The RME you mentioned is going to be the best in terms of sound quality as well as havingvokume control. For a straight DAC, the SMSL D1 is a hair better, but the differences are likely not audible.
RME ADI-2 vs M-DAC+ by Audiolab (other suggestions)
Looking for first hand experience with these. I have been looking at $1200 max used or new DAC, and these seem to have what I want.
-some filtering/adjustability
-fully balanced and balanced outs to use as DAC/PRE TO BAT triode amp.
Others I considered were hegel hd25 exasound e22. HD12. Etc.
right now I use a peachtree dac itx into my integrated Yamaha a-s1100. The peachtree is very good. But I am planning to upgrade from it to a balanced DAC/pre from comouter via USB, then to a BAT VK-60 etc.
no analog here, have two cats and live in nyc, and have enough other analog hobbies, no more space for crap(sorry, vinyl)
ps-I prefer less dry bright clinical sounding stuff. Listened to some expensive set ups recently that I would rather have a sonos than have my ears ring like that. Was raised on Mcintosh gear and AR9 towers if that means anything(prob not to anyone young wnough to know what a DAC is, JK)
-some filtering/adjustability
-fully balanced and balanced outs to use as DAC/PRE TO BAT triode amp.
Others I considered were hegel hd25 exasound e22. HD12. Etc.
right now I use a peachtree dac itx into my integrated Yamaha a-s1100. The peachtree is very good. But I am planning to upgrade from it to a balanced DAC/pre from comouter via USB, then to a BAT VK-60 etc.
no analog here, have two cats and live in nyc, and have enough other analog hobbies, no more space for crap(sorry, vinyl)
ps-I prefer less dry bright clinical sounding stuff. Listened to some expensive set ups recently that I would rather have a sonos than have my ears ring like that. Was raised on Mcintosh gear and AR9 towers if that means anything(prob not to anyone young wnough to know what a DAC is, JK)