I messaged Leo in response to his offer of a PecanPi trial and intact you have to buy one and you can return if you don't like it.
Fair enough really, but I like to try before I buy
No problem with that, but I certainly wouldn't be dismissing DAC Hats untill I'd hear one of these. The Allo Katana too.
Which USB DAC are you using Lawrence?
It's a route I'm considering and could do with some recommendations.
Currently an MDac as I need balanced outs for my amp. My last one was a Zero by Xhaolu which was also very good. That's now surplus to requirements. If I didn't need balanced I would still be using it.