Quest for an external Dac has resulted in me way down the rabbit hole


Hi audio wizards!  I’ve read several articles and reviews about the benefits of a good quality external DAC, and the potential for “real” improvements in musical quality in a current system. I do believe my system might be in line .  I currently have a Rotel 955 CD player I like, a nodeii and a Creek evo 100 integrated amp.  The Ohm 1000 speakers sound a little lean in the top end although I do like them overall.  At this point I’ve been looking for a Dac that would bring a little more “spring and liven up my system”.  However, the more I research, the more confused I get.  I’ve been to a couple higher end stereo stores and I seem to just get the “party line”.  I live in Denver Colorado, and although I like the PS Audio line I can’t afford them.  If any one has any advice for me on a good quality external     
Dac model for under $1000 (new or used) I could sure use the help! Thank you

 

128x128dbwinters

What do you mean when you go to dealers they just give you the “party line”? You mean recommend something they sell? What are they supposed to do? Do yourself a favor- if you want to climb out of this audio hole you and so many others are in, take your Rotel into a local dealer and ask them to show you something that sounds better to your ears. Don’t worry about the price. Just see if you can hear a positive difference. That’s the first step. Anything else except a home trial is spinning your wheels. But do call the dealer first and ask them if they can do this demo for you. If they say no, walk away. I’m just trying to help.

Perhaps he would like to use this new DAC for all his digital needs; the CD player, Node. etc.

Personally, I like the idea of a separate DAC for this purpose, as it can change along with the CD transport, streamer, etc.

The balance on Ares DAC is even better, I am using  Audioquest water xlr using Schiit Freya plus preamp.

@dbwinters 

Which stores in Colorado did you visit ? I’m in Colorado too. Jess over at Soundings is great. Andy over at Listen Up is also really good to work with. Did you visit them by chance? 
 

Ron 

I haven't been to Soundings yet, I liked them but wasn't sure if they were focused on home installs now (that's what I heard