Perhaps go to the used market, for the $500 range you'll have a lot of options. Personally I preferred the smsl m400 over the denafrips aries. It's still in the second system. The m400 has some warmth and good control on bass. Good sparkle and definition also. Probably the aries would be more like your older dacs. You could move it on with little cost if not to your liking and try something else. Just my thoughts on my experience with those 2 dacs.
Dac: Old vs New
I have older DAC's that sound good but I've had them for several years. Benchmark DAC 1 and PS Audio Digital Link III with Mods. Would a newer DAC from, Topping (DX-5), Schiit (Modi Multibit 2)or SMSL, be a SIGNIFICANT improvement in sound? Seems like the newer DAC's have way more resolution and transparency. I prefer those attributes in gear over warmth.