R2R next? Don't like ESS

@drmuso when I looked Friday it said 20%.

Anyway, I just went through a review because my Topping D90 AKM4499 needs replaced.  The tariff has many people confused, including manufacturers.  I will list some brands that are good IMO. 

Border Patrol, Denafrips, Gustard, Holo to name a few.  You can find the model that suits your budget the lowest cost R2R i would buy is a Denafrips Ares.  Used $750.

I can never make up my mind.  I just purchased a Denafrips Pontus 12 used.  Used hold their value.  They have sold lots of them.  I would have purchased a new one but the current situation made me want to steer away from getting one here from China. People are selling any new ones at or above list.

OP here - some quick answers:

budget?  as little as possible. There are products that punch way above their weight class -- that's what I want -- just shy of diminishing returns.  Most of my setup is DIY (transport - rPi & digiOne, Interconnects, speaker cables, phono stage, etc.).  This is why the opAmp swapping appeals to me.  

Here's what I've tried so far (in order of preference): 

Maverick Audio D3 - AD1955 (w/ upgraded opAmp)

Khadas Toneboard -    ESS ES9038Q2M

Fozi zd3 - ES9039Q2M (w/ Upgraded opAmp)

SMSL Sanskrit - AK4493 DAC 

Hint 6 Dac - ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M

Don't get me wrong -- these are all good dacs and do what they're suppose to.  Out of all of them, I preferred the Maverick Audio D3 (10 years old!) over the others.  Especially with the Sparkos upgrades ... it really opened my eyes to digital capabilities.  I found the ESS dacs that I've tried in my system have 2 things in common: 1. digital glare or sheen, 2. emphasized treble.  Both of which I find fatiguing.

So, do I go R2R or spend more for a better ESS implementation (geshelli J3 for example).   

Another vote for Denafrips. Haven’t heard the Aries but I’ve really been impressed with their Pontus ll 12th.  You owe yourself a listen!

Schiit has the Modi Multibit 2 DAC for $300 brand new.  I had one and can recommend it.

Another vote for Denafrips. Look for a used Aries. You won’t be disappointed. I have the model right above it (the Pontus ll) and have been happy for a few years now.

All the best.