The Arcam has a certain smoothness and finess that the new generation seem to lack though...
You’ve really gotta think about whether it’s worth throwing more $$$ at this given the newer options out there. The newer R2R DACs, for example, exhibit the sound characteristics you seem to like, so one thing you might consider is ordering one you like through Amazon and try it with your Rotel and if it doesn’t knock your socks off you can just return it. At least you’ll get an idea of what’s out there now, and a DAC would also allow you to start streaming music (a lot of it in hi-res thru Qobuz, etc.) by adding something like an iFi Zen Stream ($399), and as many have said, once you start streaming you’ll likely rarely spin CDs anymore. A couple examples of very well-regarded R2R DACs are linked below, and I’ll also add the Denafrips Pontus ll if that also might be in your budget. I’d encourage you to read DAC reviews on soundnews.net as he writes very thorough reviews and does a good job comparing units so you get some perspective on how they compare. Anyway, just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck.