DAC upgrade

OP here's a recent review in stereophile https://www.stereophile.com/content/bricasti-design-m21-da-processor  I've heard this dac many times, not in my own system, but ones I'm familiar with and it always impressed me. Just not in my own budget. 😞

Another question. Would adding in an active crossover help with some of this?  Saw this come up recently on Audiogon. CSPORT ACN400 Active Crossover. Wondering if this could help adjust for some of what I am experiencing. 
 

Again, I am an amateur, at best, when it comes to this stuff. But I am enjoying learning along the way. 

I was in the market for a high-end, reference caliber DAC about 4 years ago.  In order to maximize my buying power, I knew I wanted to buy pre-owned with a budget of about 5-7K.  I did my research and there were multiple choices to choose from on my list of possible audition.  However, it was impossible for me to get the opportunity to audition all the choices, at my home or, at the dealers.  Luckily, there were several dealers in my area that carried some of the same DACs I had on my audition list.  I auditioned several brands including DCS, Chord, MBL and others, but ultimately purchased Ayre Acoustic’s top-of-line Streaming DAC, as it was the best all-around performer for my money.  There are many excellent DACs on the market to choose from.  Listen to as many DACs as you can, and let your ears be your guide.  Happy listening.              

Well, the good news is at your budget you have plenty of options that’ll likely give you substantial improvements in terms of what you’re looking for, and obviously the hard part is figuring out which one to choose.  For what you’re looking for I’d look at Lampizator, Aries Cerat, or Audio Mirror Wave DAC (maybe a demo is possible for this one?) for tubes, and for solid state there’s Bricasti M21, Meitner, Totaldac, Berkeley, MSB, etc.  I’d start by reading reviews and whittling down which ones seem to offer most closely the characteristics you’re looking for, especially reviews that may compare to the DAVE or from reviewers who have previously reviewed DAVE, and go from there.  Hope there’s something of value here, and best of luck. 

I would love it if someone had direct comparison of the Aries Cerat Helene and the Audio Mirror Wave DAC's.