Music Hall vs. Schiit

Thank you. I will look into this.
As far as "musicality signature" of the 3 DACs I mentioned, any thoughts or recommendations?

Thank you, mjcmt, for your thoughts.

Point well-taken, mjcmt.  Thank you.

I cannot argue that the ARC SP16 preamp may not be one of the better tube unit for producing a warm, non-analytical sound since auditioning experience is limited. However, by comparing it to solid state units like the Rotel 10 years ago, the SP16 was clearly more authentic. At this point, I'm limiting my chase for better fidelity to a transport & DAC to replace my dead Cambridge Audio Azur 840C.

I read a couple of tech reviews on the Schiit Modi Multibit which were quite disparaging.

The difficulty is that each DAC has its own musical signature. And in addition, how a DAC plays is dependent upon one's other audio components. So it seems to me that there is a certain "crap shoot" until you can actually audition a DAC in your audio system. So it seems that the best I can do is to consider DACs that have a wide reputation of producing a warmer non-solid state sound. The Music Hall & Schiit products seem to fit the bill. However, if anyone has other recommendations at a similar price point, I would appreciate your suggestions. Thank you.

I can't disagree with you. Thanks.

Once I decide on a DAC, I will need either a coaxial or optical cable for input from the transport to the DAC. Without getting into a protracted discussion on the esoterics of cables, is there any fundamental differences between a coaxial & optical cable as a DAC input? Thank you.

Thank you, biketony.

Thank you, jtcf. That confirms my limited understanding of interconnects. I might add that in the past I followed the debate on whether there was a perceptible difference between the lower-shelf $5 cable & the off-the-scale $3,500 item. Without starting a firestorm, cables manufactured from high-quality components from a reputable company will suit my listening preferences just fine. I prefer to spend my discretionary dollars (euros, etc.) elsewhere in my audio system.

Will do. Thank you for your help. Truly appreciate it!
Kit

Interestingly, I ended up ordering the Schiit Modi Multibit DAC & a Blue Jeans coax cable today -- same as that of tomcarr.
My plan is to connect the DAC to my existing Cambridge Audio Azur 840C which decided to commit suicide. If I am lucky & the internal DAC in the 840C is dead, then I can use the unit as a transport. Otherwise, I plan to get a Cambridge Audio CXC transport.

Thank you, Tom. I will report back.