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

I'm not sure just how much it is, but you may want to look at the latest version of the Holo Audio Spring DAC.... 

I own a MHDT Orchid DAC using an adapter and the  NOS 6922 Dgetter tube and it's good.  I have not performed the capacitor upgrade yet but it's supposed to make it even better.

Still in your price range,  on Ebay there is an Orchid with the 6922 socket and it also includes the TDA 1541 S2 chip.  It's a pretty good deal as a real TDA 1541 S2 are quite expensive (if you can find them)

op

mhdt or soekris, both are excellent, high performance, high value entries