From Metrum Octave to Lynx Hilo or exaSound e28?

I'm looking into making significant changes into my two-channel system and would very much appreciate input from those who have experience with Metrum Octave, exaSound and Lynx Hilo.

My current setup is a highly optimized Windows Server 2012 server into an Audiophilleo with PurePower into a Metrum Octave mk.I into a Lamm LL2, into a McIntosh MC275 into B&W 804S speakers and a pair of Rythmik subs.

My end game in mind is adding a DRC/DSP software on the server, a multichannel DAC with volume control and actively crossover to drive 2 or 3 amps to drive the speakers without the passive crossovers, and the subs. A huge change. But my question today is more limited to 2 pieces I can chew at this time:

1) How does the Audiophilleo+Metrum Octave compare with the Lynx Hilo and the exaSound e28 sound-wise? Would that be a lateral move?

2) How good is the volume control in the Lynx and the exaSound? Is it competitive with a good preamp? I will likely miss some vs the Lamm, and this is probably what's bothering me most.

Lynx uses FPGA, which is getting a lot of buz mainly around Chord. Seems like path into the future, whatever that means! :-)

ExaSound is up there with native DSD, femto clocks, and 8 channels instead of the 6 the Hilo has.

Both do what I would need them to do. But which one sounds better in terms of DAC and volume control?

Thanks!!