Congratulations on your new equipment. I did the same moving from a Bluesound Node N130 to a used Zen Mk3 from an excellent local dealer. I immediately noticed an improvement streaming Qobuz too. I find the Sense app is even better than the BluOs app which was my favorite. I use a Blue Jeans cable tested 6a Ethernet cable into the Zen from my router and a Pine Tree Audio USB cable into a Holo Audio Cyan 2 DAC. The Cyan 2 cost under $1400 US delivered. It’s a great pairing. The best DAC I’ve tried for under $2K.
Got Innuous, now a DAC
I worked with the Music Room and purchased an Innuous Zen Mk3. I remember five years ago when I started building my system, I heard many say streamers don’t matter. Well they do. I thought my BS Node 2i was good with the after market power supply. The Innuous kicked dirt in the face of the BS. The Innuous forced me to use USB which probably helps as well. And an added benefit: NO MORE SOFTWARE ISSUES. Yay! Qobuz internet interface is great. The sound of Qobuz is so good it made my $400 BT speakers sound better.
The Music Room associate said I will see another step improvement. I have looked around. I think R2R might be a good try. I would characterize my system as neutral. I have eliminated most glare or listening fatigue. But I don’t know what I don’t know.
I would like to keep this under $2000. Here are some that I found.
Denafrips Pontus 12 $1500
Ali express Denafrips 15 $1518 plus ship
Aqua La Voce. ???
Ayre Dx9. I think these are old but have good rep. I think it s Delta Sigma
Chord ??
Gustard. R26 mixed reviews
Bel Canto ???
i will not be updating amp and preamp. Thank you in advance.
The brands are exploding, but thank you in advance for your suggestions.