[C0LDfinch]

I'm planning a STAX system for long listening sessions at quiet/medium volumes.
Would like suggestions for a complementary D/A converter.

DAC budget: $999 (USD)

planned system
????? (DAC)
STAX SRM-400S (energizer)

input impedance: 50k Ω (RCA), 50k Ω x 2 (XLR)​

STAX SR-L700MK2 (earspeaker)

device chain
Laptop ==USB==> DAC ==RCA-or-XLR==> SRM-400S ==STAX-cable==> SR-L700MK2

DAC compatability
Something compatible with Linux is preferable.
I've read that most USB Audio Class 2.0 devices work fine with ALSA on Linux, so I'm leaning towards USB interconnect.
Could switch to S/PDIF or I²S if I ever purchase a playback source with a reliable master-clock and linear power supply.
However, I might not need to, if the USB implementation is very good in the DAC.

DAC acoustic traits
Analytical, neutral sound with precise imaging.
Should help reveal microscopic details in the audio (or at least not mask them).

DAC musical qualities
Suitable for electronic genres.
Something that can resolve fast-paced percussive music with snappy clarity.
Think of tracks like: "Frictional Nevada" - Venetian Snares

DAC playback resolutions
Right now, my collection is just CD-quality FLAC files from Bandcamp and some ordinary MP3s.
I don't think I'll need better than 24bit/96kHz PCM.
DSD support is a plus? Never tried it before.

additional gear
D/D converter (optional) - I don't know if having a DDC in the chain will improve sound noticeably (depends on DAC, I guess).
cables - will probably use generic ones with ferrite cores on the digital cord; it seems sensible for my "budget" system.

final words​

I haven't bought the aforementioned gear yet, and have no practical way to audition the equipment. I'm also new to electrostats.
Would love to hear the community's thoughts and advice.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Try looking at S.M.S.L SU-10 or the new D400EX. Reviews are in the Net.

 

[C0LDfinch]

Try looking at S.M.S.L SU-10 or the new D400EX. Reviews are in the Net.

Thank you so much, m-i-c-k-e-y!

After some research, I decided to go with the S.M.S.L SU-10.
Finally assembled the whole system, and it sounds impressive.
Fast and intricate, with surprisingly punchy bass (for electrostats). Perfect for EDM tracks.

I appreciate your wisdom and the time you volunteer to help new folks like me.

 

[C0LDfinch]

Update:
After long sessions, I do feel some listening fatigue.
Not sure if it's the DAC, the rest of the system, or just my ears not being used to electrostats.
Today I've installed the SoCas CanMod on my L700Mk.2 in order to (hopefully) mitigate the issue.
The thicker pads should keep the drivers farther away from my eardrums.
Will also try software EQ to see if I can reduce some of the straining frequencies.

Edit: (2 days later)
I'm not getting fatigued anymore, and still using the system for most of the day.
Some genres of music are more taxing than others.