Recommendations on a Warm Sounding DAC under $1100.00

Warmer r2r bought on apos i just need to plug it in. Now I have more homework😃

I think the Laiv Harmony µDAC is a marvel of engineering. For it’s small size it is packed with forwarding thinking, impeccably designed hardware and software. With one of it’s design parameters being that it is of modular design for any future upgrade(s), with functionality and connectivity unmatched for its price. I’ve owned the Black Ice Glass FX Tube DAC and when I popped the hood, it left a lot to be desired with the thought of it’s reliability of use over time. Although I have since sold the Laiv Harmony µDAC,  and it may be considered a ’dac of the week’, the build, connectability and sound quality it produced impressed me.

Currently I have a Black Ice Glass FX Tube DAC that sounds great, it’s just that I purchased a Matrix TT-1 Streamer Transport, that sounds amazing and appears is not compatible with the Black Ice via USB due to the clocking circuitry in the TT-1.It works great via Coaxial but I’m really interested in trying the I2S input as well as USB. 

This is an easy fix. Just contact both manufactures engineering and they will walk you through the process whether or not there is/are any synchronization issues before purchase.  

I do like @lanx0003 recommendation of the Cayin iDAC‑8 Dual Timbre if you want to go the way of tubes. Nice choice @lanx0003.

The Laiv Harmony µDAC:

Is an ultra-compact, high-performance digital-to-analog converter that uses a discrete R-2R ladder network architecture. It features an Intel Altera Cyclone FPGA for signal processing and an Accusilicon AS318-B femto oscillator for high-precision timing. 

Audio Performance

• Architecture: Fully balanced discrete R-2R ladder network with 0.05% precision resistors.
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.25 dB).
• THD+N: 0.006%.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥ 125 dB.
• Dynamic Range: ≥ 110 dB.
• Crosstalk: ≤ -120 dB.
• Output Stage: Discrete Class A output buffer for smooth, linear signal transfer. 

Supported Formats & Sampling Rates

The device supports both Oversampling (OS) and Non-Oversampling (NOS) modes. 

• USB & I²S: PCM 44.1 kHz – 768 kHz; DSD64 – DSD256.
• Optical & Coaxial: PCM 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz; DSD64 (via DoP). 

Connectivity & Hardware

• Digital Inputs: 1 x USB, 1 x Optical (TOSLINK), 1 x Coaxial (RCA), and 1 x I²S (via HDMI) with 8 configurable pin modes.
• Analog Outputs: 1 x Balanced XLR (maximum 4 Vrms, ~82 Ω output impedance).
• Clocking: Accusilicon AS318-B femto oscillator; supports I²S Master Clock Synchronization.
• Isolation: Full galvanic isolation between digital and analog sections to eliminate ground loop noise.
• Power: 15V DC / 2A via a 5.5/2.5 mm connector. 

I think, as an owner, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Laiv Micro DAC. Some reviewers have commented that the Pegasus II sounds better than the Holo Cyan 2 and is comparable to the Micro DAC. Some said it is close to Denafrips Aries 12th's sounding, which is on the warm side of neutral due to slight treble roll-off.  It also offers both XLR and RCA analog outputs, which adds a convenience factor.

However, since I haven’t seen any reviews of the Pegasus III yet, you may want to wait.  Alternatively, you could go with a used Pegasus II in like-new condition from Amazon, audition it, and return it if it doesn’t suit your taste.

Get this schiit mimir dac with the forkbeard add-on for around $350 or so..

It will come with built-in EQ. You can EQ it as warm as you want, easy peasy

https://www.schiit.com/products/mimir

A used Merason Frérot.