R2R next? Don't like ESS

OP here - some quick answers:

budget?  as little as possible. There are products that punch way above their weight class -- that's what I want -- just shy of diminishing returns.  Most of my setup is DIY (transport - rPi & digiOne, Interconnects, speaker cables, phono stage, etc.).  This is why the opAmp swapping appeals to me.  

Here's what I've tried so far (in order of preference): 

Maverick Audio D3 - AD1955 (w/ upgraded opAmp)

Khadas Toneboard -    ESS ES9038Q2M

Fozi zd3 - ES9039Q2M (w/ Upgraded opAmp)

SMSL Sanskrit - AK4493 DAC 

Hint 6 Dac - ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M

Don't get me wrong -- these are all good dacs and do what they're suppose to.  Out of all of them, I preferred the Maverick Audio D3 (10 years old!) over the others.  Especially with the Sparkos upgrades ... it really opened my eyes to digital capabilities.  I found the ESS dacs that I've tried in my system have 2 things in common: 1. digital glare or sheen, 2. emphasized treble.  Both of which I find fatiguing.

So, do I go R2R or spend more for a better ESS implementation (geshelli J3 for example).   

Another vote for Denafrips. Haven’t heard the Aries but I’ve really been impressed with their Pontus ll 12th.  You owe yourself a listen!

Schiit has the Modi Multibit 2 DAC for $300 brand new.  I had one and can recommend it.

Another vote for Denafrips. Look for a used Aries. You won’t be disappointed. I have the model right above it (the Pontus ll) and have been happy for a few years now.

All the best.

Another Aries II fan... It's the gateway drug to R2R DACs. I still use mine in my headphones system but moved up and over to Holo Audio for my main system. A good used Aries II is a no brainer. Enjoy...