Biggest bang: add Behringer or replace CDP?

I guess you already know all the good things about DEQ2496. It is a also a very good DAC. If you are a tinkering type, the Behringer will give you the most enjoyment and you may even like its DAC over your CDP.

For $1,200, Benchmark DAC1 or TRL/Sony 2000 would represent higher level of sound reproduction, in two different flavors.

Good luck.

Brainwater: You're welcome. I just want to help and in this case I know by much experience that my opinion is more than likely the right one. After looking at your system I noticed that you have several which are very nice but nothing to help with this same issue. Try a Tact or even this Behringer, wait til you hear what you can do. I think you'll be impressed. After I tried it I wondered what the heck I had been waiting for and would have happily paid full retail as it's worth every penny. I now consider having a digital signal processor like this a necessity.

The Behringer DEQ2496 will make a wonderful improvement to your system. The AKM dac offers good sound quality out of the analog out. I highly suggest an additional Behringer unit to be placed in front of the DEQ. The SRC2496 is a jitter unit that allows resampling to 24/96. The SRC should be considered a swiss army knife of digital products. It can also convert S/PDIF rca to AES/EBU xlr and visa versa. Highly recommended combo.

Alan