Some DACs I am Considering-Any thoughts?

HI
I just bought a BODER PATROL SE I connected with a sonore optical module connected to a silent angel Z1
The DAC ( I change the tube with a mallard and the fuse with a synergistic orange) for les than 2000USD is absolutely fantastic much much better than my Meitner I owned
It is a R2R emotional DAC with a lot of energy
I cannot stop now listening my room library  so addict
bertrand

Hello,
I have played with several types of DACs. It depends on your system. Right now I am playing with an older R2R Electrocompaniet DAC. R2R has a more subdued sound, but better separation. The Denifrips is a winner. I like how they doubled the transformers and put them in a cabinet underneath. I have heard good things about the holo, but only the top model. The M2Tech sounds really nice but not warm like a tube at all. What I have noticed is under $5000 you get what you pay for. I prefer a separate power supply but I believe Denifrips handled that very well. 

I pay my NOS dac Starting Point System 20 bucks with a bid on Ebay.... It is my best luck purchase ever in audio not for the low price paid but more for the high quality of this dac...

But no one will believe it is so good at this price...

I dream to read a review comparing the Starting Point System NOS battery dac of Christophe Mariac who designed and sold them on Ebay with NO Negative review at all on the internet.....Against all these contender.... It will not be the better among them all, no, but it will be incredibly near for his regular price of  a few hundred bucks...

I want to buy another one in case.....

😊

Not a tube, but I own the Exogal Comet (with supratek Cortese pre and First watt SIT-3 Amp). VERY analog sounding.  Surprisingly so.  
Slightly above your price at $3000. And IMO worth 3500 to get the PSU upgrade

I agree with with hshifi under $5000 it's compromised. I was going to say that in last post but didn't want to start trouble. $5000 will get started in the do all r2r dac's. In the under $3000 range the key is to match it to your system, or you will hear its short comings. If you can demo do it. I do find a good power supply help's, they also respond very well to installing better caps.