I've personally tried a handful of DAC's in the $1k - $3k range, and by far, the best I've sampled is the North Star m192 mk2. I've sold all my other DAC's, this is the only one I own now. The soundstage is absolutely huge - real, 3D, holographic, whatever you want to call it, it feels like you're there. I love it.
FYI I'm using it with Decware Zen Torii mk3 and Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference speakers.