I step in and out of the 'must upgrade arena', this is seemingly for the reason. I am new to using Digital as a Source within the Main System, with only a few+ years of CD in use as a Source.
I moved quite swiftly from CDP to CDT > DAC and have a Bespoke Built Valve Rectified / Valve Output DAC, with a PS Audio Perfect Wave Memory Player.
I have heard with a intention to evaluate more DAC's than Transports and a few other CDP Models over the period of time I have been using a Digital Source.
Recently a friend put their own designed DAC with a Build Cost of approx' £350 out for a Demonstration and undergo comparison with other Digital Devices to be used.
The outcome of this has been a Denafrips Venus II owned by a HiFi Dealer as their personal DAC, is now wanting to depart from the DAC and the own design DAC owner is keen to experience my Set Up in use in their own system, as they feel the Transport can be found for very fair money used and can have real potential.
For me, It will be good to sit down and Compare my Transport > DAC with another DAC in a system I am quite familiar with.
The idea of getting out and receiving demonstrations of equipment, is in my view, the only method to aide the OP in attaining the New Experience of produced sound they are hoping to achieve.
When discoveries are made that are attractive, if a Home Demo' is achievable, the experience will be very valuable in making a assessment for a purchase.