@lewm You are correct on all accounts!
I replaced the DAC’s Transparent Super XLR cables with Kimber Select KS 1010 RCA cables. I use the Kimber cables on my R2R. The sound with the Kimber cables is noticeably better.
I left the DAC volume at 90%, and tried various Stellar gain and input impedance combinations. The best combination was gain at medium and impedance at 200ohms. That same combination didn’t work as well with my BHK pre amp and Transparent XLR cable.
Now, both the turntable and DAC sound about equal in volume using the same LTA pre amp volume setting. Tomorrow, I’m going to put the Transparent XLR cable back on the DAC to see how much of change that will make.