I have a customer who has the Ulfberhts and also am a huge fan of the K5xeMP. I had one for several years. Very nice system.
There are a lot of options to get you where you want to go. The key is answering what you are looking for in terms of sound - detail or soundstage. Obviously you want both but it is a bit of a tradeoff.
Have you considered what software you want to use? Roon is popular but is a bit pricey. There are other options.
These two questions sort of dictate the best solution. I am throwing this out purely as an example, you could get a Roon Nucleus and an Audiobyte Hydravox DAC and be on your budget. This would deliver a lot of detail with a wide but not very deep soundstage. It also requires a software choice and commitment to Roon. You may or may not like this.
My bias is toward a great DAC and then add a server where you can store your CDs after ripping them longer term.
There are a lot of options to get you where you want to go. The key is answering what you are looking for in terms of sound - detail or soundstage. Obviously you want both but it is a bit of a tradeoff.
Have you considered what software you want to use? Roon is popular but is a bit pricey. There are other options.
These two questions sort of dictate the best solution. I am throwing this out purely as an example, you could get a Roon Nucleus and an Audiobyte Hydravox DAC and be on your budget. This would deliver a lot of detail with a wide but not very deep soundstage. It also requires a software choice and commitment to Roon. You may or may not like this.
My bias is toward a great DAC and then add a server where you can store your CDs after ripping them longer term.