How does the Mcintosh DAC1 compare to standalone DACS similar in price?

I have the DAC 1 in my McIntosh C2500 tube preamp.  It sounds good but no comparison to the R-to-R ladder DAC built into my Esoteric SACD player.  It has the same sound as my old Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2.  It sounds like every other DAC with the ESS chip.

I have the same DAC1 in my MA8900.  It does sound good but nowhere as good as the Pontus II 12th and Hermes DDC I’m using now.  The Ares is probably a step up but not a huge step.  Don’t know about the Schiit.