Looking for a DAC $2500-$4000

@meambler +1 Denafrips Pontus.  I had a CXN V2 in my big rig, Willsenton 800i 845, similar to your Line Magnetic driving Klipsch Forte IIIs and Focal Aria 926s. As you note, very good SQ, “warm” smooth presentation, very non fatiguing hours on listening experience.  Upgraded to a Pontus 12th + IRIS DDC. HUGE improvement, same warmth, smoothness but with massive soundstage, much greater detail, but still non fatiguing beautiful musical presentation.  
 

The CXN is now in smaller rig, Cary Audio 300B SEI driving Klipsch Heresy IIs where it will stay.  No plans to sell or upgrade there. Still enjoy its synergy with those components.  But the Pontis + IRIS in big rig, whoa!! If you like the Burr Brown chips in the CXN, you’ll love NOS R2R DAC sound.

My upgraded Wiim amp ultra may be what you need. It’s all-in-one streamer+DAC+amp. This sounds so good that this might sound better than using your LM845. And this Wiim is an only natural sound streamer DAC. Alex/Wavetouch audio

Upgraded Wiim amp ultra

Pavarotti - Vincero 

I’m a big fan of the Gold Note DS-10 Evo, which retails for about $3500.  A really fine DAC that tilts a little towards warmth or body, but not to the exclusion of detail and control.  It has high quality onboard streaming capability, so you can simplify your setup.  In addition, if you subsequently spend an additional $1400 for an optional external power supply, that takes it to a level where, imho, it can compete with DACs in the >$10k range.

Notable DACs (prices not current):

2.6 Ferrum Wandla - HR competes w 10k DACs 

     +1.2 HYPSOS power supply 

2.7 LAiV Harmony DAC

3.0 Musician Aquarius - sounds like a $5k DAC

3.5 Weiss DAC204 - sounds great but digital like

4.3   Denafrips Terminator  [BNC in, 

     XLR out](But USB in best per AudioBacon)                                                                                      

4.0 Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

4.5 Wired4Sound DAC-2v2SE                    

5.0 Audio-GD R7HE MK2                              

5.6 Kitsune Hifi May-KTE.                           

6.6 Lampizator Baltic 4 (punches way above price point- beats KTE).              

I have a friend who just recently received the LTA Aero, the build quality and sound is over the top ….