moooog

I have Beta Infinity towers, center channel, and 4 bipole/dipole surrounds -and I only listen to files over my HTPC. I used to listen to files via a desktop with an Audigy 2zx sound card over spdif, and when I switched to the HDMI from the ATI 5670 there was a huge improvement in sound. However, I used to have a Pioneer 59txi receiver, and it had a more enveloping warm sound that filled the room - and that was the old setup. , I hate hearing any sibilance, and hate low quality digital files for that reason. The Denon is quite detailed, and very quiet - I hear no background noise at any volume, and it seems to have improved to my ears over the years to where I have no complaints. It's just that I like to try and improve, it's always fun to add something that gives you a "wow" factor. Frankly I'm very pleased with what I have and am not sure what better sound would be (100's of miles from anywhere that might have something to audition), but I've just read so much glowing info online about various audio external DAC's, that I thought it would be fun to try and improve - I guess A/V improvement is one of my hobbies.

I was wondering if I could get some advice on how to upgrade my HTPC and portable systems. I apologize, but the more I research the more confused I get as to what direction I should head. I listen to Windows lossless and FLAC over WMP11 on a HTPC with an ATI 5670 via HDMI to a Denon 4308ci using Audyssey settings over Neo-6 and DPLII. The ATI is supposed to be able to transmit 192/24, and the Denon is supposed to be able to handle 192/24. The Denon uses Burr-Brown PCM-1791 DACs. If I want to spend anywhere from $200 to $2000 to upgrade my system, what should I do? I have looked at Dragonfly, Audioengine, Musical Fidelity, and Halide products for months - and just become more confused. Should I purchase an External DAC, an External DAC with a VLINK 192 or Audiophilia, or an M1 DAC, or would I be better off to simply purchase a new AV Reciever such as the Pioneer SC-68 with a built in USB-DAC, or an ARCAM, Denon 5308 etc. I like the sound I have now, I mostly only listen to classic guitar rock from the 70's (think Doobie Bros, Joe Walsh, Ry Cooder etc.), but I live in the middle of nowhere and have no idea what I might be missing? Part II - portable listening. I currently listen to 320MP3 via an Archos7 PMP using a FiiO E11 headphone amplifier to a TDK Life On Record 3 speaker boombox to it's 3.5 input. The TDK also will play over USB or RCA. The boombox actually sounds as good as anything I've ever heard - but what would be my best upgrade option here? Another headphone AMP like a VCan? A Dragonfly? I plan to upgrade to a new Windows 8 Tablet/Hybrid and listen to lossless files with the boombox in the future. Thanks for any advice. p.s. I understand that Windows Media Player does not support FLAC, but when I listend to HD Tracks or my own rips, they seemingly play over WMP with no problem - how can this be?