OP, in the end, what you hear is based on your total system and the synergy between those components. The type and nature of every component in your system matters. Budget aside, the components you select should depend on the type of music you like to listen to as well as the environment in which those components will be used.
This can be a tough and expensive “hobby” to master, but you don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to get a sound that you like. If you can afford to spend that kind of money or more and you pick the right components, you will find the more expensive system will sound better. At least that’s been my experience over the past 50 years.
Regarding Roon, I like it and use it for non-critical listening. The SQ is good and it has the best music management capabilities of any product I’ve used. However, I like Innuos Sense SQ much better and IMHO it betters Roon SQ in every way (i.e., wider soundstage and better instrument separation; a more holographic 3D presentation; it has a rich and more full bodied sound; and the music and vocals sound more natural - to me).
Like Roon, with Sense I can combine my digital library of songs with Tidal and Qobuz to make playlists. I no longer listen to CDs as I’ve found little difference in SQ between ripped CD FLAC files and streamed Tidal and Qobuz music played from my Zenith MK2 streamer.
OP, from the Zenith, I use a Matrix SPDIF-X 2 via i2s HDMI cable to a PS Audio DirectStream DAC. Before that, I went from the Zenith to an Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE DAC via USB cable. The Tubadour III SE is an excellent R2R tube DAC; the DSD is a better one. Before that, I went from the Zenith to a Mytek Liberty DAC via USB cable. The SQ was too clinical and lacked warmth. I’m content with my current DAC and have no intention of upgrading. My point, picking the “right” components can be a trial and error process, which can make it a much more expensive one. Good luck on your journey!