@navyachts I really like your system. The CODA pieces are particularly intriguing. How do you like them? As far as DACs go, the Terminator has already been mentioned. You could also try a DDC into your current DAC. That would cost you less than the $5k to try but probably won't be as good as the jump straight to $5k DAC. I have a Hermes DDC, I bought used for $1100, feeding my Pontus II via I2S and it lowered the noise floor, opened up the soundstage and improved imaging (both of which were already very good). Detail retrieval improved as well. I suspect the Terminator would sound even better though.
*DAC
I am down to the last piece of the puzzle. I am very happy with the sound of my system at this point, so I’m not sure if the DAC needs to be improved on. What I am looking for is to hear those background subtleties in the music a little more pronounced. The strum of a guitar, the stroke of the piano keys, the clicks, ticks & tingles that accompany the music. I do here that now, I just wondered if there is a way to elaborate on those background sounds (details) a bit more.
Is it the DAC that will make this happen? If it is, they say my Gustard R26 is as good as a $5K DAC, how far over that $5K do you think I have to go?
Thank you for your help and suggestions and the best to you all over the holiday season and beyond!
PS: I listen mostly to Jazz