A new dac?

Dacs all have different personalities. For around 1k there are plenty of new and used dacs that would sound wonderful. You really have to read and try a few out. Delta sig vs r2r is your first deciding factor. Then from there take some suggestions from here and do your research. Even then it’s a crap shoot. Dacs have specific “flavors” and you have to find the one that you like. I’ve had 5 dacs now in 4 years ranging from a chip included in the unit, $800 up to 8K. All very different. Good luck

@deep_333 "DDC Equivalent" function should be done right before the dac conversion with the shortest signal path inside the same box.

I want to expand on what @goodlistening64 mentioned about DDCs. I believe the main reason comes down to cost. If the Wiim Ultra included full DDC functionality with high-quality clocks, it wouldn’t be selling for $329—or even less during the $263 promotions. When paired with a $70 SMSL PO100 Pro DDC, the sound improves noticeably (around 10–15% if I had to assign a percentage). When paired with the Gustard U18, which uses very good clocks (Accusilicon oscillators) and the K2 synthesizer (whatever that actually does), the improvement is dramatic. But at that point, you’re looking at an $830 combo, and I’d personally rather put that money toward a Halo Red or add a few hundred more for a Node ICON or Rivo Plus. Whether the upgrade is warranted really depends on your own ears.

If you try these options and don’t find the upgrade worthwhile, that’s great news—you won’t need to continue chasing improvements or spending more money. Save it for world travel or something else meaningful in your life.  This hobby should not become a rabbit hole for anyone to chase.

I’ve still got a Denafrips Pontus ll, I really like the sound and I’m thinking of moving up a notch or two in their line.

All the best.