DAC Dilemma

The Directstream is nice dac, not the greatest resolving, but I'd stick with it vs. others you mention.

op should make sure, if he hasn't already, that his direct stream unit has the latest firmware download from ted smith, called 'sunlight'... provides substantially improved sense of resolution than the prior versions which overly smoothed the sound

Here’s what I think I’ve learned about myself. If I’m reading the Forum, or a review, or audio related article that is in some way descriptive of sound quality, or if we were having a conversation about the same, I would tell you that I want my music to be as transparent as possible. No coloration. But, if I’m listening in an audio store, or at a friends listening party, or more significantly if I’m buying a component, I end up liking and wanting the euphoric, the “slightly warmer,  plusher-than-neutral” sound. Furthermore, I think that if I’m honest with myself and you, the reason I would tell you I want neutral transparency is because at some level I have the idea that’s what an audiophile is SUPPOSED to want. I’m probably being too honest and transparent for my own good here. LOL If you came to my house and I told you my system sounds awesome, you might say let me hear it. So, we’d listen, and you’d agree. Nice system. Sounds great. BUT, you might say, it’s a little warm. A little rolled off at the top end. Does that suddenly negate my declaration that it’s “awesome” and your agreement that it’s “great”? If it does, then neither one of us really know what we’re talking about, do we? No system is perfect. At least no system that I’ll ever be able to afford. So, if I prefer the warm side of perfection and you prefer the cooler, more transparent side of perfection, are you right and I’m wrong? I don’t think so. What I’ve realized is that I might tell you that I prefer music that passes through my ears to my brain, but the truth is I really prefer music that passes through my ears  to my heart. You all  weighing in on my original question about DAC's has kind of helped me to realize and admit that. Is there a question in there? Nope. Just thought I’d ramble for a bit. Thanks again for the input.

David_ten: Yeah, that’s a very good point. Gonna have to think about that.
Secret guy: Beats me. I thought I submitted under the digital forum. Whoops. 

I was bemoaning the fact that the Seahawks will be without Russell Wilson for most of the season. The significant other, in a moment of insensitivity, said Is that the most important thing in the world? I said, Of course not. Deciding on a new DAC is! 

What your seeking from your system is likely what we're all seeking. Sounds like you've already made up your mind DirectStream is not and won't be future solution (even with factory upgrades) for you. In this case, you'll get a multitude of advice as to what dac to purchase. Since your streaming, Per David_Ten make sure whatever input you choose has been optimized within dac. 
Again, your present dac pretty good, especially with the factory upgrades. To get substantially better sound you need to spend in $10k range. Check out Verdant audio thread for nice dacs in this price range. There are some value dacs out there that would also be somewhat of an improvement. Dacs in the range of DirectStream price are more difference of flavor than substantially better or worse. There are no miracle dacs, no single dac stands head and shoulder above others. $10-20K dacs sota, $7-!5K sota or near, DirectStream price range next tier. Dacs that would be substantially better than yours would include Rockna Wavedream, Aqua Formula, Mola Mola Tambaqui. Again, I'd suggest Holo May, this is likely the preeminent dac at around $5k. I've never seen even a mediocre review of this dac, most say its revelation at price, competes with $10k crew.

@pascon,
Reading your comments lead me to conclude that  you are going to be fine moving forward. You've reached the crossroads of realization.  You have to choose audio equipment based on what I believe is the most important criteria, what do "you" like. Simple admittedly philosophically but sometimes it takes awhile to get there.

All the frequent talk (Angst?) about ever more detail and resolution. These qualities are worthy of pursuit  but only if they are congruent with musical enjoyment and heightening your emotional engagement and spontaneous reactions to what you're listening to.musicality and pure visceral connection along with high resolution are not incompatible. 

But if listening to a component or system sounds clinical/analytical/sterile dry and lifeless don't let someone convince you that, oh it's just accurate, neutral and very detailed, BS! It you are not thoroughly engaging and could continue listening for hours then something is wrong. Music listening should be fully enjoyable and compelling to your satisfaction. Per your posts above I can see that you have come to that recognition. I heard the Holo May level 3 DAC in my audio system (A loan from a friend). Very nice sounding but I'd  choose @jond older generation Audio Note DAC 3 if ultimate musical involving listening were the stated objective. That's just me, others might prefer the Holo May DAC.
Charles