R2R next? Don't like ESS

Schiit has the Modi Multibit 2 DAC for $300 brand new.  I had one and can recommend it.

Another vote for Denafrips. Look for a used Aries. You won’t be disappointed. I have the model right above it (the Pontus ll) and have been happy for a few years now.

All the best.

Another Aries II fan... It's the gateway drug to R2R DACs. I still use mine in my headphones system but moved up and over to Holo Audio for my main system. A good used Aries II is a no brainer. Enjoy...

So I've had a Schiit Bifrost 2/64. It was OK, but even in NOS mode still a little too sharp for my taste. I swapped to an MHDT Atlantis dac and it's a much better option for my taste. No bite, great soundstage three dimensionality, and still enough detail to be happy. Also if you like to tinker with a soldering iron, it's an easy piece of kit to modify as well. And for tubes to select, a good 6922 variant or 6SN7 with adapter is nice, but the WE296A takes the win.

Don't purchase cheap DACs. 😉

Chip or resistor ladder does not make that much difference .

I learned it after many many many moneys spent .