Need help choosing a new DAC

If you already have tubes in your audio chain, it might be overkill to go for a tube-based DAC like Audio Mirror or MHDT. I owned an Audio Mirror Tubadour III (non-SE version), and it was a great dac when paired with SS equipment. When I moved to a tube integrated amp, it become too much of a good thing. I felt that it was homogenizing things too much for my liking.

By the way, I'm surprised to see Benchmark DAC3 on your list. It is great DAC no doubt, with a lot of fans. But sonically it is quite different from almost every other DAC on your list. If you're after utmost neutrality then go for it. 

My vote is either Denafrips Pontus II or Yggdrasil. Both are highly regarded and provide great bang for the buck. They also keep their value better than many other DACs. I also agree with @fuzztone about DSD playback. Listening to DSD in either 128 or 256 format is quite an experience. For this reason alone, I would pick Pontus II as my first choice.

It’s not an either or choice when it comes to NOS and DSD. For example, Pontus ii supports both. I still maintain that tubes in a dac are not a good idea when you have more of them down the chain. Either way, all the dacs in your list are excellent. MHDT has a loyal following and for good reason. Good luck!

BTW, when buying DSD it’s important to buy from a place that gets it from the original source or as close to it as possible. For that reason I prefer NativeDSD. But yeah if it’s not a priority for OP then it’s a moot point. 
 

Agree with audioman85. .. you can’t beat the Pontus (which also does NOS) and is the best value here. Amazing R2R architecture, high quality parts, and built like a tank. There are some really experienced members here who recently bought it and can’t stop singing its praises. 

But I think OP has his heart set on tube-based dacs, in which case Audio Mirror Tubadour iii se is also a great product and it’s made in USA as well. I had their non-SE version which was a great match with my SS amp. 

Excellent choice! Please let us know what you think once you get it.