More expensive DAC the answer?

30' x 30' room. You really need to dampen the room with acoustic treatments. There may be reflections off the walls and ceiling.

<The sound is distortion... and a kinda hollow sound.>

Try the "slap echo" test. Stand in the center of the room and clap your hands once, listen for an echo.

I agree that you should start at the source. The distortion you speak of may really be jitter from the DAC presenting as harshness thru the speakers.

Additionally, as I stated above, a hollow sound may indicate that you need acoustic treatment added to your room.
Without any treatment, soundwaves carrying the frequency spectrum, IOW bass, midrange, highs are not being directed to your listening position.

The room is a major factor in reproducing audio. But your primary upgrade should be the DAC/transport digital chain.

I agree that you should start at the source. The distortion you speak of may really be jitter from the DAC presenting as harshness thru the speakers.

Additionally, as I stated above, a hollow sound may indicate that you need acoustic treatment added to your room.
Without any treatment, soundwaves carrying the frequency spectrum, IOW bass, midrange, highs are not being directed to your listening position.

The room is a major factor in reproducing audio. But your primary upgrade should be the DAC/transport digital chain.