Too many choices for R2R DACS--opinions appreciated


So I've decided to treat myself to a new DAC to celebrate a rather significant birthday coming up, and I'm very intrigued by the new generation of DACs employing R2R technology. Reviews have been unrelentingly positive, but I have way too many choices now, so I'd appreciate some opinions from any of you who may have had a chance to compare some of them. Price range: about $3K (with some slight headroom if the right DAC warrants it). I've looked at reviews for Audio-GD, Denafrips, Sonnet, and the new one from Jay's Audio (which doesn't yet seem to have any reviews that I can find). 

I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 (not SE) which I've had for a few years now, but from what I read about the R2Rs, they appear to produce a sound I might like even better. 

Listening preferences: mostly classical, some folk, some Broadway, and I never  totally outgrew my taste for the good ol' rock music I grew up with. 

Rest of the system: Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Cambridge Audio CXU disc spinner, Ryan R610 speakers, Rel S2 sub. Cables: Audience & Cardas. (This all might be a bit TMI, but let's cover all the bases).

Your opinions gratefully received. Thanks!

 

cooper52

Just like any component they are a personal choice especially dacs , I had the Terminator, tried the terminator plus , AudioByte Hydra Vox , Rockna WaveDream SE , Holo Audio May KTE and just recently replaced the May dac with Merason Dac 1 , so far I am most satisfied with the Merason for its musicality over the others .

Im watching an impressive in depth review, including what's under the hood: titled Holo Spring 3 R2R DAC  - Punching Up! on You Tube

Audio Note Kit Dac 4.1 or 5.1.....they are awesome.....I have been through quite a few r2r dacs including the Terminator, Orchid, and such, and find the 4.1 to be absolutely fantastic.  Just does its job, no fuss.  Good luck.

I have owned three of the above-mentioned DACs, a Pontus II, Merason DAC-1, and Aqua La Scala. I am now very happy with the latter, though it isn't really fair to compare it to the Pontus, as the Terminator (or Holo May, etc.) are closer to its price point.

I own this dac...Starting point system dac with internal battey for low noise and TDA 1543...I connected it to a linear supply...Minimal design ...

Quality/ price ratio over the roof...

With luck you will discover one at 100 bucks...

i am even afraid to upgrade it...

I cannot fault it in my room...

My imaging and any other acoustical characteristic are filling the room... Then....

But if you want a costly microscope dont look at it.... Here violin sound like violin in a room not violin under microscope.... 😁😊

I think i must buy a second one in case...

I own two Sansui amplifiers...

I am nut yes...

I owned two Tannoy speakers dual gold because i loved them so much...

😁😊

I cannot buy a second pair of my actual Mission Cyrus 781...I pay mine 40  bucks...

Anyway i am too old to double my wife...