Banchmark DAC3B vs. Denafrips Pontus II (12th Aniv.)

OK so I have added the Gustard R26 to my short list, but where does it get sent for repair if needed?

My scratching my head on the Gustard. It appears it has an ESS chip, not R2R. 

GUSTARD A26 DAC MQA Dual AK4499EX Chip with Streamer/Renderer PCM768& (shenzhenaudio.com)

GUSTARD R26 Discrete R2R Decoder with Streamer/Renderer PCM768&DSD512 (shenzhenaudio.com)

GUSTARD X26 PRO Full Decoding ES9038Pro*2 Chip DSD512 Bluetooth 5.0 X (shenzhenaudio.com)  I used to own this one. It is a warm ESS DAC

Have had a Pontus II DAC for over a year and still love the sound. NEVER heard a tic, or click, or any odd sound. Leans slightly warm or smooth, but still has all the resolution up high…..never fatiguing or harsh, and that large soundstage

I would go with the Benchmark.   It's a quality DAC from quality people....  don't take a chance on Chi Fi that still has bugs, and more importantly you can't demo it and there is no return policy.    Any credible outfit will let you demo their gear,  a no return policy is a huge red flag to me.  To buy something new and to sell it if you aren't happy is insane to me .   Support your local dealer....