Adding a Dac and Stresmer

I’m very happy with DAC—Bryston DAC3–which cost me around $3K a few years ago but I think might be around $4K now.  It replaced a Mytek Manhattan, which was ultimately two analytical and just not as musical.  I really like the Cambridge Audio CXN 60 streamer for a bit over $1K, but the combination might be a bit over $5K.  You could always buy the the CA by itself, use the DAC which at least beats Bluesound, and then add another DAC if you want to upgrade.  The CA adds AirPlay, Chromecast, and is great with Internet Radio andPodcasts

@silverfoxvtx1800 

I recommend getting the new blue sound node with an external LPS and use it only as a  streamer. It is quite good and the BluOS app is really good too. You will then have more money to put towards a better DAC. Good luck!

I just got a used Lumin U1 mini with LPS and a Pontus II 12h edition. According to Vinshine Audio, you don’t necessarily need a DDC if you have a high-end streamer. A DDC is best for cleaning up noisy computer USB signals. I’m very happy with my setup. Worlds better than my old setup (Node+DACMAGIC 200m). 

I recently bought an Auralic Aries G1 from an online retailer. It was their demo unit and the previous generation but they gave it a full warranty and knocked $1K off the price. Then I bought a new Denafrips Venus 2 12th edition. The match up is heavenly and was the total price for both was right about at your budget. There is not a lot of difference between the G1 and the G1.1.... Several revisions back in my system I had the Bluesound Node 2i and the Denafrips Ares II. It was very good but to my ears the people that are saying that an upscale streamer and App don’t make much of a difference must have a less resolving system. To me it is night and day. Everything has improved and noticeably. Rounding out the system is a Parasound Halo Hint 6 and Martin Logan ESL-X speakers.

I am using a MHDT Stockhom 2 DAC with my tube setup.  Check it out nice full rich sound, good bass, wider soundstage