Best path to upgrade my source


I am a new start up in the stereo world. At present I have an Audible Illusions pre, 200 watt tube mono's, dynaudio 1.3 mk 11'S, and a highly modded marantz cd67se. I would like to upgrade the front end source. I am on a tight budget, and I'm considering either a Benchmark dac1 or Naim cdi or meridian 506. I prefer acoustic, soft jazz, and mild rock and roll. My listening habits revolve around detail and immediacy as my 53 year old ears have heard better. Any suggestions?
optimationman
Benchmark might compete with the original Lite DAC-Ah, but not the new one with the good Opamps, it is a whole different unit A-B tested... By the way as mentioned above its hard to justify the 1000.00 price tag for the benchmark vs. the Dac-ah in the first place, but I bet the Modified Dac-ah for 220.00 is a no brainer, it was vs. my 5000.00 player which is now long sold off.
good to here from all of you. I am a diy moder type and improving what I buy, be it benchmark or dac lite. How about a starting point! How much can a dac lite be improved vs a benchmark, or an older "state of the art cdp?
That is a tuff question.. You can purchase various levels of mods directly for both units...
querida10@yahoo.com,
What kind of mods have you performed on your current unit? Also have you heard of the Zhaolu D 2.0 DAC? There's a lot of discussion about this $109 unit on other audio sites. Just do a google search and see what I mean.. It is designed so you can swap out the Dac chip and the Op Amps very easily. I haven't heard it, but considered buying one just for the hell of it. In audiophile world $109 is chump change! LOL

While your there checkout that $20 battery powered Dac in a box. Is that crazy or what? :-)
Mel,
Regarding your Lavry; Pop yur top, look yourself.
What do you see? A EMI MESS.
Auditioned? lol... MANY.
Information?.... A whole bunch.
Hit me with a private email, And I will help you unleash the performance within. looking forward.

Anthony