R2R next? Don't like ESS

I've been through a number of ESS Sabre dacs and they're not for me.  IMO, they lack a certain transparency

IME, transparency is their strong point.

@sls883 

+1 Yes, it is all in the implementation.

i think someone else mentioned chord in the discussion. but i'll say it again, any of their DACs in the line-up would be a good choice.

for your use case possibly the qutest is the best option?

++++++1 for Denafrips. I am a long time Denafrips owner, and have tested all of their DACs up to the Terminator (not the Terminator Plus). They've all been brilliant in their price range. I'll be replacing my DAC this year, and the Denafrips Terminator 15th or Terminator Plus 15th will definitely be in that mix.

I didn't see your price range, but here would be my recommendations. Denafrips Ares 15th for $1,2000. If you can stretch to $2,000, the Pontus 15th.

I listened to a Topping E70 (AKM4499EX) at friend’s house. One very well may end up in my system. 
Would replace my Cary Xciter.