Better DAC then DA1 module in McIntosh C49 without braking the bank.

Chord Qutest, Benchmark DAC 3. 

Thank you guys for your suggestions. 

I am not interested in McIntosh dacs since I've heard the DA2 dac and it was a slight improvement over my DA1 module.

I do not need anything extra like a headphone amp or a preamp in the unit. I need just a straight forward DAC that does DSD 128 or higher, USB, XLR connections, remote control. 

I was thinking a $2-2.5K budget. 

Chord just doesn't look appealing to me. 

Used equipment is ok, since I can afford a higher end unit.

I was researching a  PS Audio Directstream Dac. Some reviews rave about it, some state it's very noisy. Since my system is very revealing now, I don't want hum or noises coming through. 

Ah my bad missed the balanced requirement. 
Add Bryston BDA3 to the list. Straight DAC no preamp no headphone out. 

Holo Spring 3 L1 or L2 sans pre-amp would fall within your budget, and is touted as being close in performance to the May.
GoldenSound has a thorough review here:
 

I have an MA8900 with the DA1 module.  It’s a good DAC but I purchased a Denafrips Pontus II 12th Anniversary and a Hermes DDC and am quite pleased with the outcome.  Those two best the internal DA1 by some good measure in detail, soundstage and imaging.