How to proceed?

Hey @stuartk while I don’t directly know @grannyring myself, I believe he did some mod upgrades for another member friend here on another r2r dac model both of us owned prior. There are some older threads where he’s chimed in on the S2 vs. S3 version. This may depend on how much you might want to spend on the older version design dac vs. applying those funds to something different to try - would. be your call to decide.

You’ve mentioned the Border Patrol dac a few times, now, and prior. I can share I had a few DSD and other known R2R dacs (upgraded) before I decided to try the newer version Border Patrol SE-I DAC.  I was looking for something specific, with the tube design OUT of the direct signal path, since the rest of my system is all-tube today. The challenge is this dac gets better after the return policy period expires. In my case, there was no sending it back and I honestly don’t think about dacs any more since I acquired. the latest BP SE-I DAC. It’s right for my system. Works really well with my all tube system and with my other class A solid state amp too.  You'll find various comments on the dac, and there are different versions, caps, and transformers used depending on how current the dac is, gotta check this.

A friend wanted to try the new SE-I dac version too, and to compare with his own Audile S5 DAC he likes a lot with his all triode tube system he uses. He had Gary do the combo USB / Digital coax version too with the switch. Side by side, he shared the BP is musical, not lacking detail, yet the Audile [in HIS system] has a tad more detail up top in his triode system, already a tad rolled off I guess. Both of us have been messing with and returning back to TDA1541 and TDA1543 chip based dacs vs R2R resistor ladder dacs. Our preference for our own reasons. I think it’s all system-dependent, and each dac mentioned [above] in this thread can perform differently in each of our systems. That’s why trying it in your system is the only way to know what works better for you. I don’t miss any of my former dsd uber-detail or former R2R dacs having given the SE-I a try. Back to music now. Your preference could vary greatly, fwiw. Depends one what gels best in your system, room, setup, etc.

@decooney

Thanks, Duane. Yes -- I realize the only way I’ll know is to try it myself. To be honest, at this point, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by suggestions... hard to know what to try first.

I’m not after uber-detail. I bought the Hegel primarily for its bass grip and then discovered it significantly (in tandem with Jay’s) upped my systems resolution. At first, it seemed a revelation but over time, it’s become fatiguing. Familiar story, I know. My point is that I would gladly trade some resolution for musicality.

@stuartk do you have anyone locally who’s running either a Pass Labs or a Luxman integrated? May be you can bring that over and try it?

I still think the cable swap will tame that sibilance but ultimately it will either have to be the amp or the dac or both. 

@audphile1

Ironically, I live in the town where Pass was located for many years yet  know no one who has a Pass integrated. ;o)

I’d much rather replace the dac than the amp. My inclination is to sell the Aqua, try a Border Patrol and as you’ve suggested, try other cables.

You never did answer the question on cost for a new DAC (or I missed it). I have found Denafrips DACs (specifically the Pontus II, Terminator II, and Terminator Plus), to be extremely musical and almost tube like; yet perfectly detailed. Denafrips DACs are also a perfect pairing with the Jay's transports, connect directly with a high quality I2S (HDMI) cable....and the I2S pin outs match.

They unfortunately do not have a demo policy. There is a used Terminator Plus 12th for $4,800 at US Audio Mart....with free shipping. That is a steal that I'd buy for myself if I had the funds ready.