Very difficult question. This is very budget oriented equipment… so with limited design time and part choices based mostly on cost. So, if you want a significant improvement in sound quality, I recommend save up,twice as much and buy a used unit a few years old for around half price. This would put you in the used $2K range.
Dac: Old vs New
I have older DAC's that sound good but I've had them for several years. Benchmark DAC 1 and PS Audio Digital Link III with Mods. Would a newer DAC from, Topping (DX-5), Schiit (Modi Multibit 2)or SMSL, be a SIGNIFICANT improvement in sound? Seems like the newer DAC's have way more resolution and transparency. I prefer those attributes in gear over warmth.