So I got the new stuff yesterday, and I'm pretty happy so far.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-smsl-m100-dac.8842/
Good deal at $85. $10 off regular price on Amazon. Windows recognized this device without issue no matter what port I plugged it into, so I'm confident the other DAC is DOA. Plus, this has a nice ASIO drive that goes way up to an unnecessary 32bit/768khz sample rate. Also supports DSD up to DSD512. I'm just happy Plex and Tidal work perfectly fine with their respective desktop apps. Haven't gotten DSD to work properly yet though.
I had considered getting an MQA capable DAC, but didn't want
@lovinthehd to disown me. That, and I couldn't care less and the price triples for that functionality. Sounds just fine letting the software do the decoding.
I also got an amp that was also nicely in my price range.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/aiyima-a07-tpa3255-review-amplifier.18984/
With how many devices there are running around on Amazon and everywhere else I decided to keep it simple and just go with something that had measurements so ASR was a logical choice to look. This little amp can get LOUD as hell with my overnight sensations. I can't even put the knob at 50% without it being silly.
Also, there is a stereo out that I'm using for the sub and it VERY much matters where the knob on the amp is positioned as to whether or not the output is too hot. I've got it pretty well dialed in, but will keep playing around.
So far I'm very happy. For around $165 my DAC/Amp got replaced with separates. Ooh fancy me. They really do sound very good for the money. Plus, not a huge foot print.