How To Connect a DAC?

A bit more information that might help explain things:

I’m hearing deficient in higher frequencies.  Sometimes I can hear the sound of the hammer on a piano high note, but not the note itself.  If high frequency problems are in my room, I don’t hear them.

I tend to play my music on the quiet side.  Usually I’m at 1/3 or below on my Node volume slider.  I’m not looking to feel bass in my chest.  I’m more interested in the delicate nuances of music, hearing it rather than feeling it.  Too much loud noise is tiring.  I live in a quiet home on a big lake, so the music is an accessory, not the main show.

I like jazz, instrumentals. and vocals.  Not much rock, hip hop or oldies.  I’ve mostly been listening to Paradise Radio MQA Mellow.

Hmmmm….maybe my component choices so far have been pretty good.  I had a guy over buying a projector, and he was about 3/4 of the way back in my room.  He stopped and said,  “what kind of music system is that?  It sounds really good.”  I told him what I have and he said, “you have it dialed in (twice).  I know about good audio equipment.”  

I think it sounds good, but are there any good ways to tell if it’s top tier?  I’m still considering adding a separate DAC, so it could be hit and miss whether it results in an improvement.

@tcotruvo I think that is referred to as the “fear of missing out” (FOMO).

Could more people telling you have it “dialed in” help?

There will always be ones trying to sell things to get to nirvana, and I too can sometimes not stop when I should.

You certainly can try other things, and they could help, but if it is good and you like it now… are you missing out on anything (other than possibility)?

Ha!  I guess I was surprised that someone noticed my sound system when it was playing in the background.  I don’t live near an audio store, so next time I get to Minneapolis I’ll have to stop at one to see what really good systems sound like.

I’ve made several improvements already and am happy with them all.  If I can make another jump I’d like to do that.  If it doesn’t work out, I could sell what I bought, so not much lost.  One thing I have found is that listening to music that sounds really good is a treat!  I’m listening to Paradise Radio MQA.  But if I stream a radio station that isn’t playing high resolution music I don’t care to listen to it.

So, no, I don’t want to miss out on the next step up!

Minnesota is a bit of a hotbed for audio manufacturerers.

You should be able to find a good shop in the twin cities.
I know a few people around Duluth and Millacs lake.