Looking for an upgrade to my Ack Dack 2.0

I don't have it hooked up to any preamp. It goes directly into my tubed headphone amp. I appreciate the advice, but I don't really want to have to assemble anything. My time and skills are pretty limited.

Gongos, did you compare a modded Ack 2.0 or the 1.x model? If so, what improvements did you notice?

Gongos, that is good to know. I sent an email to Steve last night and he said the dynamics could definitely be improved. Also, RAM does mods to the Ack as well.

I am not wedded to the Ack per se, but I like its tone (rich and full), but I want to see if I can have something that takes this tone but adds more speed and impact. I listen to rock and blues music a lot and impact is important to me.

My system consists of a modified Squeezebox 2, using a Bolder Cable digital cable to the Ack Dack, going into a Singlepower Supra tubed headphone amp, and finally my Grado RS-1s. Power cord on the amp is a Venhaus Flavor 2. Ack is obviously battery powered.

I am not sure I have a problem. It is hard to tell without listening to a DAC known for great dynamics (but still possesing a rich tone). I did notice when I used 5687 tubes as outputs in my amp (via adapters) I got a lot more impact with my music (previously I was using 12sn7 tubes).

It's just a feeling that my Ack is not as dynamic as it could be. It may be a totally false assumption, but I want to consider other options, with modding the Ack being one of them.