Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I've heard a lot of the top DAC's and some were chips and some were ladder types.  Every top designer I've spoken with have played with both and feel that the newer chips, if implemented properly will perform better than the ladder types.  

That said some of my favorite DAC's do use ladder type and some use traditional DAC chips.  When folks make blanket statements as you do and probably always will, you lose credibility.  There are multiple ways to skin a cat and that's reality especially when the chips are getting better and better.  

#respectothers

So, I'm currently on an upgrade path.

I have a Resolution Audio Cantata 2.0. I had the Holo Audio May KTE for trial and, in my system, it would have been a lateral move, so it went back.

I have a Lampizator TRP w/ vc on its way for a trial, but would love some suggestions.

As a reference point, the best DAC I've ever heard was the original Light Harmonic DaVinci, but I can't find any on the used market and cannot come even close to the cost of new model, which I haven't heard yet. I also was able to compare a highly upgraded Lampizator GG1 (which the owner calls GG1.9) with 242 tubes side-by-side with the Cantata and it was CRUSHED, which is why I'm trying to give the TRP a go, hoping that it will play close to that level with the right tubes.

I am not a tubes person, but if the TRP does what it supposed to do I will begrudgingly keep it.

So, suggestions, used or new, in the $4k - $6k range are welcome.

BTW, I didn't give the Cantata 3.0 a go because I was not able to audition it and I did not want to buy blind.

@reverendo Just a question for a clarification, did you think the Lampizator GG crushed the Cantata or vice versa? I interpreted your statement as the former but wanted to make sure. 

Hello,

Very interesting discussion and I am late to the party.
I have read / skimmed most entries, but excuse me if this has been mentioned.

I own and highly recommend the Mola Mola Tambaqui.  It easily bested (to me) my old PS Audio DS, Auralic Vega G2, Chord Dave and a few others I have auditioned in my system.  It just sounds better.  

It was made available to me prior to purchase to audition from Bill at GTT Audio.  In my Audionet and Mola Mola systems it sounds fantastic.
I have both YG Hailey and Revel Salon2 speakers.

I believe it sounds great with CD quality, as well as sounding even better with High Res files.

It is Roon capable and is a streamer as well as DAC.

Finally, to me, all of the DAC's I have owned benefit from a (good) preamp.

Thanks!  Ken