DAC Resolution vs Non-fatiguing vs Cost


I just sold my Bricasti M3 to try the much much cheaper RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Topping D90 MQA.

Both of these DACs are amazing for the money and I am now wondering how much I should really spend on a digital source.  I liked the M3 very much and the SimAudio 380D I had before it.   I was considering go up from the M3, but now I'm not so sure after listening to these two DACs in my system.

To my ears, the RME is very smooth and non-fatiguing while offering good detail retrieval; I think it is lacking a bit of bass and dynamics but a better power supply might fix that.  

I find the D90 to offer amazing levels of detail and a super quiet background, along with very good bass and dynamics.  On really good HD recordings I think it might sound better than anything else I've had in my system.  I do find it sharp and forward/fatiguing on some recordings though.  Its ultra-resolution can be a double edge sword, but man for $800 I can't believe how good it sounds.

For me, I would now like to find a DAC that has the resolution and dynamics of the D90 with the smoothness and listenability of the RME.  To get that, does it cost 5 to 10x the cost of these DACs?

I find the M3 very much a mix of these two sounds.   But I keep going back to the $800 D90 and how amazing so many recordings sound to me with it.  But yea, the many bright recordings I have do require either lower listening volumes or shorter listening sessions, which isn't ideal.

Maybe I should try a good R2R DAC next?  The D90 seems like a great reference to keep so I can compare against other DACs for resolution and detail retrieval.

ddafoe
I appreciate the thoughtful review.
I suggest at least trying a FPGA DAC along with a R2R or two in your quest for satisfaction. There are plenty of different units available to try on approval.
If the costliest one works best for you look for used or wait for discounts.
Just remember that some of the need ~500 hours of play to sound their best.

Happy trails
I appreciate also your impressions .... That can help much many people tempted to throw their money into the pitfall race for a dac...

Try this Nos internal battery with minimal design (low noise) Starting Point Systems dac for peanuts if you buy it used by Christophe Mariac on Ebay...

Used for 100 bucks...

I never look back....

The rightful embeddings (mechanical,electrical and acoustical) of an audio system give much S.Q. than most upgrade....
mhdt
metrum
border patrol

all terrific

also by reputation (i have not tried myself)
audio mirror
denafrips
Why have you not looked into the very well reviewed Schiit Yggsdrasil, with the latest proprietary unison USB chipset,or buying any used Ayre QB9.even non DSD And upgrade it for $1500 to the New  QB20 ? I would love to see how these 2 stack up against each other.
The RME ADI-2 has EQ have you tried tweaking it a bit? You'll find DACs that have  been purposely built to add distortion and others that measure so bad they just distort and some find this distortion pleasing since it resembles old vinyl and tape. I think you might discover if you use the 2 you have for a period you'll get used to what digital should be closer to reproducing the source.