that has more interface options than a typical CDP.

My Set Up and this CDP have been used side by side with the CDP in the Link being a standard Valve in use and there is plenty on offer from the Model in the link, it has a very attractive appeal.

The CDP in the Link now has the same early 60's Valves I am using. The end result is substantial, this is as impressive as the best Vinyl Sources I have heard in recent years. I can vouch for this as I have been demo'd the CDP used as a comparison   to a £20K Vinyl Source in a system getting up close to the cost of £50K.

http://www.earyoshino.com/Acute-CD-Player/#digital