Recommendation for DAC needed.

Mike,

Thank you much for your kind words.  It’s always informative and a pleasure to speak with you.
 I’m hoping the Arcam streamer I’ve bought is going to improve things.  Actually, I’m finding Chromecast Audio not all that bad after all.  I don’t have a laptop to try out and using my desktop is not feasible, although I’ve heard a direct Ethernet connection is the best way to go. 

Happy holidays to to you too.  Richard 

Save up for a PS Audio DirectStream or Chord Hugo.

@jburidan Ever compare the Hugo or DirectStream to the Gumby multibit or the Yggy? I did a side-by-side of Hugo vs. Gumby in my system and decided to buy the Gumby. 
I have a friend who owns both the PS and the Yggy; he prefers and uses the Yggy the majority of the time. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank1, preferences are system dependent. Also, each of us has different hearing. I haven't heard the Chord, but would buy the Chord Dave, if I could afford one.

I must confess I am clueless when it comes to DACs as I have never thought I needed one. However my Denon/Exemplar CD player is close to 10 years old and given supposed advances in digital technology it is probably time to consider a DAC, although it would be nice to try some before purchase - highly unlikely in Australia. From what research I have done and being aware one can spend many thousands of dollars ( not going to happen ) it would appear that the Chinese made Topping D50 has a lot going for it, such as latest technology, at a bargain basement price. So the big question - is the Topping the bargain it appears to be and how does it stack up against the uber expensive DACs