Next best exponential DAC quality level?

Putting performance tires on a Corolla does not make for a track demon. Now would you deride the performance tires as snake oil since it didn't magically transform your Corolla, which by the way is a great car for daily commuting, into a sports car? Same applies to audio equipment. Nothing lives in a vacuum. Everything is system/synergy dependent.

To answer a few questions:
Speakers: Kef LS50 w/ dual PSA subwoofer

Speaker Wire: Mogami DIY cables

Integrated: Hint6

AmazonHD: The source content is what they call "Ultra HD" (24/192) and I was able to verify that it was being passed at the highest bitrate.

I think I have a sufficiently capable system to discern any differences. Truth is, I did pickup subtle differences, but again the differences aren’t quite worth the cost of entry (IMO). I also fully expect that my ear just isn’t tuned properly to pickup the differences... Which might be a good thing :)

In most other upgrades: amp, speakers, speaker wire, TT cart, TT upgrades I’m able to pick out something ’better’ whether it’s more detail, lower noise floor,etc. With DACs it’s def. more subtle.

I guess I’m surprised at my observations -- and maybe lesson learned!

My next attempt will be with more capable DACs: Denafrips, Border Patrol, maybe a BiFrost2.

op i would agree that kef ls50’s driven by your hint should be sufficiently resolving to hear differences amongst dacs - do try hi-res streams from tidal or qobuz or downloaded ones - recording quality does make a huge difference in being able to hear into the music and differentiating gear

and i also agree you should go to the next tier of dacs - denafrips pontus, mhdt, soekris, schiit yggy or gumby and so on... enjoy

I have the $99 Khadas KTB. Sounds excellent in my system. I doubt spending 10 - 20 X $$$$ will yield better sound! The ESS ES9038 chip set is a formidable device!

I doubt spending 10 - 20 X $$$$ will yield better sound!

Of course it won't. It all sounds the same......🙄