mac laptop or Windows?
what format (coding) are the files in now?
did you rip them from CDs? (Redbook) or get SACDs or other material on there?
some have said an SSD will give better SQ than using an HDD
some say an onboard processor using your CPU/GPU will give better SQ than most DACs
the Schiit Yggy is only a bit over $2k and is very well regarded (no DSD); Chord & Benchmark are also xlnt tho cost a bit more
I can tell you that an old DacMagic sounds quite good with an ARC pre-amp and maggie 3.7i speakers - it is what I use while looking for a better DAC.
what format (coding) are the files in now?
did you rip them from CDs? (Redbook) or get SACDs or other material on there?
some have said an SSD will give better SQ than using an HDD
some say an onboard processor using your CPU/GPU will give better SQ than most DACs
the Schiit Yggy is only a bit over $2k and is very well regarded (no DSD); Chord & Benchmark are also xlnt tho cost a bit more
I can tell you that an old DacMagic sounds quite good with an ARC pre-amp and maggie 3.7i speakers - it is what I use while looking for a better DAC.