Hello Rktxyz, Like I posted in a previous response, I feel that an outstanding external DAC would be a good way to upgrade your system and support future system upgrades. I am running a Eastern Electric MiniMax Plus which is giving me excellent results. The Eastern Electric DAC has received many excellent reviews and placed high(2nd place) in a Stereomojo DAC shootout against other well regarded DACs. Here is the link:
http://www.stereomojo.com/Stereomojo%20Six%20DAC%20Shootout.htm/StereomojoSixDACShootout.htm
The EE MiniMax Plus is the latest upgraded model with dual transformers in the power supply--one each for digital and analog to give improved dynamics over the original MiniMax.
Also, if you plan to play FLAC files from a computer the EE MiniMax Plus has multiple bit-rates USB support. I am getting outstanding results with the MiniMax Plus driven by the program Amarra/iTunes combo running FLAC files on my iMac. Hope this info helps.
http://www.stereomojo.com/Stereomojo%20Six%20DAC%20Shootout.htm/StereomojoSixDACShootout.htm
The EE MiniMax Plus is the latest upgraded model with dual transformers in the power supply--one each for digital and analog to give improved dynamics over the original MiniMax.
Also, if you plan to play FLAC files from a computer the EE MiniMax Plus has multiple bit-rates USB support. I am getting outstanding results with the MiniMax Plus driven by the program Amarra/iTunes combo running FLAC files on my iMac. Hope this info helps.