Holographic DAC With Air And Decay

As I preface, personally the R2Rs I have heard are too laid back.  Many like that  presentation.  To each our own.  That said, consider auditioning a used Wyred4Sound 10th Anniversary DAC or used Bricasti M3.  Read the pro reviews on the ability of these two units to reproduce imaging and sound staging.  More important to me is image density.  Both excel here.  In addition, both units are emotive, not sterile.  I use a 10th Anniversary in a high resolution system. I recently compared it head to head to the Bartok Apex, Mola Mola Tambaqui, and Bricasti M21 and M1. Note each system was different.  My process was to have a lengthy listen to my 10 Anniversary in their system, then their DAC, with the same set of recordings.  I also was able to compare the 3 Bricasti DACs in the same manner.  All of these DACs were better … better at detail retrieval, imaging, and staging, but not 2 to 5 times better in relationship to cost.  Where the 10th was competitive was image density or, in other words, organic palpability … and the quality of being emotive.   I am currently saving pennies to reach for a used Bricasti M21 or Tambaqui.  DCS is more sterile IMHO.  However, the 10th Anniversary and M3 will get you very close.   In conclusion, I recommend you aud a used 10th Anniversary or a used M3.  Good luck. 

Sorry, I did not address air and decay.  Both the 10th Anniversary and M3 have the ability to produce silent backgrounds.  Both are excellent at reproducing micro as well as macro dynamics.  Both are excellent at detail retrieval at their price point.  Air, ambience, secondary harmonics and decay are well reproduced if the recording engineer has done his job to record them.  Listen to any of the recordings from 2L, Stockfish, or simply put on Dire Straits On Every Street album.  

OH , I think you would like a SMSL DO300EX !!! 

Can’t beat the Yggdrasil!

It is a $1000 above your price point but I think it is worth the stretch.  I compared a slew of DACs this past year and the Holo May KTE was the clear winner.  Used price with a bit of bargaining ought to be right around $4k.  Huge stage with depth, air, dynamics and tonal density.  It easily beat out the PS Audio Directstream MK2, Berkeley Ref 2, Gustard R26, Eversolo A8, and ANK 4.1x LE.  I have also owned the Pontus II, Aries, and Gustard X26 and they are simply not in the same league.  If you are on a tight budget the Eversolo A8 is a very respectable DAC and an excellent streamer.