Seeking A New DAC - Recommendations

Transport being utilized is an Audiolab 6000.

Huh? That is an integrated amp with Dac, not a transport.

6000CDT is a transport

For your preferred sound, I would recommend looking at Chord gear; maybe a Mojo or a Hugo 2? Their stuff tends to always be too 'dry' and analytical for my taste, but that might be right up your alley! 

+1 Chord, and the Gustard X26 would also be worth a good look.  Best of luck. 

6000CDT is a transport

I guess that"s what I get with copy & Paste from your link. Its better and saves time keystrokes if you are accurate about the equipment you list

My Audiolab 6000CDT is used with a Denafrips Pontus II and I’m extremely happy with this pairing.  The Pontus is an R2R ladder DAC and has two modes: Oversampling and Non-Oversampling. I prefer NOS which produces a smoother, more natural sound where OS seems to have more detail.  I paid $1750 but the price fluctuates based on the USD to Singapore exchange rate. 

I recommend a Schiit Yggdrasil. I recently helped a friend get his first good DAC. I did a lot of research and bought a Schiit Gungnir multibit to test my hypothesis on Schiit’s value proposition (I use it for my office system). This unit confirmed it, my friend purchased the Yggdrasil. Highly recommended as a outstanding performer for its price. Detailed and very natural sounding.

I second the Schiit Yggdrasil , now in three different models and flavors.. 

BRYSTON

Thanks for all the feedback thus far. appreciate it.