Got Innuous, now a DAC

I've recently had the pleasure of listening to several DACs around your price range and above.  In my opinion the Gustard R26 was way better than the holoaudio cyan 2 in my system.  The Holoaudio has insanely revealing top end but the mids are so flat and unrealistic.  The gustard is more even across the entire frequency spectrum and maintains way more warmth while still providing a ton of detail.  If you're smart, you'll order multiple in your price range and sell or return what you don't like.  Or if you have a hifi store nearby, borrow some demo models.  The best DAC I tried by far was the T&A D200.  Imo just use that as streamer and DAC.  Can get a used one for less than 5k rn and it is leaps and bounds above the other DACs you listed.  Good luck to you!! 

I have an Innuos Zenith & had a Border Patrol which was very nice & musical if not the most detailed & refined as better ones. I tried a few including the latest PS Audio Direct Steam which was quite good in some ways but was strangely noisy at times. I even had them send me a second unit w/ the same strange & annoying results. I settled on a Bricasti M1 Series II which is more costly but sounded so good, I had to go with it. I don’t replace equipment very often so I go w/ the best stuff I can afford at the time.
 

The Bricasti is dead silent, black background, very dynamic w/ a huge enveloping image & no fatigue. The quality of construction seems rock solid &  build just about every part used including their transformers other than the circuit boards which are made next door. Their model 3 is of similar quality for half the price & might be a good consideration. 

Chord Qutest! In my system it was transformative.

I would add the Border Patrol Dac to your list at your price point. There has always been a synergy between Innuos and Border Patrol, and both brands build around the quality of their power supplies. Gary Dews at Border Patrol also sells Innuos products. The Border Patrol SE-i is a refined, natural, human-sounding DAC that is not fatiguing. I use that with my Innuos Zenith as I wanted a streamer/dac to match my Esoteric transport and Audio Note Dac combo.  
   

I still have the original Pontus ll and it’s still has a wonderful sound to it.  I’m looking forward to upgrading someday, but I’m not a a great hurry.  Although I have had an eye out for a DDC. 😃