I have used a Monarchy M24 in my system for close to a decade and love it. Recently, I replaced the WIMA coupling caps with some Mundorf Gold/Silver/Oil and this was a worthwhile upgrade. Tube rolling is also worthwhile but you don't have to spend much money to get great performance (my current favorite is the JJ Gold Pin).
As I'm sure you know, the Monarchy is a ladder DAC based on the Burr Brown PCM63 chip which is considered by many to be the best chip of its type ever produced. The LKS uses the ESS9038 chip and is a delta-sigma DAC. Some, like myself, prefer the sound of ladder DACs and others prefer delta sigma. I am biased, of course, but my choice would definitely be the Monarchy.
One thing to note about the Monarchy is that it will not play anything higher than 20/96. If you must have higher resolution or DSD, pick the LKS.
As I'm sure you know, the Monarchy is a ladder DAC based on the Burr Brown PCM63 chip which is considered by many to be the best chip of its type ever produced. The LKS uses the ESS9038 chip and is a delta-sigma DAC. Some, like myself, prefer the sound of ladder DACs and others prefer delta sigma. I am biased, of course, but my choice would definitely be the Monarchy.
One thing to note about the Monarchy is that it will not play anything higher than 20/96. If you must have higher resolution or DSD, pick the LKS.