What External DAC pairs best with Audio Research Equipment?

I have a REF 5SE and REF 80S running Tidal Piano G2. My digital front end is ROON Nucleus B w Pardo LPS > Bricasti M5 > Custom AES/EBU > Aesthetix Pandora Signature DAC with Mullard and Amperex NOS. I’ve not had a DAC 9 In my system but I’ve a lot of quality seat time w DAC8. Many ARC dealers carry Aesthetix also. Best to you in your search 

jim

Thanks Jim I was just curious if the accuracy of the Hegel would match up with the warmth of the Audio Research?

I can say that the ARC DAC 9 is simply stunning and completely complimentary with the Audio Research preamp and amp. This is what I have. The last thing I dropped in was the ARC Dac (I actually have the CD9 SE) I had no intention of buying it... I felt obligated to try it because my dealer had taken the trouble to bring it over... it was $17K. Within 30 seconds I was texting him... order one... I have no idea where I am going to get the money from... I will have to find a way. 

Since then I have tried lots of DACs... more expensive like the Berkeley Alpha Reference and dCS and it was superior. I am sure it is partly the synergy... having the exact same sonic qualities really helps the whole chain. 

lol that’s awesome 🙏  great response…can’t find that many DAC 9 reviews on you tube that’s interesting 

I’d say go with the matching  ARC DAC.