Micro Dac out of DVD player and sound signature

[MKAL]

I am noticing with my new Micro Dac that it does not affect the sound signature much when used out of my DVD player. When trying out CD players I noticed definite distinctions in presentation, such as the NAD having a deep, sweet sound with a good lower base response and the Music Hall CD 25 having a clean, bright, bass shy sound. I do not know if it is a placebo effect, but currently the main change I experience with the Micro Dac in comparison to my DVD player is that the Micro is just a bit cleaner sounding. While its sound is very nice, I was expecting a more dramatic change in sound signature (similar to what I experienced with CD playters). Thus I ask if sound signature is more directly related to the transport than the DAC? I did note when shopping for my transport that DVD sound signatures did not differ as much as stand alone CD players. Could this be playing a role?