Breakout DAC for 2013?


As technology advances at an ever quickening pace, any ideas on the new generation of simple plug and play breakout DAC's for 2013? I'm using a Mac mini as my server and my range is up to $1500, but from what I 've been reading there is a whole host of new and improved product out there. Any thoughts would be much welcomed. Thank you.
rhovanes
Breakout? that means it clearly is better ,And a bang for the buck deal.
So lets see 2012? ahh no 2011 no 2010 no 2009 no etc.
So far never been a breakout in DACs except for the 'flash in the pan' rave about it today, but forget about it tomorrow sort.
So why is 2013 going to be any different?
I mean I enjoy reading about how such and such DACS are killer.. but then six months later.. ?? why did they not storm the world? and have all the big guys raving? (because they wer NOT any big deal, except to some kid who knows nothing) Or is it a conspiracy?
I do not believe in 'santa claus, nor the easter bunny, nor that some cheap DAC is suddenly going to be THE one to 'break through' and be fantastic, way better than anything prior, and only cost $100.

(If anyone cares to name the DAC which WAS 'the' DAc in any prior year, which is still the hot item to buy. glad to hear about it. Gee nothing? I wonder why?
Of any audio item (besides cables) DACS are totally word of mouth rave then forget. All marketing hype to push sales.
Sorry I'll wait until some actual breakthrough happens.
And it AIN"T happened yet.
I'll continue to be really happy with my 12 year old, paid $250 used for it, DAC.
I disagree with Elizabeth. With the continuous development of computer audio, and HD and DSD downloads slowly but surely replacing CDs and SACDs, there have been advances in DAC quality, features and price lately: 24/192 and DSD capability, asynchronous USB, battery power, regulation, under-$1K value, etc.
.
I do not believe in 'santa claus, nor the easter bunny, nor that some cheap DAC is suddenly going to be THE one to 'break through' and be fantastic, way better than anything prior, and only cost $100
It seems you don't believe in technology advances either.

Jeez...way to throw a wet blanket over the whole thread Elizabeth.
.
Wet blanket? good. At least the idea that every new DAC out there is NOT the next World beater will sink in.
Certainly many areas have had additions to what a DAC can do, USB, 24/192.. but those are in most new DACS, none of which is the magic bullet DAC requested.
I was ranting abouut all the mini hype over each new DAC popping up, as if that DAC was somehow 'special" Well it AIN'T!!
If i needed USB, or 24/192 I am certain plenty of used DACs which are no longer the "DAC flavor of the day" will do fine.
I am only railing at the idea out there is some magic DAC no one has heard of which is perfect, dirt cheap, infinitely upgradeable, and ALL my friends will look at with awe.. NOT.
If busting that bubble hurts.. so be it.
Depending on where you get it the Chord QuteHD is in your price bracket. To me it represents a new standard in price-performance - its the first DAC that actually bested my beloved PDX (admittedly with less than optimum valves) - and its considerably cheaper - amazing achievement.

Thanks
Bill