@akiravelvet +1 for Lampizator. I have a Baltic 4 and it's both tonally dense yet resolving. About $7K new retail so above the OP's preferred budget but worth the stretch IMO. To my ears it is clearly a better DAC than my Terminator II. Tube rolling adds another dimension SS DAC'S lack. The Gustard R26 is my pick of SS DACs under $5K new in my system. Audio Note makes wonderful DACs according to its acolytes, but I've never owned one so that's hearsay.
Dac that has tone and timing?
I’m hoping to see if anyone has experience and has found a dac that nails both a "meat on the bones" presentation that also preserves the leading edges of notes and maintains pace, rhythm, and timing. In general, it seems that tonally dense dacs tend to have rounded-off leading edges of notes, and dacs with great PRAT have a leaner tonality. I’d love it under $5k but willing to spend more if necessary.