Looking for a DAC $2500-$4000

I also have the Aero for a few weeks now & just passed the 400 hr mark. Right out of the box I was impressed with the GE JAN12sn7’s. LTA typically burns in their products for at least 168 hours to ensure they sound excellent out of the box. Plus a 60 day trial period.(no brainer) It did sound it best @ about 350 hrs & it’s sensitive to tube rolling depending on your flavor of sound. I have an Excalibur USB connected to my Wiim Ultra & I’m awaiting on delivery of a Audiences front row USB. Highly recommend!

No affiliation, just an happy consumer.

OP, if you can find a used T+A DAC 200 around your budget, that's been my favorite DAC and you can of probably find a used on in your price range or close.  Very resolving and realistic sounding DAC if that's your cup of tea.  May reveal flaws in your other components though so YMMV!

@danmar123 are you running a standard wiim ultra ?  Or do you have the upgraded power supply from Teddy Pardo?  Been curious on this upgrade myself don't mean to hijack the thread but have been curious vs the standard wiim.  Some say the DAC becomes solid after upgrade and the streamer section can then compete with higher priced units

As mentioned by @soix , the Gustard R-30 is definitely worth a look. If I was going to spend $3500 right now, I'd give that serious consideration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DxFc-v1goI

I have a Gustard X-30 that I like a lot.  I'm using it in conjunction with a LHY ock-2 clock which added a fit of improvement.  I suspect that the R-30 without an external clock would be equal, or better, to my setup, but not enough so that I'm interested in changing to the R-30. The X-30 without the clock is an excellent dac and less expensive than the R-30. 

@jrareform , no upgraded PS. ,Have it plugged into a Furman 8 with peangea PC if I knew it would make any positive upgrade, I would do so.I do have the iFi pro with the LHY BATTERY 2v feeding the Ultra's Ethernet with positive results. Has anyone have any luck with their Ultra & separate PS?

I have a  Cambridge mxn10 streamer and a Topping d90III Sabre DAC. 

Also a Cambridge Evo150 all in one in a separate system  

The mxn10 DAC is musical and smooth but not the nth degree of detail. 
 

Currently using Roon streaming on a PC via dedicated WASAPI and USB to Topping via Topping Driver over mxn10 dac or mxn10 spdif out to Topping.   The difference in detail and musical articulation in general is big, like going from 1080p to 4K high res video.  The Topping then has 3 audio modes, normal, SS for more detail and “valve” which takes a bit of the edge off.   Very useful feature!   Also a pretty good user guide provided.   Topping cost is $900 and typically ships from China.   Reported measurements support the level of performance I hear which is clearly top tier.  
 

Summary

Sound Quality

• Transparent & Detailed: Known for a clean, highly resolving, and analytical sound, bringing out fine details in recordings. 

• Tonality: Generally neutral, with a flat frequency response, though some find it slightly lean or "sterile" compared to more organic DACs. 

• Bass: Quick, tight, and punchy but can lack warmth or weight for some listeners, often described as lean. 

• Soundstage: Excellent depth, width, and layering, with clear instrument separation. 

• Highs: Well-extended with good air and clarity, but generally not fatiguing.