Add External DAC or Upgrade to a New Streamer / DAC?

Thank you for the feedback everyone it is incredibly helpful to have all this information in one place to help steer research and decision making. It sure beats the never-ending rabbit-hole of Googling endless articles that contradict one another and are borne of difficult to discern motivation. 

I'd say I'm looking for a fuller sound. I have a modest vinyl setup and if I play it with a quality record through the same system there's a substantial improvement (to my ears) in sound so I know what's possible with the rig. So the best way to describe it would be trying to achieve a richer, fuller sound with the convenience of using Quobuz / Roon. If I could get a decent jump in sound quality with a 3500 to 4000 DAC (with an eye toward eventually upgrading the streaming source later) I would be happy. If I would need to spend much more than that for a marked improvement I would have to hold out a while and save (or sell the Rose and put toward a DAC / streamer combo).

Thank you Juan that's some good information I might PM with some questions thanks for taking the time.

soix thank you for your reply. I've been researching that Terminator it's in budget and seems like a promising option since I'm gathering that separates are the wisest way to go here and that piece would pair well with a future streamer upgrade as well. ghdprentice thank you for your thoughts on your formula for budgeting components. I've made a couple sideways moves in the past which is extremely irritating and is kind of why I started the thread to learn from people more experienced. The two comments complement each other and are helpful thank you both I appreciate your time.

jjss49

Many keen observations there. The synergy of the Primaluna with the GoldenEars is very good for basically the exact reasons you mentioned. It plays out in reality the way you explained it in theory. I've gotten there through a lot of trial and error with different pieces so I'm happy with those. In terms of Cardas I like those cables with the turntable and the Kimber Kable with the digital. To answer your question specifically, I'm at the point where I'm ready to really improve either my vinyl or digital front end but I only have the funds for one. I'm going digital for numerous reasons including OCD tendencies and funds. I can afford a good dac now to pair with the Rose. Or I could save for a better streamer / dac. After the input here I'm leaning toward separate dac. I actually prefer the sound of vinyl overall. My ears are a bit sensitive to very crisp sound especially treble. So what I'm trying to improve is the richness / fullness / warmth / smoothness of the digital. As close to the stereotypical attributes of good vinyl sound as possible with the variety and convenience of Quobuz / Roon.  

hilde45

Thanks for the question and observation. I have done a ton setting up the room. It's not perfect but it's definitely as good as I can get it. My modest vinyl front end is letting me hear the system is capable of a lot more with a better digital front end so that's what I'm trying to capture. 

dinov

Which Esoteric did you choose?

I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions to this discussion. I've learned a lot and have gotten some very useful information to work with moving forward - it's appreciated. 

cundate2's new post reminded me to give my follow-up experience in case it might be of use to anyone. I ended up keeping the HiFi Rose as a streamer then bought a Pontus II 12th to pair with it. There was the exact type of musical synergy / improvement I was looking for. Not earth shattering but more than subtle. Initially I thought due to budgetary considerations I'd start with the Pontus and if the sonic combo worked out I'd consider going further up the Denafrips chain to seek even greater improvement. But this very unusual (for me) thing happened. After a couple weeks playing the Rose through the Pontus it occurred to me that I was enjoying the music and I'm going to leave the setup as is. At least for now. Weird.