You mentioned that you aren't too interested in Chinese r2r dacs.
Sounds News gave a rave review of the new Gustard X30 dac. It's Chinese, but not r2r. Price is $2999. You might check it out. I'm very happy with my Gustard dac, but it's an r2r dac.
DAC upgrade from RME
A couple weeks back I inquired as to a preamp upgrade, most likely tube, and received much appreciated advice. I now wonder if the upgrade bug should begin with the RME, although in many circle it receives very high marks. When listening to jazz trios/quartets I notice sharp piano strikes can become quite strident. I’m looking into NOS, R2R dacs with good USB capability. Mojo, entry, medium Lampi’s, Gordon Rankin Wavelength, Border Patrol SEi are a few where I have interest. Not so much the Chinese made R2R ladder dacs.