Better R2R DAC Recommendation?

I did a lot online research on this topic and ended up with Holo Spring 3 vs Holo May, decided to go for the May. If my budget was 2k I’d look for a used Spring 3.

AudioMirror is an excellent R2R DAC. 

Aries Cerat Kassandra II.

MHDT and Denafrips are the best to my ears. An MHDT Pagoda beat out a Metrum Acoustics Pavane in my system. Pontus II beat the Pagoda. YMMV....

Like you, I tried the Ares II and really liked it. I preferred it over my Benchmark DAC that I’d owned for several years. It had a more analog sound, and eliminated the digital glare found in most chip-based DACs. Because I felt there was even more quality to be had in the Denafrips family, I upgraded to the Pontus II, and I’m glad I did. It takes everything good about the Ares and raises it to an entirely new level. I’m satisfied that this is my endgame DAC. I doubt you’ll find anything under $2k that you’ll like any better than the Pontus II.