New R2R DAC

If you are handy with a soldering iron and not afraid to work on the chassis main board, get yourself a MHDT Orchid and modify it by replacing the standard 1541a chip with an S1 or S2, then change the two large output caps to a more expensive Mundorf or Jensen. My modded Orchid is very transparent, smooth with depth and dare I say 'analogish'. Granted this would cost you probably at least $500 or so but IMHO it's a lot better than spending thousands and thousands of dollars only to probably be disappointed. 

After 3 months of research, I bought the middle of the Denafrips line, The Venus II. I have been blown away with the detail I am now hearing. Incredible. I am able to use the I2s on the Venus with my OPPO BDP-95 players HDMI with a $45 adapter from Fleabay. I prefer DVD-A, Blu Ray's, SACD's, and regular old CD's. The OPPO is my most prized possession. 

The AN 2.1x signature is excellent , but stretch to the 3 series is you can. Or at least the 2.1x signature balanced. Also remember the 2.1x sig is only balanced and spdif. No toslink, usb,I2s.  

If you will consider a used unit then an old Wadia will provide redbook performance to beat just about anything. My 30 year old Wadia 15 plays redbook only, using the famous Burr Brown PCM63 chip, regarded by some as probably the best ever.

I have listened to modern DACs playing hires files and have heard nothing to convince me to change. Also look out for Wadia 6, or 9  and No, I'm not selling mine. 😁

@ken7, where did you get your Orchid modded?

It sounds like those mods are worthwhile. Finding and S1 or S2 is hardly a given, but upgrading the caps should be a slam-dunk.