Best EXTERNAL DAC suggestions

Hey moose89...thanks for the topic.

I'm PC sourced to a pro-gear digital preamp...cross-over internally to my active Rythmic L12 servo subwoofer and monitors.  My best friend has a big rig with an $18K Lampizator.  We share the same audio "flavors."  I'm never sad to come home to my rig.  "Clarity & neutrality" is how I would define the DAC...  Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre USB-C Audio Interface | Sweetwater

My highly skilled west coast Sound Tech and I finetune carefully applied DSP (to 1/100th of a db.)  For the "non-believers" trust, any harm from DSP is greatly outmatched by the sonic benefits in my dedicated studio.  

Tip of the Day...clean all connections every 6 months, remembering to flip your main incoming power at the incoming panel...and, the pins on your tubes, with exacto knife.  

More Peace!   (bold print for old eyes)        Pin

...afterthought...running a tricked-out Music Reference RM-10 MK II (full Marigo Tuning Dot treatment)...ALWAYS recommend tubes in the chain with a digitally sourced system.  Pin

@decooney 

thanks for your imput. I think in hindsight,what I’m hoping for with my choices….is a bit more smoothness in the top end of my sound, taking a bit of the sting out of the detail that Klipsch provides, as the detail is what makes the Cornwall 4 so much fun. I sit there each time I listen, in amazement. Especially when I replace a sports announcer with Apple Play to a click on my Node remote’s (10 ) streaming channel choices, to quite a contrast!

so, I love clarity and detail and soundstage. I’m hoping I can hook together now, the current shipments of Rogue RP-1, Ares ll, with the Node v3, and keep it going within my eArc Apple Play TV hookup. Everything operates off WiFi. No cable. I’m going to learn more now, implementing DIGITAL RCAs I gather, and want that KNOW HOW.  

I also forgot to say that I run “cleaner power” through a battery backup tower, like one used in computers which includes a Panamax power conditioner plugged into the chain. I think my voltage ranges from 120-125 on readouts… I’m hoping this helps protect my components. 

moose89...

I also successfully run a Panamax with all but my powered sub.  Having the luxury of 2 isolated dedicated lines in, I've experimented with using amp on seperate line etc, as some recommend, however, the line conditioner, with select positions onboard for type of gear, seems to be the solution.  Also, I've had great success with Furutech replacements to outlet the Panamax male plug.  Onwards!  Pin