Looking for a new DAC

Here is my setup.

CD transport- Jay’s CDT- MK2

Streamer- HiFi Rose RS130

Digital interface/software- Roon Nucleus

DAC- Denafrips Pontus 12 Anniversary 

There are newer versions of some of these components but these work well together.

I'll be upgrading my DAC this year too, and I would suggest adding the Denafrips Terminator 15th to your list. Initial reviews have been really strong for all of the new 15th Denafrips DACs

I'm so far hearing the Terminator 15th is fine without a DDC, as it already comes with extremely capable Dual OCXO (oven controlled crystal oscillators). Denafrips DACs lower down the line that have lesser clocks (Ares, Pontus, and Venus) do benefit from a good DDC, and part of that is adding I2S input too

I will never purchase another piece of Denafrips gear. In December I purchased a Hermes 12th DDC. It will not play 24/192 files.  I have gone round and round trying to get them to send me an RMA to a service center for repair,  and they absolutely refuse.  They keep telling me that I have to upgrade the firmware,  but the process for doing so is complicated (their software to accomplish it is an "unsigned driver", so Windows does not want to run it) and if done incorrectly the unit will be "bricked". The seller has been unhelpful (although supposedly an authorized dealer,  according to Denafrips website),  and the support from the factory ridiculously unhelpful.  So I have a $1200 piece of gear sitting on a shelf doing nothing.  So my advice is to stay as far as possible from purchasing any Denafrips product!!!

Also have the innuos Halo May Kte combo. It's amazing. I had it narrowed down between Denafrips and Halo May Kte. It's not a matter of which is better but personal preference. However between these two who h have been compared extensively by every youterber overall they are very similar. If you end up considering one of these should check out anadialog yt comparison he has a gift in describing sounds signatures and does excellent in depth reviews. Best of luck