Narrowing down the field (DAC wise)

Thank you all so very much for your expertise and experience in field. A lot of good suggestions.

     I especially want to thank Verdant audio for their comments and post and taking the time to cover the topic. I really enjoy my Benchmark DAC3B and plan on keeping it and adding it to another system, in house. I believe the DAC 3B is neutral to my ears and detailed, and my R&R listening seems to meld well with it.

I guess I got SUCH an improvement when adding an outboard  DAC and LA-4 pre amp to the system, I was hoping to maybe get another big jolt of improvement with a more expensive DAC???? Listening the other day to a sound demo for the weiss501 in comparison to something else. The 501 shined (wish it was just a DAC) really opened my eyes and ears, However, my wallet is another issue.  Thanks Verdant! May be calling you Monday. Robert TN

I was in the same boat as you about 1 year ago. I think the Terminator would be a great choice (It gets stellar reviews online). My choice came down to the Ares II and the Schiit Bifrost II since my budget was not really high. I settled on the Bifrost II paired with the Freya Plus. I have been happy with the combination.... I also have the Tekton DI SE and these speakers were way at the top of my budget. haha

Listening the other day to a sound demo for the weiss501 in comparison to something else. The 501 shined (wish it was just a DAC) really opened my eyes and ears

What exactly did the 501 do that was better than your DAC?  This is critical information in making more informed and useful recommendations here. 

It is so difficult in defining Dac images. For some reason, hopefully, and accurately stating my opinion. When I listened to a piece on the internet through my crappy  computer speakers about the Weiss 501, the piece just stood out to me, it was SOOO clear, and concise, had impact, and maybe a touch (small) of warmth. The only thing that could be more accurate, is to listen to the same song through my system with my Benchmark , vrs the Weiss, but, as much as I would like, I don't see that happening.  I guess I'm looking for that musical Epiphany. Aren't we all. Thanks to all for your help. Robert

In general I trust The Absolute Sound reviews. From that it is hard to think the Denfrips would be a bad choice… assuming dynamic and detailed is what you are looking for. It sounds like a great deal for a ~$5K DAC.