Comparing streamer/DACs between $5-10k

You might be able to find a pre-owned Rockna Wavedream DAC and pair that with an affordable streamer like Roon Nucleus  within your budget.  That would give you a killer combo.  You can always upgrade the Nucleus to the Wavedream NET when budget allows.  The Rockna DAC will have a much larger impact on sound quality than the NET streamer.

The Wavedream NET is an excellent piece of gear and besides serving as your streamer and storage device can play CDs with excellent sound quality.  I kind of like the savings, convenience, and sound quality of used CDs.    

This is where I ended my digital journey.  My digital front end is so good now that I have occasional thoughts of unloading all my vinyl.  Thankfully those thoughts are fleeting.

I must admit another bias against Roon-more equipment and subscription/monthly payment required.  That aspect would bother me

I felt the same way for a long time and tried some free and inexpensive apps to use for streaming.  I was always a little frustrated with them, but didn't realize how bad they were until I tried Roon (which is similar to many other experiences in this hobby).

If you have a single system and a single source of digital music and you like the app you're using, then no need to change.

If you have music on a server or on your network, and you use Qobuz and/or Tidal, then Roon is a game changer, even more so if you have multiple streaming locations.  The ease of use of Roon, being able to find whatever you want from all your sources in one interface, and getting Allmusic information about the release make it well worthwhile.  It also does a great job of creating playlists based on your listening habits.