How much should I spend on a new DAC

I agree that separate streamer and dac would do you a lot of good. However I would put the brakes on the r2r recommendations for a dac. I had an Ares II and then bought a delta sigma Gustard X26 PRO and ended up selling the Ares II. No doubts that the Gustard offered a much better sound in my specific system. A Bluesound Node 130 connected to the Gustard would be a great start for about $2k. Then the upgrades start... Made quite a few myself but stuck with the Node and Gustard. Enjoy the trip.

@soix 

I'm aware. I read all the hoopla about the r26 upon its release. Obviously this is Gustard's way to go with the flow as to not miss on any sales. I get it. However, in my system and room, the r2r ultimately did not give me the clarity that I get from my vinyl rig. The delta sigma is much closer to it. Whether that has to do with a lesser expensive r2r vs. a more expensive delta sigma, I don't know and don't need to find out at this point. You are one of the guys who leaned me to go with r2r and I never regretted it. You were helpful in many ways and without experiencing it in my specific system and room, I would have never known. Also, the main thing that held me back from going up the ladder with denafrips r2r is none of their dacs features a remote, an absolute necessary for my enjoyment. In fact I shared that with Alvin. I did buy a Jay's cdt2-mk3 from him though, with remote, great guy.

@soix 

Thanks for spending time talking to me about the values of the r26. If you read all the reviews on the Amazon link you provided, you will see a couple of very negative ones regarding obvious sound issues probably due to some manufacturing problems. Understandable since r2r is a brand new thing for Gustard. And it's not the only site where I heard of these issues. I will be patient and wait another year, when my pro26 warranty runs out, before I may give it a try. Those issues will likely be resolved by then. 

Jamnesta brought up a super interesting option, the brand new Gustard a26. After looking into it, it would be my first choice if I move away from the x26. Gustard is really putting the pressure on the competition.