Warming up digital in my setup

@martinman 

Seems you’ve accepted that your DAC should be replaced.  If so, stating your budget would help us narrow down DAC options

I wonder how much of an improvement you can get with a dedicated streamer vs connecting your iPhone via USB.  Is there any way you can borrow something like a Node or a Zen Stream just to test?  Or maybe buy a Wiim Mini for $100 and use the digital out into the DAC in your Hint6 to see if the iPhone is your weak link.

Get a Border Patrol DAC and call it good. 

A separate streamer and a DAC would be the way to go. 

IFI or Bluesound streamer.  $500 +.  I have updated power supply on Bluesound and it is a good improvement.

Denafrips, Schiit or Topping would be some DAC around $1K or less.  I have a $50 COAX from streamer to DAC.  There is lots of debate about whether USB is better

There are many options of course.  Some streamers have cumbersome interface to look for and play music 

An inline  filter is also an option such as a Network Acoustic ENO. 

Yep, seems the DAC needs replacing  ....  which is unfortunate.  I'm quite happy with the built in phono stage, but IMO they missed the mark with the DAC; but i digress.  

Seems I have a couple of avenues to try - both dedicated devices - DAC & Streamer.  I don't have access to any of these devices locally; I'm limited to online retailers.  I also don't want to make alot of changes at once.  Likely, the biggest bang for buck here is the DAC, wouldn't you agree?  When I tested < $1k DAC in my system (both headphone & speakers), I was left with how similar they all sounded.  The $140 Toneboard that I use for my bottlehead HF amp was great, and the $900 topping, SMSL or similar didn't offer that much more.  

So, in terms of pricepoint, I'd have to go to the next level which is likely, BorderPatrol, Orchid, Denafrips, Yggdrasil type quality.