Shahinian Obelisk vs VandersteenTreo

I was thinking Mcintosh D100, Meridian G02 OR a Mytek Brooklyn. One other option I was considering was a Cambridge Audio 851N.
3 out of 4 are DACs with volume regulator, the last one is a streamer  with this functionality too.
But the CJ is improving. If it keeps doing so maybe I will keep it. 

Privet comrades :-))

I really don’t know how to put it mildly, but I think I found part of the problem.
Since XLR output of my CHORD DAC64 is somewhat better, than RCA, I was using an XLR->RCA cable. Simple and handmade.
Well, I read in Stereophile review of this DAC that it outputs over 6V of signal out of its XLR out and a bit over 3V through RCA.
Well I replaced this cable with a simple RCA-RCA cable (an Atlas something). And... it shone. The system and the speakers.
Wow. A totally different sound. Open, natural, airy. I'm loving it :-)

Super!
Sometimes the simplest things make the most difference.
You might want to consider an Ayre Codex. It can function as a DAC or preamp, too.
B

Yes !!!!!!!!!!!!

You might want to use caution in using a XLR to RCA cable with the Codex. I believe Ayre says doing this can damage the Codex.