Hmmm... Sorting through all the great comments and recommendations made for DAC’s/cables, etc., perhaps your R26 DAC choice may not need to be replaced... Yet... Tweaks such as analog/digital cabling, making sure your Ethernet signals are clean from the modem to the server if you’re using one, can enhance your music enjoyment prior to changing DAC’s. I personally have a Terminator-Plus DAC and the sound from it is superb. However just adding in an Ethernet Regenerator from Uptone-Audio took the micro-detail and dynamics up a notable level, making the streamed music sound extremely close to the music stored on the SSD drive in my music server. Also, good digital cabling makes notable positive differences in sound quality. What I’ve found along my digital journey is that it’s not always the price/type of the digital component as it is the ability to make changes that will minimize noise/jitter. Ie... Precision clocking, better digital cabling, (good grounding) minimizing noise, cleaning up the Ethernet and USB signals with Ethernet and USB regenerators, have helped me better hear changes in different digital equipment. Finally, if you have the ability to audition another local audiophile’s DAC or a local stereo shop will lend one to you to audition, this in my opinion will be better than just buying something. Synergy of components in your specific system is of real importance. Good luck in your search !
*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