DAC in $400-800 range for Vandersteen 2ce system

Hello all,

My system is neutral-dark sounding, with B&K ST2140, PRO10-MC pre, and Vandersteen 2ce speakers, with a Music Hall CD25 CDP. I want to get more resolution out of the digital, and was thinking of a Bifrost Uber. My only concern is that reviewers have called it "dark" sounding. I am wondering if a used Benchmark DAC1 or PS audio might give better results. The Music Hall was a decent player in 2005, albeit with OPA2134 op amps, so I'm also wondering if a cheaper DAC will yield noticeable results, or if I need to step up $-wise to get better sound.

Thanks in advance for your advice,

Paul.