External DAC

Ignore the Measurement Brothers.

I had a Hegel HD-12 (which I liked) that is said to be very similar in sound character to yours. Moved up to a used Exogal Comet Plus. The latter is much more detailed, textured, and refined sounding with more air and soundstage depth & layering. Opens up a new listening experience with well recorded  music.

The Hegel was a bass monster (in a good way mostly), the Comet is faster in the midbass with less heft in the lower mids. Both have smooth, musical midrange with the Hegel being more forward.

Dave

Auralic Vega or Chord Hugo TT

Exogal Comet Plus

Benchmark DAC 3 is excellent - exceptional measured performance.

Fantastic sound and build quality  - just got it (DAC3 HGC).

@yansad I was just wondering .. finally did you decide on which DAC?