DAC choices -- help me cross the line


My current DAC is Cambridge Audio Azur 851D driving the two channel speaker system in the study. My headphone system consists of a Bluesound Node 2i feeding into a Quicksilver headphone amp. The plan is to put the CA DAC in the headphone chain and sell the Node, so this means I have to purchase a new DAC for the 2 channel system in the study. Here's what the 2 channel system looks like ...
opticalRendu >> CA Azur 851D (to be replaced) >> Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 >> Harbeth P3esr

So what am I looking for? Heft, holographic, a bit of warmth, big organic sound, tonal richness. I don't mind sacrificing a bit of neutrality or accuracy. I listen to all kinds of music but am partial to jazz, vocals, classic rock. 

I almost pulled the trigger on a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ but wanted to take the R2R DACs for a spin just for kicks. I was initially interested in the MHDT Pagoda or Orchid, but their no-return policy is a no go for me. I know some people don't mind, but I really don't want to give my business to a company who doesn't trust its own products.

So this leads me to three final contenders -- AudioMirror Tubadour iii SE, Tubadour iii (regular/non-SE) and the Border Patrol DAC. Really interested in hearing from someone who might have heard at least one of the two, or better yet compared the Audiomirror to one of the MHDT DACs.

Now Audiomirror offers two versions of the Tubadour III -- SE and non-SE, with the SE being a $1000 costlier. Wondering if the sonic improvements are worth the higher $$$ in the SE version. Would love to hear from someone who has had a chance to compare the two.

Also wondering how the Tubadour III regular version compares to MHDT Pagoda. Both are around the same price.

Note: If are going to suggest another DAC, I don't mind. But please make sure it's R2R, < $2500 (used or new), has a return policy, and NOT made in China.

128x128arafiq
I have two PS Audio DACs. A DirectStream Junior and a Stellar Gain Cell. 
Both are wonderful!  If you can find a used DirectStream Junior for $2500 or less I would jump on it. It’s an FPGA upgradable type and sounds like something that would be 10k. The only DACs I would consider upgrading to would be dCS or Briscati. 
Give a Cary DAC-200-TS a try. Use a good digital cable. This DAC will reward you for it.

The analog output is tube or straight out. 

Powerful and dynamic. It has a volume control so you could go straight to an amp.
At the risk of repeating myself on Audiogon threads.
I own the Tubadour III SE.  Its staying .. not going anywhere .. not for sale. Best Dac I have ever owned .... so musical.
 
I own the Tubadour III SE.  Its staying .. not going anywhere .. not for sale. Best Dac I have ever owned .... so musical.
A good R2R dac that's why.

Cheers George
I just picked up the RME and think it's a great DAC.  I think it betters my NAD M51 which sounds pretty good given that its 7 years old... 

Its is connected to a c-j Classic 2SE pre and a pair of Quicksilver Mid Monos running KT 77 power tubes and it is a great pairing.