Does the Pre, amp and DAC really shine above a speaker purchase?
The system can only shine as much as the speaker will allow but good electronics is a great start.
Both the speakers you tried are very similar in size and design and purpose (near-field monitors with low levels of distortion). I'd give Dynaudios the edge - they should sound smoother and more natural (btw: they are a much more expensive speaker so they ought to sound better).
To get a signficant upgrade in speaker sound you may have to consider much larger speakers without bass assistance from a reflex port (a large three way for example). This will give you a cleaner transient response in the bass and greater dynamic range without compression/distortion.