Better sounding DAC than Cullen mod PS Audio DLIII

I did breifly compare the stock DL-III to the Benchmark and Electrocompaniet DAC's.

In my comparrisons of these, I found the Benchmark to be be analytical and non-involving. The Electrocompaniet was the most "musical" with a slight "warmth."

I'd suspect from what I have read that the Cullen modded DL-3, is probably closer the sound of the Electro DAC.

Your mileage may vary. However, I'd suspect that these DACs, in comparrison to your modded DL-3 may be a sideways move, or possibly even a step backwards in musicality.

From what I have read, you have a pretty good value in the Cullen DL-III.

I have also been told that though it is not quite there, the modded DL-III brings you very close in performance and musicality to the Bel Canto DAC3

Cullen is coming out with their own DAC under the Wyred brand.

Have you tried a Wavelength Audio Brick v2?

Apparently, Rick Cullen thinks his new DAC1 is a better machine than the DLIII: the two boards seem to have a lot in common ( (see pictures here) but the new ESS 9018 chip, and everything Rick learnt from the DLIII should add up to something pretty special.

I bought PS Audio DL3 Cullen Mod Stage 3 some year ago. I found the sound on the overbright, harsh side, fatiguing, suppressed mid-base, no warmth. Under the advice of Rick Cullen I sent it back for check, and since then I had nether money nor DAC back. I would avoid this gentlemen and his devices.