DAC Dilemma


I will (probably foolishly) put my decision before you all and see if I get any informed opinions, or if I just get scoffed at. I have been at this hobby many years, but must admit to not having the sophistication that many of you do. To those of you that are DAC experts. I have read, and it is my understanding that DAC technology has progressed to the point that 1) new "entry level" DAC’s blow away earlier generation DACs that originally cost much more, and 2) the difference between most current DACs as far as sound quality is pretty subtle. I have an Aurender N100H (which is going to stay) with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (Not the $6K version. The $3K version with no bridge) feeding into an Audio Research SP16 tubed preamp into a high end solid state amp. Should I 1) just keep what I have (yes, it sounds good, but it could always be better) 2) replace the PS Audio with an Audio Research DAC7 that is about 11 years old but very well reviewed in it’s day, or 3) sell the PS Audio and the Audio Research SP16 and replace both with a Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The Benchmark would give me a current Class A DAC along with multiple inputs for digital, and two inputs for both of my turntables, thus eliminating the need for a separate preamp. But, would the Benchmark SOUND better than either the PS Audio DAC or the DAC7? I am very much aware that the DAC's mentioned above address the actual digital to analogue conversion in very different ways which is precisely why I'm asking which one you think gives the best (natural, uncolored, transparent) sound. Opinions please.
128x128pascon
Either options 1 or 2 will sound better than option 3, good sound is good sound don't get overly caught up in either technology or reviews.
The Etsuro Urushi Gold is excellent.
If that is too expensive go for the Etsuro Blue.
Hmm...interesting, jond. Thanks. You think that either one of the older DAC's will sound better than Benchmark's latest and greatest. That's interesting.
I have heard the previous version of the Benchmark dac and found it a little bright sounding. Perhaps it could be tamed with cables? The ARC is a very smooth sounding DAC and will be more voiced to your present system. I know a lot of people who love the Benchmark, I am not one of them.
For reference my Dac an Audio Note Dac-3 Signature is 25 years old and sounds fantastic to my ears.