For me, the Crane Song Solaris combines the best of ultra-transparent pro DACs like Benchmark and Mytek with (for want of a better term) the "richer" sound of many audiophile DACs. With the possible exception of the Benchmark LA4, I haven't yet found a preamp that does not in some small way degrade its sound.
As regards ladder DACs, I've only had one experience which does not inspire me to try again. I had an MSB Diamond DAC IV+, maxed out with all the options except the network renderer which only became available after I sold it. Now this DAC, with its matching Diamond power supply, retailed for around US$40K. After I purchased it, it was tested, serviced and recalibrated not once, but twice, at the MSB factory. Whether direct-to-amp, as MSB recommends, or via a preamp (Boulder 1012, VTL TL-7.5), it had exceptional bass, but rolled off highs and a nothing-special soundstage. It never drew me into long listening sessions, unlike the same system with any number of (by comparison) budget DACs: MyTek Brooklyn with Mojo Audio power supply, MyTek Manhattan II, Universal Audio 2192, Antelope Audio Pure 2, Crane Song Solaris (among others).
As regards ladder DACs, I've only had one experience which does not inspire me to try again. I had an MSB Diamond DAC IV+, maxed out with all the options except the network renderer which only became available after I sold it. Now this DAC, with its matching Diamond power supply, retailed for around US$40K. After I purchased it, it was tested, serviced and recalibrated not once, but twice, at the MSB factory. Whether direct-to-amp, as MSB recommends, or via a preamp (Boulder 1012, VTL TL-7.5), it had exceptional bass, but rolled off highs and a nothing-special soundstage. It never drew me into long listening sessions, unlike the same system with any number of (by comparison) budget DACs: MyTek Brooklyn with Mojo Audio power supply, MyTek Manhattan II, Universal Audio 2192, Antelope Audio Pure 2, Crane Song Solaris (among others).