DAC question

the issue is whether the external dac is better than the internal dac in your cdp. your cdp utilizes a 192kHz/24-bit Wolfson 8741s dac, which is the same as arcam utilizes in its $2500 totl cdp. you wouldn't expect that you'd hear alot of improvement by bypassing it in favor of an inexpensive dac, but it's a very subjective determination, and price is a imperfect measure of sound quality. if you're able to try out the schiit to compare, that'd be your best option.

I would listen to what you have for at least a year and become familiar with every nuance of the system before changing any gear. Then you'll have a true reference in your mind to make accurate comparisions. I've owned the Studio 20s and I've found that stands make a BIG difference, as they do with all monitors I've owned. If you're using cheap stands, I would upgrade them before the DAC. IMO.

Two units can use identical chips and yet sound very different.The quality and implenmentation of the analog stage and the power supply have significant influence(likely more). This is what you`re paying for with better sounding units,not merely the particular chip.
Regards,