DAC Choices - $5,000 to $7,000


What are the current top DAC choices in the approximately $5-$7K price range (new or used) that I should look at as possible upgrades to my current Metrum Adagio?  Having an on-board volume control is not a factor as I can operate my system either way.   If I wanted to spend more I would look at Totaldac, Rockna Wavedream Signature, or one of the other top-end contenders, but I selected the price range to achieve a sound quality that is consistent with the rest of my system and because I don't want to spend more due to the still evolving nature of digital technology.  I do like the more natural sound (to my ears) of NOS R2R DACs.  So far, I have considered the three below, but none seem to be a slam-dunk upgrade from the Adagio, which still sounds pretty good in my system.  The decision is complicated by having to "buy to try" so that I can hear one in my system.  Maybe now is not the time for an upgrade.  Any thoughts?

  • Denafrips Terminator w/DSP board - Reportedly has the full body/dense tone type of sound I like, but also has a high'ish output impedance 
  • Holo May KTE - Reportedly measures great for an R2R DAC and has strong reviews 
  • Rockna Wavelight - Some reviewers like it but others put it in the middle of the pack for the price
mitch2
I own the Bricasti M3 with streamer card  and the the latest MDX board it is very well balanced and in no way thin sounding ,exceptional musical ,with precision and prat.
hearing all instruments in space with depth and realism even more so with
a true balanced preamp or integrated like my Coda CSIB , the M3 also being Differentially balanced,using xlr 
and Ethernet cable is the best low noise , the uptone audio Ether Regen 
is a noticeable  upgrade for anything of quality using a Ethernet to streamer .
Doge clarity 7 best DAC at any price.
I have owned Berkley Audio, Lumin, Chord.....etc.

Doge clarity 7 best DAC at any price.
I have owned Berkley Audio, Lumin, Chord.....etc.

Just curious... do you have the stock tubes or did you replace them (and with what)?
How good is EVO compared to Holo May and Terminator? I have tried to find the answer to this question but couldnt find one.