Upgrade from Benchmark Dac2 L

Go to ASR (audio science review) look at their ratings and buy a DAC in the top category. The DACs are rated by performance - not price or silly "golden ears" hearsay! That's what I did - and am happy with my choice. No need to spend big bucks for superior SQ! 

Try a Schiit Loki Max. You'll be able to adjust the sound for the wide variation among recordings.

I had a DAC2 HGC and now have the DAC3B (identical sonically). I recently tried a range of DACs for 2 systems I was building. I also played around with headphones so that was an additional DAC that I was trying out. A few of these DACs came out as superheroes on the ASR site.

The best DAC from the bunch was the Musetec 005, at $2962 new. There is some controversy today about the measurements of this DAC, but the sound is great to my ears.

I now have a Benchmark DAC3B and the Musetec 005 and do not plan to change those 2. In fact, I need to get a 3rd DAC and I am deciding between another DAC3B or Musetec 005. Price and form factor also are factors in the decision.

BTW - I am Golden Ears